Public Sacrifice of Jesse Jackson, Jr- More Proof that Journalism is DEAD!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 10:00AM Gina, The Blogmother Somewhere Harold Ford, Junior and Kendrick Meek are hiding in a corner. Bad news comes in threes and 2008 has been a very bad year for Black political progeny. We kicked off the year with revelations that Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick used 8 million dollars of the public's money to cover up his tawdry affair with his chief of staff. Over the course of the year, Kilpatrick has been an embarrassment of riches for bloggers and journalists. In contrast, Jesse Jackson, Jr. managed to make it through the entire year and a hotly contested political primary without causing himself or his candidate significant public embarrassment, unlike his father, Jesse Jackson Sr.
Despite this year-long public display of self control, however, JJJ finds himself "fighting for his name" as 2008 comes to a close. The questions we ALL ought to be asking is WHY?
Folks today I am going to challenge the conventional "wisdom" masquerading as news. Why? Well because I like a challenge and second Al Sharpton is now tangentially involved so that's gravy on top of being challenged. In addition, after reviewing his press conference, CNN interview and subsequent attempts to speak to any "journalist" who will listen, I have concluded that JJJ is not equipped to mount any meaningful defense. Is it possible that instead of being a cunning politico, he just naive?
So we'll note some things that would point to him not being nearly as corrupt as people think he is (in this narrow instance-we reserve the right to declare him corrupt in all other matters). We'll also point out some very interesting questions journalists aren't asking- If they won't we will. So let's talk about Senate Candidate No 5 shall we?
The Goat-The Slaughter
Jesse Jackson, Jr's only crime appears to be that at the age of majority he didn't run down to the closest courthouse and petition to have his name changed. Over the past week, we've seen the Cable News Industrial Complex downright giddy over the "revelation" ( more on that later) the Jesse Jackson, Jr. is Senate Candidate No. 5 listed in the law enforcement indictment in support of the criminal complaints against Illinois Govenor Blagojevich.
Upon "learning" that Senate Candidate No. 5 was JJJ, a chorus of "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," and "Where there's smoke, there's fire" and "He's shady like his daddy" swept through Da Nets. Cliches are cliches for a reason. Sure children often walk in the footprints of their parents, but many attempt to avoid the piles of manure their parents stumbled over.
We all know people who make it their mission in life to be the exact OPPOSITE of their parents. Children of alcoholics who won't touch booze. Children of divorce who vow never to get married and do that to their children. Children of parents who can't keep house who develop OCD-like standards of cleanliness in their own homes. If I shook many of your family trees hard enough, you have a few demwitted and ethically challenged branches fall out. That doesn't mean you are guilty too.
JJJ had to know what people thought about his father. While he clearly has benefitted from his name, he also appears to have attempted to chart out his own course. He had to know that if he even appeared to be the shakedown artist his father is believe to be, he was toast. I also think he wanted to outdo his father. Do what Senior couldn't do in a way that senior couldn't. In fact, I find the fact that the fundraiser at the center of this debacle might have been an associate of Senior, makes it more likely that Junior didn't go to this fundraiser for help, but I digress. Back to WHY being Senate Candidate No. 5 because such a "Scandal."
I've read the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint against Blago, and for the life of me can't find anything that indicates that Jesse Jackson, Jr. ever "sent" anybody to speak to the Governor or any indication that Blago spoke directly with JJJ about "pay to play." There is mention of "his people," but we all have "people". I encourage you to read the criminal complaint. Begin at page 54. Pay particular attention to paragraphs 102, 103, 105, and 115 (a).
The affidavit never indicates that Senate Candidate No. 5 offered anything to Blagojevich. In fact, it was Blagojevich that sent his emissaries, not to Senate Candidate No. 5, but to those Blagojevich believed to be close to Senate Candidate No. 5.
If anything the affidavit makes JJJ look like a victim, a stooge. While he's out publicly campaigning for the seat, SOMEONE is privately attempting to sabotage his efforts. In fact, despite public opinion polls, and newspaper endorsements, JJJ isn't even in consideration. I find it far more interesting that the public's desire, as indicated by polls, endorsements etc, are irrelevant to the desires of some nameless, faceless power brokers who desire otherwise.
