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Mitch Dumke / Reuters
U.S. Rep Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., has been on an extended leave of absence from his job while he gets treatment at the Mayo Clinic.
The wife of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. says he is “completely debilitated” by depression but Jackson’s father says the Illinois congressman has no plans to quit his post.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson said he has visited his son at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he is being treated. He said there’s no timeline for his recovery.
“He’s taking his treatment. This takes time. We can’t put a timetable on it.,” the elder Jackson said Saturday after his weekly radio broadcast at Rainbow PUSH, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
The elder Jackson spoke a day after his daughter-in-law, Sandi Jackson, told the Sun-Times her husband had become “completely debilitated by depression.”
Sandi Jackson, an alderman for Chicago’s 7th Ward, denied rumors that her husband attempted suicide or was being treated for alcohol and drug addiction.
““No, no, none of that is true,” she told the Sun-Times.
The fate of Jesse Jackson Jr., an Illinois Democrat, has been the subject of speculation ever since he reportedly “collapsed” on June 10 at his home in Washington. He sought treatment for exhaustion at the Sierra Tucson Treatment Center in Arizona, then transferred to the Mayo Clinic.
Jackson and his family have released few details of his ordeal.
“I fully expect him to return to work, but not a day before the doctor says it’s OK,” Sandi Jackson told the Sun-Times. “And although he has talked about teaching, he’s focusing on going back to work, back to his job. He is a gifted legislator.”
Jackson’s illness comes as the House Ethics Committee is investigating his connections to former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted on corruption charges in connection with his efforts to profit from appointing a successor to the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama after he was elected president.. Jackson was not charged and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
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Unfit to serve...
How can you tell. Just as effective as ever. Probably doing more good for congress right now than he ever has. I know things are better in this country when his dad keeps his mouth shut.
Depression is anger turned inward. Maybe he heard one of Daddys protest lectures too many times.
Most of Congress is unfit to serve imho. They all take bribes --oh, excuse me, campaign donations--and they were all investing in companies whose legislation they were responsible for. At least Jackson has enough conscience to get depressed over the state of this country.
Just another ploy to keep Jr. out of jail just a bit longer.
The residents of Illinois need representation. Is the state of Illinois suppose to go on hold until he heals ? That state has so many money and other issues to deal with right now. I think Jackson should step aside and let people who are able to led get started. He thinks he is depressed, what about the citizens of his state. They are depressed as well and need leadership.
There is always a prognosis with an estimate of time spent in recovery before one can return to work. I think most of us would lose our jobs if we failed to pass that information to our boss. 60 days is far too long in the dark to hold a critical position open. There should be rules in place to cover situations like this one.
They didn't have any when Barry was representing them either...so whats the difference?
PRESENT!
Maybe they should wise up on who they elect!
It is Junior's constituents who should have to answer that question, not the father!
Obviously, it is difficult for anyone to come to a rational understanding of what is going on with the guy. Is he chronically depressed? Was it caused by a certain situation he found himself in? Is he really depressed or is this just the cover story? The answers would help one determine whether he should continue to serve. The sad thing is that the voters don't care. He could be completely insane, but as long as he votes they way that want him to (or vice-verse), that is all that matters. Seriously, do any voters seriously care about their representatives mental state as long as he/she votes the way they want them to? Take Giffords, her supporters didn't call for her resignation because they figured that when she regained her faculties she would continue to vote the way they wanted her to, and thus they would rather miss the current vote. 'Tis better to have someone not currently voting, but who you know will vote the way you want, rather than taking a chance that someone else will be elected and vote contrary to the way you want them to. So, the issue of "supporting" Jesse, Jr. has nothing to do with him, just his votes.
Isn't it just awful when one succumbs to an "illness of convenience"? What is amazing is that he had no signs of depression when he was drinking but now that he has stopped he can't cope.
Seems to be a ted kennedy reincarnation.
"I know I am unable to perform the duties for which I was elected but I refuse to step aside and let somebody show how effective my position can be. I deserve the paycheck despite my lack of productivity."
Self medicating using alcohol and drugs is fairly common among people with mental disorders. Look up the self medication hypothesis. Of course if you take the crutch out the person will fall. What else would you expect?
Alcohol has a tendency to amplify a person's emotional state. If a person is in a happy state, drinking seems to amplify the joy and make the person even more giddy. Whereas, if a person seems a little depressed, alcohol will further depress the emotions.
Regardless, being hospitalized for whatever reasons affects one's ability to effectively lead. Not admitting a malady does not mean they will be more effective after release nor does it mean a more effective "cure".
He just realized that Sr. was his daddy..........that sent him into a deep depression.
Its the Michael Jackson card being played. Pretend to be sick and be wheel chaired in to the courtroom before right before judgment.
The man is sleaze. His father is definitely turning over and over in his grave.
Jesse Jackson Jr. says he is “completely debilitated” by depression He just realized that Sr. was his daddy..........that sent him into a deep depression
LOL. I have been gone from the boards for awhile, but it's good to come back and see GTouch in excellent form with the humorous comments. Made my day.
