To The Herald-Whig:

According to our local paper, House Speaker (Michael) Madigan is pursuing the idea of the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Last year on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, I had a letter in The Herald-Whig about doing that very thing.

However, I do not think it will happen. Why? Because it has to involve other members of our elected officials and I do not think they have the guts to do the right thing because it might hurt their re-election.

Just how many years do the people of Illinois have to sit back and watch the politicians get their kickbacks, skim money from many projects that they have a hand in? It has been going on a long time and I expect it to continue to do so. Do we not have any statesmen serving in Springfield? Yes, that is still the capital of this state although the governor thinks it is Chicago.

Were any of you surprised that the governor cut the budget of the attorney general's office -- after all, she (Lisa) is the daughter of Madigan -- "get even time." Actually, it seems to me that she has done far more with the office than anyone before her.

Sen. Emil Jones was at one time siding along with Madigan but when the governor mentioned having a gambling casino in Chicago, he quickly jumped to the other side. After all, he still has relatives that need jobs and relatives that need to get contracts. And, he certainly didn't like the idea of voting to decline the pay raise. Apparently he has an expensive life style.

Whatever happened to government rule "of the people, by the people, and for the people?" We, the people, are simply supposed to do what you are told and ask no questions. So many politicians will promise you anything when running for office and when they are in, they only want your money and do not really care if you receive anything in return.

I say, "Impeach the governor." Illinois has long been at the top of the list of states for corruption, payoffs and line someone's pocket if you expect to get anything done. How much longer are we going to just sit back and take it?

Irene Bandy

Quincy