If JJJ knew He Coudl Buy the Seat, Why Was He Campaigning So Hard To Get It? In the weeks prior to becoming Senate Candidate No. 5, nobody was hustling harder public to get the seat. JJJ was sending out emails, racking up endorsements from local papers and making the case. If Blagojevich knew JJJ had something to offer and could be bought, why wasn't JJJ Senate Candidate No. 1???/
The fact that Senate Candidate No. 5 is FIFTH and not FIRST would indicate that Blago didn't think Senate Candidate No. 5 could offer what Blago wanted most. If Senate Candidate No. 5, could, then we wouldn't have been taken through all of Blago's ham-fisted attempts to extract money or personal benefit from Senate Candidates Nos 1-4 and 6.
Where is the BEE and the CRIC?
Furthermore what makes me believe that Jesse Jackson isn't crooked, or at least in this narrow instance, is that not a single member of the Black Elite Establishment has rushed to his defense. Not even his own Daddy. Sure Senior pointed out that he was not the "emissary," but that's it. This is hardly a resounding defense of his beloved child. Paging Michelle Balfour! Paging Michelle Balfour!Its a dad gum shame that William Balfour and R. Kelly have more ardent defenders in Chicago than Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Wasn't it the Congressional Black Caucus that martialied its resources to defend Dollar Bill Jefferson's storage of $90,000 in some boxes of Totinos Pizza Rolls and Morton's Fish Sticks? Where is the knee-jerk defense of Jesse, Jr??? Where's the press conference from the NAACP or local pastors that Michael Vick and Kwame Kilpatrick got? Hmmm? The BEE and the CRIC love to reward and defend bad behavior so why the radio silence?
I mean this is a huge media spotlight and we know the BEE and CRIC love the light, so where are they? So far the only person defending JJJ is his lawya' and he's paid to do that. Instead of defending JJJ, the vultures are circling to get him to withdraw his name from consideration. Now less than Earl Offari Hutchison says that JJJ must drop out. That ALONE makes me suspicious.
Why do the BEE and CRIC appear to have no problem with JJJ being relegated to a lowly congressional seat for all of his days? If he could be bought, the CBC, CRIC, and BEE would be clamoring to have their puppet in the US Senate wouldn't they? You would think they would be clamoring to have a memebr of the CBC in the Senate. Hmmm Let that marinate in the cerebral cortex for a minute my friends.
Scandal of Their Own Making
Scandals sell newspapers and garner viewers. Somehow the news media has managed to turn a common law enforcement practice into some grand mystery that only journalism could solve-a mini-scandal of their own making. JJJ wasn't referred to as Senate Candidate No. 5 because he somehow was attempting to hide his identity. He didn't draft the affidavit. His wasn't the only name excluded. If you ever have the misfortune to be discussed by someone being wiretapped by the FBI, you will thank them not to include your name in their affidavits if you've done nothing wrong.
Despite the fact that "journalists" are trumpeting the hard work and elbow grease to discover the identities of the people in the affidavit, any high school student who conducted a Google Search could have figured this out. The FBI left more than enough detail and cross references with political columns in the Chicago Sun Times published based on information fed to them by Blago's staffers. BREAKING NEWS: The Identity of Senate Candidate No. 5 revealed!There wasn't any real attempt to conceal identited so why is the disclosure of the names breaking news?
The Story They Aren't Covering
I encourage you to read the full affidavit yourself. It is an extremely good read. I found the portions dealing with the Senate vacancy quite entertaining, yet likely embarrassing for all those who were mentioned by name and discussed.
The far more salacious and what I think is a TRUE BLUE news story is why Blago was getting pressure NOT to appoint Senate Candidate No. 5. Where was that coming from and at whose behest? Now that's something I would actually want to know. In addition, I would like to know why President Elect Obama didn't think the national co-chair of his presidential campaign ( or any other Black folks besides Valarie Jarrett) was an acceptable replacement.
Ultimately, JC became a legend in his own mind and his crew stabbed his a$$ to death - includin' his boy Brutus who had been his homey from way back. As his life dripped away, JC looked over to Brutus and dropped the immortal quote, 'Et tu, Brute?', questioning how even his boy could dog him so coldly.
