Western Courier

Issue date: 9/13/06 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: April Cowgur

Is there any disease more rampant than political corruption? If the current state of American politics is any indication, it would seem not. Illinois is particularly guilty of this; with former Gov. George Ryan heading to prison and Gov. Rod Blagojevich under investigation for a suspicious personal check, corruption is hitting just a little too close to home.

Blagojevich is coming under fire for curious hiring practices concerning the possible trade of a state job for a $1,500 check made out to his seven-year-old daughter. He is claiming, however, that the check was nothing more than a birthday gift from the governor's best friend.

This statement isn't holding up very well in the FBI investigation. Perhaps it's because no one in his right mind would give $1,500 to a seven-year-old.

Why are we tolerating this? It is almost as though corruption is so ingrained in American politics that we view it as a prerequisite to running for office; many seem to hold the opinion that you can't be a politician unless you're a good liar and are willing to sell your soul.

As students and part of a generation that will soon hold power, we need to step up and become politically active. Too many students are underestimating their own roles in American democracy.

Monday was the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Though countless memorial services took place, the president of our country took the opportunity to improve his own reputation. He used his Sept. 11 anniversary speech to further defend his war on terror and the war in Iraq. This tactic could also be seen on the campus of Western Illinois University: abortion protestors used the anniversary as an opportunity to promote their own ridiculous agenda.

This is a tragedy. "Political" has nearly become synonymous with "evil," and a country that runs on this principle simply cannot function. We are heading down a dangerous road by allowing our politicians to get away with this kind of corrupt action.

We at the WC are not attempting to promote any certain system of beliefs, but rather we want to encourage political activity. Take a stand. Fight for your right to a political system with competent politicians who have your best interests at heart.

The only way we can effectively fight the epidemic that is political corruption is to demand change. Register to vote, talk to local politicians and know who your Congressmen are. The future of American democracy is dependent upon the people who take action now.

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