#2245 - Rod Blagojevich

Rod R. Blagojevich shares his perspective on the criminal justice system and his own prosecution, which he believes was fueled by politics rather than actual crimes.

Blagojevich was convicted of corruption and served 8 years in prison, though he maintains his innocence

Despite serving eight years in prison, Rod R. Blagojevich insists he went to prison for politics, not for crimes, maintaining his innocence. He describes a politically charged atmosphere that included aggressive federal prosecution and challenges to his tenure as governor from early on. Reflecting on the time spent by prosecutors to convict him, Blagojevich suggests that his charges were "invented" from his tapped conversations and implies that they amounted to nothing more than politics.

Blagojevich was subject to aggressive tactics by federal prosecutors, including attempts to get him to falsely implicate President Obama

Blagojevich details an aggressive pursuit by federal prosecutors that he claims was directed towards him and even mentions President Obama. He recalls that Tony Resco, a figure close to him and Obama, was put in solitary confinement for years as pressure to create crimes against both of them. Blagojevich also discusses an encounter with a labor boss concerning the appointment of Valerie Jarrett to Obama's Senate seat, which he viewed as a legal political deal, but which prosecutors weaponized against him.

Blagojevich describes harsh treatment within the prison system. For instance, he was called in by authorities when he ignored the prison's unwritten of racial segregation policy by walking in the yard with black inmates, an experience that highlights the racial tensions present even within the prison system. He also details being assigned demeaning tasks, such as washing pots and pans, and reflects on the broader implications of his fight against the charges.

Blagojevich expresses frustration with the actions of prosecutors, particularly in how they seemed to target him for a longer sentence, and suggests that they tried to pressure him into fabricating statements by placing him in a prison with high-security levels and violent criminals. Moreover, he discusses his unwillingness to accept a plea deal, including an 18-month deal offered after his first trial, highlighting his determination to fight the charges which he deemed ...

The conversation with Rod Blagojevich brings forth the troubling issues of systemic corruption, abuse of power, and the lack of accountability that he perceives to be rampant within the criminal justice system, drawing from his personal experience and broader observations.

Blagojevich sees the criminal justice system as a "political industrial complex" that is often used to target and undermine political opponents

Throughout the discussion, Blagojevich conveys a view of the criminal justice system being weaponized as a political power against opponents like himself and Trump. He suggests that this weaponization involves the use of unlimited resources to criminalize political actions by using tactics originally meant for criminals, such as Al Capone, now on governors and presidents.

Blagojevich believes federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI and DOJ have become unaccountable power centers that wield their authority in a partisan, corrupt manner

Blagojevich refers to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of what he views as an organized political campaign that he says started from the Oval Office and the Democratic National Committee (DNC). He alleges that federal prosecutors act on behalf of political interests rather than impartial justice, thereby showing partisanship and corruption. Blagojevich implies that the FBI has engaged in tactics like entrapment and can accuse individuals of lying, regardless of the truth.

Blagojevich argues that the lack of checks and balances on these agencies allows them to abuse their power and trample on civil liberties

Blagojevich communicates a sentiment of powerlessness and disbelief at the justice system's failings, pointing to his conviction as a display of the broader system being utilized for political ends. He ...

Following his own experiences within the prison system, Rod R. Blagojevich voices a strong belief that the current criminal justice system in the United States is not merely punitive but also fails in providing adequate rehabilitation and opportunities for inmates, prompting a call for substantive reform.

Blagojevich on Personal Rehabilitation and Vocational Training for Inmates

Blagojevich's Experiences Highlight Lack of Opportunities

During his imprisonment, Blagojevich planned to make personal improvements through regular exercise and extensive reading, aspiring to utilize his time for self-betterment. Despite his personal goals, he observed a clear lack of meaningful rehabilitative programs or vocational training available to inmates, which limited opportunities for growth and development. Blagojevich met numerous inmates during his sentence and recognized that while accountability for one's actions is necessary, the system often lacks the mercy required for true second chances. Through deeply-felt personal changes, brought on by reading literature and turning to religion, Blagojevich became acutely aware of the transformative potential of focused rehabilitation efforts.

Advocating for Vocational Training

Blagojevich has since expressed a desire to actively participate in criminal justice reform, particularly through public awareness, due to his first-hand experiences with what he views as an unjust system. He emphasizes that sentencing guidelines are presently too harsh and non-individualized, often disproportionately punishing nonviolent and first-time offenders with long sentences. Drawing attention to the potential conflict of interest in for-profit prisons and the commodification of prison resources such as commissaries, Blagojevich remains suspicious of private prisons' motives and stresses the need for privatization of educational services within the prison system.

To counter the lack of substantive vocational training, Blagojevich envisions a foundation providing vocational training, with a focus on culinary arts, to equip inmates with marketable skills. He advocates for contracted private companies to deliver these educational services, citing few existing opportunities ...

In a discussion about public education's shortcomings in low-income communities, especially those predominantly inhabited by minorities, Rogan and Blagojevich underline the disproportionate disadvantages faced by children in these areas, particularly black kids.

Blagojevich acknowledges the dire state of public education, particularly in low-income, predominantly minority communities

Blagojevich emphasizes that issues like crime and education cannot be separated, especially in low-income, crime-prevalent communities where educational attainment is often at its lowest. He reflects on his personal experience with public schools in Chicago, denouncing their poor conditions. Blagojevich attributes part of the problem to teachers' unions, which, he believes, prioritize their interests at the expense of educational reform. This resistance, according to him, is particularly detrimental to single mothers and their children in black communities who are deprived of school choice.

Blagojevich believes that meaningful education reform is hindered by entrenched special interests, like teachers' unions, that resist changes that could improve student outcomes

Blagojevich contends that merely increasing funding for education is insufficient. Instead, he argues for the need for accountability and the implementation of effective teaching methods. One of his proposed reforms includes merit pay for teachers, a concept that is hotly contested by teachers' unions. He points out that in cities like Chicago, these unions often prioritize their members above the educational needs of children, thus thwarting beneficial changes.

Blagojevich asserts ...