Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Roland Burris both made customary appearances at the annual Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Saturday, but they drew very different reactions from the green-clad crowd of thousands.
Parade-goers in leprechaun hats, green jackets and clover-spotted socks clapped and greeted Quinn warmly as he approached. But for Burris, they just pointed derisively and chuckled.
The annual parade is a must-do for many Illinois politicians. Quinn worked the crowd by waving, grinning and shaking hands. Burris, meanwhile, kept to a clump of Chicago aldermen led by Mayor Richard Daley.
Wrapped in a green sash and carrying a walking stick, the senator rarely acknowledged the crowd. As he passed by, conversations sprouted on the sidelines as spectators pointed and nudged each other, reminding people standing closest to them that Burris was controversially appointed by ousted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
The article goes on to explain it was on of the first public appearances Burris has made outside of the African-American community. The Democrat of course is in Washington to represent the interests of all 12.8 million Illinois residents.
What happened to our "post-racial" society?
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3 comments:
I was at the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade and count myself as one of the revelers who gave the Senator a chilly reception. If there wasn't such a murky cloud of suspicion surrounding his appointment, he wouldn't be received the way he was. He lied about his relationship with Blagojevich's brother and if he had been truthful about it, he never would have been appointed. This is the heart of the matter, nothing else. It's not a question of race, it a question of ethics. Everyone knows of the Senator's tombstone, and how his accomplishments listed on it drive his ego. This is one reason I cannot take this man seriously. Furthermore, he has only been allowed to remain because the Democrats in the Senate desperately want their 60 vote majority. Senator Burris is further embarrassing this state by not resigning.
Good question, to which Blago's
brother knows the answer man.
Bite Me, You miserable Prick!
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