I wonder if he has any Carl Weathers memorabilia:
"Auction starts for Jackson Jr. capes, memorabilia" by Michael Tarm | Associated Press, September 18, 2013
CHICAGO — A showy red cape and an autographed Michael Jackson poster drew the most interest from potential buyers as a government auction of more than a dozen personal items forfeited by prison-bound ex-congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. began Tuesday.
The online auction, which will accept bids over two weeks, is the US Marshals Service way of trying to recoup part of the $750,000 in campaign funds that the Chicago Democrat and his wife, Sandra, illegally spent, often to satisfy penchants for attention-grabbing clothes and pop-culture keepsakes....
And now he has become one himself.
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"Jesse Jackson Jr. auction put on hold" by Michael Tarm | Associated Press, September 21, 2013
CHICAGO — With the authenticity of a guitar supposedly signed by Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen called into question, authorities pulled the plug Friday on an online auction of personal belongings forfeited by Illinois’ prison-bound former congressman, Jesse Jackson Jr.
Uh-oh.
The US Marshals Service began the auction earlier this week to recoup part of the $750,000 in campaign funds the former congressman and his wife illegally spent on memorabilia, furs, vacations, and other personal items.
But the agency announced Friday that it was canceling the entire auction ‘‘out of an abundance of caution’’ because of questions about the guitar, which prosecutors say the former congressman bought with campaign money for $4,000.
The Marshals Service said once a review of the items is complete, it will decide whether to resume the sale of some or all of the items.
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So the taxpayers won't be recouping(?) any money for the trial costs, not that I'm complaining.
"Jesse Jackson Jr. sentenced to 2½ years for funds misuse; Ex-congressman to pay $750,000" by Michael Tarm and Frederic J. Frommer | Associated Press, August 15, 2013
WASHINGTON — Former representative Jesse Jackson Jr. was sentenced to 2½ years in prison Wednesday for illegally spending $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. The judge scolded the son of the famed civil rights leader for using the money as a ‘‘piggy bank’’ and sentenced his wife, Sandra Jackson, a former Chicago alderman, to a year as well.
It is what happens to people who become politicians, save for the rare souls like Ron Paul.
However, Jackson, who emotionally apologized to his father, mother, congressional colleagues, and others, was given significantly less prison time than federal guidelines recommend, recognized by the judge as a ‘‘complex person’’ who has done both good and bad....
I guess he bargained the bid down.
According to court documents, the Jacksons had spent campaign money on TV’s, restaurant dinners, an expensive watch, and other costly personal items....
The elder Jackson, who sat in the front row during the proceedings, told a crush of reporters outside the courthouse later: ‘‘This has been an extraordinarily difficult time for our family.’’
I used to like senior was back in the 1980s when I was an entirely different person; however, now I view him as nothing more than a publicity-seeking, pre$$-promoted, controlled opposition front. Just the way I see it.
In court, US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson recognized Jackson Jr.’s public service on issues such as public education and clean water. ‘‘That’s what makes this situation so tragic,’’ she said.
But the judge said that if she gave him no jail time it would send a message that there are two systems: one for the well-connected and one for everyone else.
We already know there are two $y$tems of justice. One if for well-connected elite like bankers and certain tribe members, and the other is for the rest of us.
Btw, Jackson happens to be black, right? She is sending a message, is Judge Berman(!).
‘‘I cannot do it. I will not do it,’’ she said, adding that as a public official, Jackson was expected to ‘‘live up to a higher standard of ethics and integrity.’’ She also said that Jackson’s actions could not be excused because of mental illness. He has been treated for bipolar disorder....
Okay, first of all, if he is on some type of prescription pharmaceutical for mental illness he should be made to resign from government immediately. Don't need the halls of Congress shot up by a wigged-out congressman, and that goes for all of them. Of course, then about half the Congress and Executive would be forced out. Another way the puppet ma$ters keep control I suppose.
Beyond that, it is a similar defense as the one offered regarding rape and such things so often. "I was drunk" is always the fallback, which is part of my push for prohibition on this page (you didn't try hard enough, if it's good enough for pot).... what was I saying? Oh, yeah, no more lame-ass excuses.
As he got into his SUV to leave, the former congressman said, ‘‘I still believe in the power of forgiveness. I believe in the power of redemption. Today I manned up and tried to accept responsibility for the errors of my ways — and I still believe in the resurrection.’’
A possible political comeback in 2016? 2018?
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Related: Illinois Cold Case: Jesse's Boy
It all tracks back to wanting that Senate seat.
Also see: William Daley pulls out of race for Ill. governor
Related: Safe Passage in Chicago
Turns out there is no safe passage in my Boston Globe.