Now as Jesse Jackson, Jr. continues to plead for his political life and more details emerge about the events leading up to the 'Let's Make A Deal' ruckus surrounding Smooth Barack's vacant senate seat, one thing is clear: Despite J-Jack, Jr. being a co-chair of Smooth's national campaign and publically layin' out his pop for his 'off mic' comments about wantin' to cut of Smooth's testicles for talkin' down to southsiders, Smooth conspicuously left Jr.'s name off his short list of 'acceptible' candidates for his senate seat. Daaaaaang - et tu, Smooth? Et tu?... Tyrone Malone
Now THAT"S a story I want to know. That's some intrigue and cloak and dagger, Julius Caesar-like drama I'd love to get to the bottom of. Somebody clue me in.
How Could JJJ NOT Know What Was Going On?
In addition to the whole "apple doesn't fall far from the tree" analysis going on, there is my personal favorite, "Where, there's smoke, there's fire" and "If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its a duck." So what about the whole "he's guilty by associating" with ethically-challenged people argument.
Well that's an easy one. If you were a political fundraiser and had been a patron of a lowly congressman wouldn't you take the opportunity to upgrade to the the United States Senate? A fundraiser or lackey or supporter wouldn't need Jesse Jackson, Junior's permission to go about doing something that was in their best interest. If you have the misfortune to ever be in the public eye or wield any amount of power or influence no matter how insignificant, you would be surprised who will be drawn into your orbit and what they will attempt to do in your name... even when you don't want them to.
Whether it was an attempt to live vicariously through JJJ or a belief that he would carry out their interests on a larger stage, or the cache of being able to claim to be a close associate of Senator Jackson, it is highly plausible, even logical, that people who had an interest in seeing Jackson in the Senate would take independent action to see that happen.
Even If the ASSUMPTIONS Are True-He's Done Nothing Wrong
But lets take another look at this whole "He's tained FOREVER" meme. Even if he directed his emmisaries to hold a fundraiser to raise $500,000 in political contributions for Blago in order to curry favor with the Governor, that isn't illegal. Even if the assumptions were, true, political fundraising to curry favor is quite common.
Does anybody remember a certain 20 MILLION dollars a certain candidate was asked to raise in campaign contributions to appease his opponent and urge her to exit stage left quietly? Has anyone ever pulled the campaign contribution records of US Ambassadors? Ambassadorships are notorious for going to large political contributors. Have any of you received an invitation to sleep overnight at the White House? I'm still waiting for my invitation. Go look up how much some government contractors have donated to BOTH political parties.
The truth is that politicians routinely dole out positions and legislation that benefit donors. You didn't think they handed over that $700 BILLION dollars because it was good for the country? NAH they did that because it was in the best interest of their Wall Street donors.
Not only that, but many high profile politicians control their own political action committees where they get to dole out money to the political candidates of their choice. You didn't think all those "Super Delegates" were making their decisions out of the kindness of their hearts didya?
"While it would be unseemly for the candidates to hand out thousands of dollars to primary voters, or to the delegates pledged to represent the will of those voters, elected officials serving as superdelegates have received about $890,000 from Obama and Clinton in the form of campaign contributions over the last three years," the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics reported today.Boston.com
So even if the cliche-based assumptions about Jessie Jackson Junior were true, his assumed behavior falls well within the parameters of modern politics. You would know all this if journalists engaged in actual journalism and sought to educate instead of titillate.
Proving a negative is darn near impossible so in the minds of many JJJ is a dirty politician by birth and that seems highly unfair.Maybe he is a crook, but let him establish his crookedness on his own merits. Not because of who his Daddy is and not because "journalists" keep attempting to remain relevant by attempting to relive the days of Watergate. Truth be told, on the activities related to the Senate appointment, I don't think the prosecutors will be able to make anything stick. Why? because they had to rush to shut down a federal criminal investigation prematurely. Why did they have to shut it down before they could get the goods? Because the Chicago Tribune, in their infinite wisdom as journalists decided to blow the FBI's cover.
Members of Fitzgerald’s team are livid the scheme didn’t advance, at least for a little longer, according to some people close to Fitzgerald’s office. Why? Because had the plot unfolded, they might have had an opportunity most feds can only dream of: A chance to catch the sale of a Senate seat on tape, including the sellers and the buyers.