When you are useless you quit. What happened to our sense of honor? Of course he still gets a pay check.
Honor? He is a Jackson.
What you talkin bout Willis? He is entitled to it.
He is not entitled to anything!!! You have to work for what you get Except if you are Jessie Jacksons son. The best thing that could happen for Illinois would be for Junior to rsign and Daddy to back to preaching, because he has leeched off the country for years and years. Oh I forgot, he is a leader - BS. Now back to Junior. get out of Washington - you can't stand the pressure!!
Congresswoman Giffords resigned when it became obvious that her recovery would take an indefinite period of time and that she could not longer represent the people in her district. Representative Jackson has been unable to represent the people of his district for 60 days now. Congress is currently in recess. When Congress returns to work in September, they have a ton of unfinished business and critical issues. If Congressman Jackson is unable to work at that time, he should consider resigning his office.
His decision to resign is between him and the people who vote for him. Michelle Bachman took a year off her job with pay to run for president. She didn't even go back to Congress to vote or support legislation most of the time. I don't think my job would allow me a with-pay break to run for president. Nor have I ever taken a 5-week vacation with pay...EVER(unless I was unemployed). And that's just one of many multi-week vacations these elected officials take.
They aren't doing doodly-squat in congress anyway--being there or not doesn't make a whit of difference.
So did HUSSEIN, Hillary, Biden, and several others. Oh, I guess you conveniently forgot that though!
KeenInsight: You have no insight. Like many others you like to justify current wrongs by citing precious wrongs. It does not work. Did you ever hear "two wrongs don't make right". Would you like me to tell you about George Washington's expense account? Let us talk about what we can do today and forget the errors of yesterday.
KeenInsight: You lack "insight". Stop quoting history. We have today to think and worry about. Would you like me to tell you about George Washington's gross abuse of his expense account? If I did would that change anything?
Sorry about the double post. My computer is acting up. I hope this apology gets through.
KeenInsight? : Do you know how many "unemployed" there are? Think before you spout.

KeenInsight,
I agree with you that it is between him and his constituents. Being from Illinois, I don't remember him ever asking our opinion. It is also pretty unfair to voters when he won't let us know what issues he is facing.
It is also the state where our current Senator, Mark Kirk had a stroke and is in recovery. He, his family and his staff has been up front with the voters. I support Senator Kirk fully because he is an honest person.
Gee Obama has been campaigning for the past five years and he still has a job for a couple more months that is...
@keeninsight.....
If he was white....game over......he should be in jail (and he will be)...the Ethics Committee is no joke, and if you think he is depressed NOW.......LOL
Just wait.....
There is just nothing like the cushy out of touch lifestyle or our Washington elite. A six figure income with lavish perks and benefits and the best healthcare our tax dollars can buy. There is just no way Rev Jackson is going to allow the loss of political clout his son brings him. There is just no way the Democrats are going to run the risk of losing the seat because party outweighs the needs of the citizens. If this involved a republican there would be a steady drumbeat for him to resign. Too bad we couldn't take the next decade off from hypocrisy and hold everyone in Washington to the same standards, then we might actually have some hope of seeing real change.
Excuse my post @jimmyinphilly. I failed to realize that this was about race and not about the issue Of course, Rep Jackson being black and being the son of a man you clearly hate, rules that dont even exist should apply to him.
Rep Giffords took all the time she needed to recover until SHE decided to resign. Elected officials taking a year off with pay to run for office--sure, that's ancient history. LOL. Funny, I didn't read your complaints about their actions on this forum. I think if you are going to take time off to run for office, you should resign your post. If you agree, then sign my petition at change.org.
Rep Jackson doesn't represent the state of Illinois. He represents a district. If his constituents want to force him from office because of his illness, then they can. It's not up to you and it's irrelevant how much you hate him because of his color or because of his father. The man is ill and the illness is documented should he be challenged on it.
Suddenly, people are worried about a congressman's inability to do his job. Let me tell you something. Those who are well and able-minded aren't doing anything for their constituents anyway. Haven't you kept up? And now they are taking a 5-week vacation from doing NOTHING for the 3 months they've been in session.
Of course, Michelle Bachman has finally returned to work with a vengeance, accusing Arab Americans of being related to the hateful Muslim Brotherhood and whipping up hate to fundraise. She's effective. Ms. Abedin had to take on security to protect her from death threats. And some dumb ignorant nut just killed a bunch of the most peaceful religious group on the planet outside buddhist monks. Are you happy now?
What a crock of S&^$.... If this was someone else - these hypocrites would be yelling from the highest pulpit across the country to have them resign... When the problem is in your own back yard - stay quiet... When it is someone else - Be a loud mouth...
@CitizenResponder
Yes, OK, we see which option YOU chose. Well done. Point made.
Of course there is no plan to quit Congress. How could anybody tell any difference with one more depressed representative in that legislative body?
he is “completely debilitated” What happened? Did he join the Teapublicans?
kimb54.1
he is “completely debilitated” What happened? Did he join the Teapublicans?
