Trib Tackles Corruption

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Feb 16, 2009 10:30PM

The Chicago Tribune has had enough of the corruption that has been the big story in our state as of late (and over the years). Yesterday, in an editorial titled "State of Corruption," the Trib rededicated itself to editorial efforts to take on the scandalous lawmakers of our state and to repair The Land of Lincoln's reputation.

We, the 12 million-plus people of Illinois, haven't behaved as if we know we're both co-conspirators and victims: We haven't asked enough integrity from our public officials, from our laws and from the people paid to enforce them. But we also haven't asked enough integrity from ourselves.

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Worst of all, perhaps, corruption leaves too many of us apathetic. If everybody thinks the fix is in, then nobody believes. Nobody cares.

That sort of lassitude got us where we are. We've surrendered too much of government in Illinois—too much of our responsibility—to crooks and opportunists.

The taking of Illinois has happened over many decades: Our culture of political sleaze is a muscular beast that won't easily die.

Never in our lifetimes, though, has a scandal left that culture so vulnerable to the threat of real reform. Those of us at the Tribune promise our best effort to make that reform happen. Together, let's not squander this unique and emboldening moment.

The Trib also ran some interesting survey results in which readers gave suggestions on how to eliminate the corruption currently in place. Sure, we've taken our shots at the Trib in the past (mainly over its design), but we're nerds at heart and seeing badass journalism take corrupt politicians down a peg or two gets our blood pumping. With Sen. Burris currently under scrutiny for claims of perjury, it could be the perfect opportunity for the Trib to show us what they've got.