An open letter to Rod

Governor Blagojevich,

A few night ago, I sat at home, on my couch, with my dog watching an episode of Frontline on PBS. This episode is a few weeks old (I have it thanks to Tivo).  It is about Barack Obama and John McCain, titled "Campaign 2008". It is a biography of both Senator McCain and President-Elect Obama. This episode causes me to sink deep into thought as I see what it takes to turn a lanky intellectual into a political powerhouse and the next President of the United States. You see, I want to be like Obama!. I want to get into politics and make a difference. I want to make change happen. I just don't know where to start. His career is a blueprint for me and others to follow. He moves deliberately and is unaccustomed to defeat. I can safely say I have had my share of losses and am neither as eloquent nor as refined as Barack. But what I am is as committed to making a difference and leading my city, my state, and my nation to a better tomorrow. I need to start somewhere and being the Junior Senator from Illinois seems like a great place to start. I know politics is a tough game. I will have to play hardball and not take any guff from anyone. You see, as mentioned in the program, Obama is a "steel fist covered in a velvet glove". I must also be like Barack and take every opportunity that arises for me. You either seize the moment or your moment might not come again. I also know I am not perfect and have not been the best student or person throughout my life. But I must leave that past behind and strive to be better. I must rise above it like John McCain. I must stand in the face of adversity and look it square in the eye and stare it down. I must continue to speak the truth like the Senator used to do. A good person admits their mistakes, take their lumps and carries on.  That is the politician I want to be.  Being a politician is not the easiest road for most but it is a noble one. At least it starts out noble for most and remains that way for few. Hopefully, this election and its candidates will truly inspire me and I hope others to come out of the fray and bring real change and productivity to our nation's politics. I promise to stay on the straight and narrow. Give the senate seat to me or someone else who will truly make a difference. Not a political crony or someone who you owe. You owe the people of Illinois more than anyone else does. Make them proud and give them a good senator.