Here’s the final verse:

What did you learn in school today, dear little boy of mine?
I learned that our government must be strong
It’s always right and never wrong
Our leaders are the finest men
So we elect them again and again
And that’s what I learned in school today
That’s what I learned in school

Today, as Illinois puts another Governor behind bars, these lyrics echo in my head.  Political corruption at it’s Chicago-style worst, Gov. Blagojevich sought to auction off Senator Obama’s seat in the U.S. Senate.  A fine one-up of his predecessor, Gov. Ryan, who sold truck driving licenses with no tests attached.

Of course, political corruption of a more local (city based) variety occurs every day across the USA.  This is a good reminder to the left that corruption doesn’t come inherently with the title “republican,” but instead, with power.  In my opinion, only a lively, free press and a commitment to investigative reporting can best confront corruption from power.

Which reminds me, I wonder how the corn & soybean industry (an old friend of Illinois politics) will fare under Obama’s White House?  And what of the local power abuses across the USA?

Also, I wonder how, with the rise of blogs, we can recreate the institutional support that more traditional news outlets can provide.  That is, powers that be will happily file unethical lawsuits (for example) to shut reporters up.  How can the blog movement support itself?

Of course, traditional news media had a lot more clout when behemoths like the Chicago Tribune weren’t filing for bankruptcy protection.  Just a few thoughts for Tuesday.  Have a delicious day!