Unlike the numerous idiot alderpeople that accepted cash in return for permits, jobs, promotions, etc., Burke ran a law practice. Law practices need constant marketing or else they shrivil up and disappear.
Burkes defense, if he chooses to invoke it, will be that while in the process of marketing his law practice he got set up by somebody. Keep in mind that the identity of that "somebody" and their possible motive, has not been made public yet. It will be interesting to find out what their endgame was. The taped conversations may have been taken out of context. Also, don't forget the acts of kindness and benevolence (thousands of them) by Ed Burke and his wife, over the years. That does count for something in the eyes of a jury.
Unlike the media, the government has the burden of proving guilt. This is a process that will play out over the next two years. Try withholding your judgement until then.
