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Now, we suddenly seeing a dozen or more
Sailing in the clear blue sky
The time has come when pigs fly
Yeah, it’s a beautiful thing
When pigs fly (Michael Ford / Sandra Boynton)
An adynaton is a way of expressing something that will never happen. There are exceptions to everything. And two of the most common adynatons occurred on the same day. Pigs flew. Hell froze over.
Democratic warlord and ruler Mike “the Crypt Keeper” Madigan was indicted by the Feds with 22 counts of alleged crimes. The indictment alleges Madigan participated in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain.
“In his written statement Wednesday, Madigan said he never engaged in any criminal activity and that prosecutors were “attempting to criminalize” legal political actions such as job recommendations.” (Chicago Tribune)
Does Madigan’s statement sound familiar? Former governor and ex-felon Rod Blagojevich used the same defense when indicted and convicted for similar offenses. Blagojevich received a 14-year prison. Blago served 8 years until his sentence was commuted by former President Donald Trump.
Until his resignation last year, Madigan held office in Springfield since 1971. He was also the longest-serving Speaker of a legislature in the nation. Madigan was the most powerful politician in Illinois. He was the de facto governor. It made no difference which party held the governorship. Madigan ruled Illinois, his congressional district, and the 13th Ward with a “velvet hammer.”
Mike Madigan was described as the “Khan of Madiganistan” by columnist John Kass. A khan is a ruler who either, through power or threats, makes alliances with others or ruthlessly destroys them to become the omnipotent leader.
It appears Mike Madigan committed a political mortal sin. He violated the 11th Commandment, “Thou shalt not get caught.” Madigan is now in the same position as another long-time powerful Chicago politician, Alderman Ed “the Big Tuna” Burke. If convicted and sentenced, they could be cellmates in federal prison. They could compare notes on how they vanquished their enemies or about the schemes and shenanigans they committed to hold power and enrich themselves
It used to be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for an ultra-powerful Illinois or Chicago politician to enter the kingdom of the Feds. Now, two of the most powerful await their fate.
Except for his family and some of his subjects, no one is shedding any tears over Madigan’s indictment. There is no empathy or sympathy. For many in Chicago and Illinois, the feeling is it took too long to nail him. There is only a sigh of relief. Finally, we are free of Madigan’s merciless cold iron death grip.
The mighty khan fell. Madigan’s throne crumbled. His fiefdom, Madiganistan, is in ashes. He is just another geezer awaiting his fate.
For the ill-informed, the Holy Feds do not seek indicts of people like Madigan or Burke unless they know there is a higher than 50% chance they will prevail at trial. If the stories about the investigations into Madigan and Burke are accurate, including wiretaps and cooperators, the Feds have way more than they need.
The Terrible Twins are toast. It is better to stick to the smaller stuff in corrupt Chicago politics. The saying is, “Pigs get fat. Hogs get slaughtered.” Madigan will get slaughtered then roasted over the slow spit of a federal trial. Instead of the stench of corruption, there will be the aroma of low and slow cooking porcine.