Now that Jay Levine has been cleared of assaulting Bill Kelly, we can all rest easy so it is perhaps it is time for the media to ask Rahm Emanuel a few serious questions about his abilities to lead the City of Chicago.  Nothing provocative enough to set off Media Defenseman Rich Miller into one of his hissy fits of “sheesh” when anyone stirs the double parasites of the  politcians and media eating away at the State of Illinois, but just a few simple questions.

How about……

1) Rahm Emanuel was a Director at Freddie Mac in 2000-1.  Was Emanuel aware of the business practices at Freddie which led to the housing crisis?  How did he influence practices such as the purchase of problem loans?  That is, did he discourage or encourge this.  Was he aware of the implications?  Should he have been aware?

2) Rahm Emanuel and Rod Blagojevich led the State of Illinois in importing prescription drugs from Canada without FDA approval.  After spending a millions dollars on the program, the plan failed and Illinois was left with some major liabilities related to plan, and some safety concerns.  Looking back, does Rahm Emanuel consider this a good idea?

3) Rahm Emanuel is on tape openly negotiating with Gov. Blagojevich concerning the appointment to the open Senate Seat in Illinois.  What, if anything, was Rahm Emanuel offering Gov. Blagojevich in exchange for influencing the choice of Senator?  Was he aware that he was being taped while dealing with Gov. Blagojevich?

Being Mayor of Chicago is an important job.  The position merits some scrutiny, which has been lost in the residency squabbles and insiderism the infects Chicago Politics.  How about we start with a few valid questions before assigning Rahm Emanuel as Mayor?

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John Powers is the President of the Chicago Daily Observer

image Rahm Emanuel and Rod Blagojevich announcing drug imports from Canada, Ireland, and the UK.