The precise timing of Tuesday’s dramatic, pre-dawn arrest was not dictated by Fitzgerald, nor was it dictated by the pace of Blagojevich’s alleged “crime spree.” It was dictated by the Chicago Tribune, according to people close to the investigation and a careful reading of the FBI’s affidavit in the case. WSJ
Gee Thanks a bunch Journalists!!! Way to look out for the common good!
What's in a Name?
So why spend an entire post on JJJ? Well first, because after reading the affidavit, I think he is being treated unfairly and that irritates me. But what irritates me more is that yesterday Caroline Kennedy paid homage to my favorite pompadoured preacha and he preceded to brag about it and issue his seal of approval for Caroline Kennedy's "qualifications" to be in the United States Senate.
One of the people she called is the Rev. Al Sharpton, who promptly put out a press release. Of course he did -- he's Al Sharpton; he's not going to take a call from Caroline Kennedy without making sure the world knows that's how important he is. In his statement Sharpton says:
"I feel compelled to state that I unequivocally disagree with those that say she is not qualified and could not bring needed leadership to this state and country. My knowledge of her in the area of education and on behalf of children generally, the fact that she has written several books, and her other civic involvement more than qualifies her to be Senator."
He also feels compelled to let everyone know he invited Ms. Kennedy "to dine with me at Sylvia's this week in Harlem and reminded her that I took Senator Obama there during his campaign so it's a good luck stop since he did all right."
What a guy: in a few short paras he lets everyone know Caroline Kennedy is sucking up to him for support; that he regularly chats with the governor, that he's in tight with Obama, and that any photographers in the crowd can catch him and Caroline chowing down in Harlem this week.Is Al Sharpton the Best Caroline Kennedy Can Do?
Who are we kidding? If Caroline Kennedy was named Caroline Jackson, or Caroline Jenkins, we wouldn't even be entertaining the notion that she should be appointed to that vacant seat. She's in contention because of her last name.
If Caroline Kennedy's last name is enough to qualify her for the US Senate, then Jesse Jackson, Jr's last name should not disqualify him from the US Senate. Ironically, of all the Senate Candidates listed in in the affidavit, JJJ appears to the only one with any experience serving in a federal legislative body. Despite the fact that many believe his name pretty much precludes him from ever winning state-wide office, he still went for it.
In the words of Fresh from Crunk and Disorderly, "Something in the milk ain't clean" as it relates to this whole Senate Candidate No. 5. I encourage my fellow bloggers to do more than parrot the meme from mainstream media. There are some secret agendas as work in this whole melee, including those of the MSM.
SO what are your thoughts on the matter? Chicago readers please provide your added insights to bring some clarity to the matter. For instance, did the Tribune have an axe to grind with JJJ. Why was Valrerie Jarrett the only Black name on the list of acceptable replacements and who would have reason to put pressure on the govenor NOT to appoint JJJ? In your experience does JJJ parrot his father or does he tend to strike out in his own direction. Do SHARE!
Reader Comments (27)
Firstly, I believe that the order of candidates has nothing to do with their preference order, but when they 'showed up' in the investigation or on tape. I think there were some other potential candidates that didn't even come up in the investigation, like Emil Jones & Danny Davis, both Black men.
What I find interesting is that most political insiders knew that Blago was being investigated and consequently, might be surveiled. If there was some sort of conversation regarding Jarrett that was rebuffed by Emmanuel or other advisors, then the Obama camp knew Blago was heading for certain self destruction. Did they somehow warn possible candidates not to talk to Blago? Would this include JJJ? Or did they just assume other candidates would know better than to deal with the fool.
This is a tempest in a teapot - there is nothing to pin on JJJ but a hard-luck lesson on controlling his people better.
I definitely agree that it is unfair to paint the child the same as their parents. I have a friend whose entire family was into drugs, crime, several OOW children, etc. My friend vowed to never be like them. Her life is nothing like them. She will be 50 in February.
I have not read the criminal complaint so I will take Gina's word about it.
