Feasting on Dinner Table Politics

Just like I call my daughter to the TV to see the Jonas brothers, I call my almost-17-year-old son to stand with me in front of the not-so-wide screen to see Blago. Far from a rock star, more of a curiosity to a teen who listened to his East Coast relatives rant and rave about our governor over holiday meals.

"Nice governor."

"Nice hair."

It went on and on through the lunches, brunches and dinners. As residents -- even as transplants -- he was deemed "our governor" and we were asked to explain.

And that's a good thing.

It's not always easy to engage teens in current events or political banter that doesn't effect the local driving curfew. While I shake my head at the audacity of our governor(s) I also know that the way I went to school during Watergate and have childhood memories of the words "taped" and "impeach" and "resign" -- so will my son. He will be able to explain to his own kids how it was to live through the Blago years -- Blagogate, if you will -- how we tried not to let Illinois drown after it had shone so brightly on election night. A night I would have sworn that my son cast the deciding vote, he was so excited.

Just like with the debacle known as Sarah Palin, I take on these political atrocities as parenting opportunities to be equally appalled at the powers that be --- something that does not happen when my kid has to be home by 11.