So my former governor is out of prison, for now.
Was Don Siegelman targeted by Karl Rove? It looks like it.
But does that mean Siegelman was completely innocent? I’m inclined to doubt it. After all, this is the same guy who, when criticised for reappointing Auburn University’s most controversial trustee, replied: “But I had to reappoint him; he was my biggest donor” – a confession that doesn’t inspire much confidence in his integrity (or intelligence).
(A couple of Siegelman’s other bons mots: “If God had meant you to have pierced ears, you would have been born a girl,” and “No, I have no comment on whether the old law banning interracial marriage should be repealed; I ran on an education platform.” I admit I get a kick out of seeing all these clueless Yankee liberals rallying to the defense of their fellow Democrat.)
Still, regardless of his guilt or innocence, he certainly doesn’t belong in prison; no one should be there unless they pose a serious threat to others, and I doubt Siegelman could even successfully mug somebody.
P.S. – The headline on Dan Abrams’ show reads: “Former Governor Siegelman Freed From Prison After Dan’s Call For Justice.” C’mon, Dan, that’s getting a little O’Reillyish.
The usual defense of Siegelman amounts to if we put him in jail for what he did, we’d have to put all politicians in jail. Oh, no, don’t throw me in that briar patch! But seriously, it seems Siegelman’s case is a bit more explicit. As I understand it, Siegelman was personally on the hook for money owed by the committee that promoted his failed “education lottery.” So, former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy’s contribution to that committee amounted to a bailout of Siegelman, not just your usual quid pro quo political contribution.
“I had to reappoint him, he was my biggest donor.” I think you might have stumbled upon that rarest of things- a totally honest politician.
It does evince a certain kind of innocence, yes.