I sincerely do not know the politics of Jesse Jackson Jr. It would not surprise me if he has more conservative leanings on some political issues or that he is straight up honest the best he can be. I assume that he was not a part of the madness. What little I have heard only said that he was candidate #5. I have not heard anything saying he did anything. It would not surprise me that they are going after him because he could be a threat to a lot of the corruption there. Of course the best thing to do with someone that is a threat to a corrupt political machine is to paint them as corrupt.
Something is up about this for sure.
Awesome breakdown!
I'm a little perplexed by the fact that none of our "Black Elite" has come to his defense. I think in the fact that we are now in the "Obama Age" in itself, should give rise to more support for him. Sadly, I think some of this has to with his father. Its unfair in my opinion, but all such is life.
Let's look at it this way. Say the Dems in Illinois, from Barack to King Richie Daley II to Valerie Jarrett to Jesse, Jr. to Durbin are an extended family. Blagojevich is a rich pervert uncle...a "molestin' uncle" as Chris Rock quipped once on HBO. Yeah he's in your family. No you don't deal with him every day and you surely try to keep the kids from getting to close to him, but you still know there's something"off" about him. You certainly want him to stop, and perhaps passive aggressively may try to indirectly nudge him into a position to get caught, put out of circulation. But you still know there's something smelly there. Before anything happened with regard to Barack's seat...hell a long time ago...someone should have dropped a dime on Blago and out he and the machine of out it's misery. It's akin to A Soldier's Story where Waters recounted how he killed another black soldier in WWI for ruining it for the rest of us. Jesse, Jr. shouldn't have been sacrificed. It's awful what's happening to him (and perhaps it's karma for his dad). Blagojevich should've been neutralized and shut in a closet, or offered up to Fitzgerald, long before it got to this stage.
but let him establish his crookedness on his own merits
lol. I love your brains!
I don't have much to add to help in this investigation. But I really like the way blogsters are becoming. JJJ would do good to read these blogs..
Anyone that said or did anything with Gov. Blago would have had to be in a cave somewhere not to know that he was being investigated. That being said I don't know why the focus is on JJJ any more than Candidates 1-4. b Anyone that has crossed the lines of illegal activities should be prosecuted. If only morality is the issue than who's to judge?
There's no way now that bits and pieces are being released to the public/media that the curren governor should still be sitting in power. What a weak government that can't get rid of this egotistical man.
As a New Yorker I am embarassed. We have such a diverse population and to see the same ol same ol occupy Senate seats shows how racist the NY really is. We had Hillary come from another state, and now we have someone again who has the right last name take this position. We got a black govenor by accident and folk already lining up to to battle him in re-election.
This state has 12 million people, 8 million live in the city and the majority are people of color. NY state ought to be ashamed that we aren't providing another black senator, or the first Puerto Rican senator or first Korean or Chinese senator. They throw crumbs and handouts to folks in the north so the can feel free.
And is Al running on a free tab a Sylvia's with their salty food? Don't he live in New Jersey? He is constantly crossing the GW Bridge minding NYC business. This man can't even get a city council seat and trying to call shots for who should be senator.
I think that JJJ was all in this mess and his father, JJS was the emissary. For him to go around trying to reclaim his name is a big joke. This is when the chickens comes home to roost and what comes around goes around. JJJ had it coming. His credibility has been shot and that is why the CBC and others have not been to his rescue and they probable will not in the future. HE BURNED TOO MANY BRIDGES With Them!!!!! They have been waiting for this to happen to humble his sorry a#$.
Sorry for being ugly but I had to say this. Gena, good story and good writing.
I have avoided discussing this "story" because I don't buy the way it's being pushed. I thought Blago was trying to set Jr up in an intentionally unflattering light. I was also very curious about the JJJ and Obama relationship. I also agree if Caroline can be a Senator so can Jr., but NY and IL are two completely different beasts. At least the people who run for office in IL actually had to live there for years. I know plenty of people who can't wait for Hillary to leave and never wanted her in the first place. What I find interesting is how a lot of the Caroline detractors are Clintonistas. They wanted a (white) woman didn't they? Sexism was the great big evil in the world, right? Now they have one, but oh, she's not one of "theirs". Too bad! I think Obama wants her in the Senate as a precursor for running for President in 2016. Hillary would be toast for sure but that would make for really good political drama! Now as for Jr. some things aren't fair but you gotta play the hand you're dealt. He chose to go into politics knowing all the uphill battles he'd be facing. Besides his wife is the Alderperson in his district so it's really "all in the family".
