The Shadow-gloom and Weight of the Sacred

Late last night I caught the news that Rod Blagojevich was convicted of 17 counts of corruption charges. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison. As much as I hate to say it, I kind of feel bad for the guy. I think he deserves it, but part of me still feels bad for him. On my own level, and in my own way, I know what it is like to be blinded by money. I've done plenty of stupid things for money. True, none of my own decisions or actions in pursuit of money were illegal, but I still find myself feeling empathy for a guy that really creeps me out! I mean, it's difficult to feel empathy for creepy people!

I can't ever see myself believing that I need a yacht. Possessing a yacht, or even just being able to rent a yacht, does nothing to motivate me to possess more money. I can't see myself ever making moral compromises so that I can possess a yacht, or whatever a person a great wealth might yearn for. I don't know what rich, famous, and powerful people yearn for. But, money is nonetheless a powerful motivator and possessions are a powerful reinforcer.

I don't really have anything more to say about this. It's kind of a weird feeling. I'm not even a citizen of Illinois. It's just been such a huge story of national intrigue for so long that I feel a little bit of investment in it all. I think Blagojevich had to receive a harsh punishment. He was so egotistical. He thought he could outsmart everyone else. He thought he was above the law and that the law was too ignorant to stop him. I'm skeptical of prison as punishment--except in instances of violent crime--but I feel like Blogajevich's real punishment must be a big dose of humility dumped into his life. Prison should provide that for him. I think it should, at least.