Some youths on Saturday got a lesson in modern politics from an unusual source.
Ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich was the keynote speaker at a Junior State of America program in Oak Brook.
In his remarks, the impeached governor said urged the young people to get involved in politics, but warned that doing so will leave them frustrated and heartbroken.
"You must get involved and run for office and make things better," he said.
But what's good enough for others apparently isn't right for his own children. Blagojevich said he hopes his children stay out of politics, calling it a "cynical system that serves itself."
He also answered audience questions and participated in a "Jeopardy!" game to raise money for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Blagojevich was convicted last year of lying to the FBI, but a federal jury deadlocked on 23 counts other counts.
His retrial on corruption charges is set to begin later this month. He denies any wrongdoing.
