Thursday, May 21, 2009

Fixing the Barn Door After the Horse Leaves: Terry Link Kills Recall But Is Concerned About Blago's Book Profits

Although the electorate generally has a pretty short collective memory, I am hopeful that someone besides TA remembers that State Senator Terry Link, as one of the "Blagojevich 26," voted against adding a recall provision to the Illinois Constitution.

But, Link now is trying to parade as the hero for introducing legislation to bar him from profiting from telling his story, that is, if anyone is interested in buying it.

My Con Law professor at DePaul law school, Jeffrey Shaman, who is the former head of the Illinois ACLU and as liberal as they come, opines that the legislation is unconstitutional. Link, a non-lawyer, says it's fine.

I'll go with the Professor on this one.

And, I'll remind everyone that we can thank Link and the Dems for enabling Blago for a second term, and making a law like the one proposed any kind of an issue.

Wonder what Blago's got on Link that Link is desperate to disincentivize Blago to write a tell-all book???

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

next time you talk to your professor can you check into the claim that Dan Duffy made about speed and red light cameras being unconstitutional?

Team America said...

Shaman and I were never drinking buddies but if I run into him I'll ask him.

Anonymous said...

Unconstitutional because they fine the property owners and not those who commit the crimes? Those ticketed have to spend all kinds of time in court trying to reprove their innocence? Ever spend time in "Admimistrative Law Court" in Chicago where justice is dispensed by the politically connected appointed "administrative law judges"? You have to prove your innnocence beyond a reasonable doubt, a true corruption of our Constitutional provisions.

I know Democrats profess to be the keepers of our civil liberties, but their slavish devotion to cameras and other Orwell type of control over the population contradicts their statements.

Senator Dan Duffy has it right.

Louis G. Atsaves

emtae said...

Parking tickets are given to the property owner as well. The pocess would be the same. Are parking tickets unconstitutional as well? Unlike a speeding ticket given by a police officer, one given through a speed camera (or red light camera) are civil, not criminal.

Anonymous said...

Just because something is annoying and possibly unfair doesn't make it constitutional, I think it is irresponsible for a politician, who hasn't even attend law school, to claim knowledge on an issue like this because now there will likely be people who will refuse to pay their tickets on Mr. Duffy's quotes and create a mess.

Anonymous said...

Sen. Link sponsoring a bill to be sure no official ever profits from misconduct in the State of Illinois.

Wouldn't it have been easier if Link has allowed the recall bill onto the Senate floor for a vote last year?

Maybe when you've had dead people on your nomination petitions it's politically advantagious to first impeach, then limit what the guy who you've supported for re-election can make in life after politics.

Anonymous said...

Hey Anonymous focused on the Constitution:

Did you ever consider the deprivation of property rights without due process?

You do not need to be a lawyer to know your constitutional rights and you obviously do not need to be a lawyer to create laws - This is an attempt by Terry Link (not a lawyer) to create yet another law that allows government to take our money. That's what its about.

Bottom line is Link legislation was bad for the people and FINALLY there's a senator with balls who's willing to stand up and make a case on our behalf.

If you are so concerned about the legislation, then why not send a check to your local government agency for $100 a week?

Anonymous said...

I'm sure the "missing Link" would not be missed in Blago's tell all book. He's been the master of political wheelin' and dealin' in Lake County - beginning with his ghost patronage position with Jerry Cosentino...

Anonymous said...

I remember that! And now that I think about it, remember the Tribune releasing the letter that Link wrote to newly-elected SOS Jesse White requesting a number of "good to the party" democrats be hired?
We've got to find that letter!