Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Loss of Innocence

by Dan Proft

Is there nothing sadder than the loss of innocence?

Some of us lose it upon learning there is no Santa Claus.  For others it accompanies the death of a close friend or forlorn love.

For 43-year-old Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., aka "Senate Candidate 5", loss of innocence came earlier this week when he discovered that there is something called "pay-to-play" politics going on in Illinois.

Watching his press conference on Wednesday was difficult.  Something in me died that day as I watched a plucky, young, silly heart thrust in front of the callous media glare that had served him so well up until that point.

In his closing on Wednesday, Jesse Jr. recounted a poignant story.  It was a story of a Cocker Spaniel named "Checkers".  No, wait, that was Nixon.  Jesse Jr.'s story was about his "little sister" who had texted him that very morning, and that text read, "Jesse Jr., I'm proud of you."  That came from his baby sister.  She is only 33-years old. How do you begin to explain something l ike this to a frightened 33-year-old.  I only hope Jesse Jr. can find the words when she asks him if there is still going to be a Christmas this year.

For what does Jesse Jr. know of the evil that lies in the heart of men like Rod Blagojevich?

It is not as if, I don't know, Jackson's father had spent a lifetime accruing personal wealth running shakedown rackets like those the governor is alleged to have run.

Just as his brothers acquired Chicago's River North Budweiser distributorship based on merit, Jesse Jr. thought he might become a U.S. Senator because of his credentials.

Jesse Jr. is about public service.  How do I know this?  Because he said so.  How was he to know his "hard work" meant nothing to this governor?

After 13 years as a congressman from Illinois, how could he be unaware of this state's political culture, some might ask.

To those who would ask such questions, I say simply, Jesse Jr. is not taking questions at this time so please refer your inquiries to his criminal defense attorney.

Comments

[Will from NYC]

Ironic he just had a fund raiser for your Governor last weekend...

[Larry L.]

The congressman doth protest too much, methinks.

[glenda]

Excellent article!
All I see when I hear these dirty politicians "deny, deny and deny" is Bill clinton saying so adamently.."I did not have sex with that woman?"