Please Step Down

E-mailed 12/30/08 (day of the Burris appointment)

Dear Mr. Blagojevich,

As a resident of the great state of Illinois and as a citizen and patriot of the United States of America, I find your conduct absolutely abhorrent. You have lost the respect of your colleagues and have lost the confidence of the citizens of Illinois.

Given the circumstances, I don’t believe that you could possibly be more unfit to serve effectively as Illinois’ Governor.

Within this environment, your appointment of Roland Burris is incredible. Although I believe that President-Elect Obama’s seat could have been filled with a more dynamic individual, I have nothing against Roland Burris. However, the fact that scandal has engulfed you and every decision you now make, makes it impossible for you to fill the vacant Senate seat without serious consequences. I believe that you made this appointment not because you felt it was the best decision for the United States, or the best decision for Illinois. It appears you made this appointment with the same mindset that a child throws a temper tantrum.

Mr. Blagojevich you either have serious psychiatric problems or are one of the largest crooks to ever step foot in the state of Illinois (which is saying a lot). It is my suspicion that you are both delusional and highly crooked. You squandered the gift bestowed upon you by the residents of Illinois—the opportunity to be a truly great leader.

If you had any care at all for the people of Illinois, or the people of the United States of America, you would step aside to allow the process of governing to resume. These are hard times for many Americans. How in these times you, or anyone, can allow our state and our country to become so side-tracked when so many people are in need is beyond me.

If there is a decent bone left in your body, I implore you to step down.

Sincerely,

Tonia Becker VerShaw

Grayslake, IL

**P.S. Please pardon my breech of propriety by addressing you as “Mr.” rather than “Governor.” Given your conduct, I cannot address you with the honorable title of Governor.

cc: President-Elect Barack Obama, Senator Dick Durbin, Congresswoman Melissa Bean, Larry King