Innocent?
I think he may be knee deep. Although he may not be charged.
According to the Court papers, someone approached the Governor on behalf of Candidate #5. (which could have been perfectly innocent).... But
After that we all of a sudden have the Fundraiser for Blago, for which Jonathon Jackson was associated with. There appears to have been an effort to raise money. And the key players at the Fundraiser were Jackson Family bankrollers and confidants.
Is all of this just coincidence?
You know, this is a pretty damn good piece of work here. Being one who was inclined to believe JJJ, because I had seen how hard he's worked for a decade to separate himself from his father, I felt like crying, watching it being washed away. The appointment to the Senate Seat was his only option at getting the chance to prove himself. It's not that he isn't qualified - he is. It's not like he's not a hard worker - he is. It's not as if he wouldn't represent the interests of those who would be least likely to vote for him - he would.
Even though I knew he'd work his heart out; that he'd practically live in every place OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO for the next two years, doing retail politicking at it's basest...I knew that he would have a Mt. Everest climb on his hands...because of his name.
You were so fair here.
You are so right about JJJ not being defended by the Black Elite. I'm going to tell you something -there was a lot of resentment towards JJJ when he ran for that seat and won. That he didn't ' wait his turn'. We have the likes of Julian Bond not knowing when to exit the stage, and we all know how they felt about Obama...so, they might think this is 'comeuppance' for JJJ, but you are so right about them not only defending but actually raising money for Dollar Bill.
I live in New York and Caroline Kennedy does not deserve that seat. Its just sickening that you have to be a member of the luckey sperm club to get an unearned position in the Senate. Why not give it to someone like Leecia Eve. She has paid her dues more than anyone.
@jen I never said Jarret wasn't the only other Black in contention. I said she was the only Black person on the Obama "approved" list of acceptable choices.
@AI again, you haven't indicated that Jackson knew about the fundraiser or was behind it. Again, this fudraiser routinely threw fundraiser apparently, including for the governor.
I think I am goign to warm up the grill, because a whole lot of people are going to be eating crow.
Again, nothing about this is adding up as it relates to JJJ. Something ain't right and this was almost too perfect. Someone got rid of Blago and JJJ in one fell swoop. PPS, why would prosecutors give JJJ the courtesy of letting him know he was goign to be named in the indictment if they thought he was dirty? Based on his interview it sounds like he has a good relationship with prosecutors.
I like my crow well done, but tender. And put some seasoning on it please.
But no.... I was looking at his behavior. An innocent informant doesn't rush to call a Press Conference....and wouldn't ask the Prosecutor if he's a target. WT_?
It just appeared fishy to me.
We still don't know the whole story.
My suspicion of these folks comes from an inherent distrust of the Jacksons, the CRIC, the CBC, and American big money politics in general. I really don't have much respect for any of these people.
I put them somewhere between Child Molesters...and Used Car Salesmen.
Off to Taco Bell I go.... for some comfort food.
Boy this is getting really interesting here.
@ Naima. I couldn't agree with you more. The junior NY senator seat is become a revolving door for people who want to use the high profile seat for their own politcal ambitions. Instead of working their way up the ranks, they use their family name as their pass. First we had Clinton, now we have Caroline Kennedy. And don't forget Andrew Cuomo Jr. is the other person being considered for the seat. This state is becoming the capital of nepotism. If Caroline Kennedy can get away with it, why can't JJJ?
Also, it's sad the JJJ has to work so hard to dissassociate himself from his father. I know Jessie Jackson has is issues and indescrisions, but he's not any different from these other political families and he certainly has a lot to be proud of.
And why does Al Sharpton think his opinion matters? This man couldn't run for dogcatcher in NY and win. I think these appointments to the Senate should only be of existing elected officials. Since we can't vote the senator in, at least we can demonstrate that there is some consensus that this person is fit to lead and comitted to serving the public. And, yes, some diversity would be nice. There are soooo many elected officials of color at the state and city level, many of whom would do a great job in the senate. I hope Patterson thinks out the box.
OK, why would you deny being an informant? It's not my aim to impugn JJJ as to this scandal. It's my aim to show that his innate family sense of me-ism betrayed him here. The snitch line would have and should have been the first thing out his mouth, short and sweet, no "wife by my side and me in a sweater" cozy interview that only guilty m-fs engage in.
SMH on this one. I agree the man needs an education on how to deal with the media. Have mercy...........
Christopher, I don't know WHY he is behaving in this way. I did my best to defend him and point out something was off about the rush to judgment against him, but when I got the statement I was like Um, okay. I think offered him an opportunity to speak directly to y'all.
He is getting REALLY BAD advice or none at all. I think the "informant" information he releases probably had to be run by the feds first. I mean once he's been outed, he is no longer of any use to them.
Black folks are steeped in the ' no snitch' policy. Even edjumacated ones..
LOL
But, as I see it..
Snitch and be proud!
JJJ needs to STFU and let himself be thought of as a snitch. No shame in that.
I feel terrible for JJJ.
I remember these guys in my old neighborhood got bagged for something. I was photo'ed in a picture talking to them. Of course, the cops wanted to know who I was. It was ugly. But it goes to show that you never know. And it doesn't mean that just because someone maybe associated with someone who may be associated, that that particular person knew about it.
Personally I feel that Blago is going to call out alot of names. I am sure he doesn't want to burn by himself.
One thing I abhor about the mainstream media is that they have to scrutinize the most minute piece of information without critically asking the right question.
Gina,
We've met previously on line in conjunction with another issue. I'll be happy to give you my thoughts off line. I've worked for JJS and most recently under Blago in an executive level position. I resigned my position under Blago due to the improprieties I saw going on around me. I also casually know Jarrett, but am pretty familiar with her activities in Chicago. I also know PE Obama and have really picked up on his style. I understand why Jarrett is the only African American he promoted. Our black "elite" here in Chicago has cliques within itself. The Jesses, Ms. Jarrett and others are part of the black “elite” and part of their own separate cliques. The cliques interact when it is useful for them to so. JJS is a mixed bag. He works very hard on behalf of the poor and oppressed. He works hard to end injustice, but as most know he can wheel and deal with the best of them. Although JJS is widely demonized there is no real reason to do so, but for the fact that it’s the popular thing to do. There are far worse folks who get a pass. JJJ is being attacked for both political reasons and to sell news. Others attack him simply because they’ve jumped on the band wagon; they don’t need supporting facts. I have many insights that I’d be happy to share with you off line.
I don't think that JJJ did anything that justifies trashing his career and I hope that he can recover (and learn) from this. As for what the issue is with the Obama camp's Senate list and JJJ, I think that he was probably considered as a less-likely candidate because of his last name. Perhaps he would have been seen as too much of a link to the old civil rights guard for the Obama team to put him on. Even though JJJ seems to have worked hard to distance himself from his father and do some solid work, he is also judged (unfairly) on his lineage. Hopefully, he can be allowed to create his own legacy without too much taint, as I think he can accomplish a great deal.
Great post. I have to disagree with the following statement however: "If Caroline Kennedy’s last name is enough to qualify her for the US Senate, then Jesse Jackson, Jr’s last name should not disqualify him from the US Senate."
The child of John (and Jacqueline) Kennedy enjoys a cachet that, all other things being equal, the child of Jesse Jackson, Sr does not. I mean, I’ve never heard JJJ‘s parent’s political legacy being referred to as Camelot.
Fairly or unfairly, the distinction of a prestigious name counts for much in the political world. There is arguably no other current political family that has passed along more prestige with their last name than did the parents of Caroline Kennedy.
Remember, I'm not comparing the relative qualifications of Caroline Kennedy and Jesse Jackson, Jr, only the prestige, or lack thereof, of the family name.
If I'm not mistaken the constitution is very clear on the 3 requirements needed to run for Senator. If you fit these, no matter your surname you may attempt to obtain the office seat.
I don't think that JJJ should be single out as there are four other candidates. The media as well as his attempt to clarify via press conferences made him the main focus. I do take issue with his statements about not being an informant...the same backwards mentality that equates snitching with being wrong and inappropriate has to go. Especially as a politician, he should be concerned about the truth being told, not how he looks telling it!