No he found out that the Dumpstercrats are exactly that. "Dumpstercrats!" lol
He is as crooked as his father, just remember what state he is from, Illinois the land of corruption. We have the honor of having two Governors in prision and hopefully as tme goes on we get more politicans to join them.
Hey America, get a load of the health insurance plan Senator Jackson has... Over a month of in-treatment psycotherapy at the Mayo Clinic! How many think they will enjoy the same benefits when Obamacare kicks in???
No different than what some of us are getting with medicare/aid. Congress will still get the best healthcare out there.
They say it is a priviledge to serve so make it such. Put all congress people on minimum wage and medicare and then see how fast they fix it.
His wife is an alderman in the 7th ward. We know how honest chicago aldermen are.
And his wife was staying with him in Washington. How can she possibly serve her constituents from there? But, oh, no, she's a Jackson and so she gets away with it.
I am sad (very, very sad) that JJJ is my congresscreature. I have never voted for him once. He's trying to cram an airport down the throats of the farmers a little farther out in his district and they don't want it but he keeps screaming "jobs." The farmers, on the other hand, are screaming, "BeeEss."
If this guy wasn't Jesse Jackson's son he'd be at 95th and State selling tube socks.
He should never quit; never return to work either; keep hope alive...and keep the paychecks coming! The citizens of Illinois deserve no less!! Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive!
Daddy Jesse, the racial pimp, says sonny will not resign. Daddy pimp needs his boy in gubmint, keeps that money coming his way. Reverend my butt. The elder Jackson is nothing but a welfare pimp. He sure is not a man of God.
Depression? His friend was indicted for bribery and arrested 10 days after JJJ disappeared for "medical" help.
Well, if it's not alcoholism or cocaine addiction what's to be depressed about?
A new bribery and conspiracy indictment? Or knowing that you are the son of a fraud, a grifter, a racist demagogue and that you don't deserve the public's trust and public office you have.
Worrying about that forthcoming indictment, conviction, and prison sentence?
Be a man. Show some integrity. Resign from office. Plead guilty. Go to prison. Serve your time. Do some meditating. Let your conscience catch up to you. Get acquainted with some virtues like honesty, integrity, responsibility, and honor.
Who knows? You may do something good with your life. Look at Chuck Colson (1931-2012). He founded the non-profit ministry Prison Fellowship to help prisoners and their families and to push for prison reform.
Old man Jackson should keep his mouth shut and let his little BOY speak for himself after he goes to jail for whatever he did. The Boy is a scum bag like his daddy though... They both lie and cheat..
Why not have another depressed, drunken, pill-popping Congressman in Washington?
Eric Cantor is still da Biggest “Weasel in Politics”. You BetCha….Fer Sure.
John Boehner is One Real Big “Puzzy”.
Wouldn’t Mitch McConnell make da Perfect “Turtle Head”?
Mitt is about as Real as a Plastic Bananna!
Is it Mitt ____________Romney?
“Political Puppet”
“I’m Not a Crook”
“Country Club”
“Middle Class Warfare”
“Not To Much..Out of Touch”
“Cheap Labor is Our Future”
“Outsourcing is Awesome”
“Just Tell me what ya Wanna Hear”
“Profits Over People”
“Corporations are People Too”
“F da Poor”
“No Substance”
“Let Detroit go Bankrupt”
“National Right to Work”
“Swiss Accounts”
“Flip Flop”
“Pray da Gay Away”
Mitt Romney’s Solution to all Problems…….Prayer and a Moment of Silence.
Da Biggest Threat to Mitt Romney’s Campaign……..da Truth!
Now that Romney's life is a open book, can you tell me about Obama's life.
Why did obama spend $3 million to hide his records. Then gives us a forged birth certificate to pacify.
Flip Flop. Didn't Obama flip flop on everything so far. Gitmo, war, taxes, etc. I call him the liar in chief. His staff leaks top secrete documents. Tells him when to get Osuma. etc.
Really?
A list of idiot inspired bs presented as just da facts? Can't NBC and First Read afford smarter trolls?
Well..it is sunday and they only work part-time. Plus their screening process isn't always the best...
By da Way…….Did any of these Republican TeaBilly Conservative Politicians Vote to Repeal their Own Socialist Healthcare that they Receive.? You know…………da one that that Covers them and their Families (Including Birth Control) all paid for by Our Tax $$$$$$$$.
I hear Crickets Chirping……
Lets break this down in simple terms. Republican TeaBilly Conservative = Self Righteous Hypocrite.
You hear crickets because you are rambling. What has this got to do with a corrupt thug from Chicago (I know, redundant)? Is dat you Jesse Sr? Where's Tamara?
When are the feds going to charge Jackson with corruption?
Throw all those Democrats in Jail where they belong.......
They are not because jackson is a main contributor to the obama campain, not to mention they are bro's along with holder, there color says it all.
I'd be depressed too, if the "reverend" Jessie was my father... "Course we don't know how many chil'ren he's fathered. LOL.
Why don't you activist jerks get a real job or get the hell out of our way?
If I had a father like jesse jackson I would not only suffer from depression but be suicidal as well, mental instability makes him unqualified to serve the people, Unfit, VOTE him out.
Maybe the Rev. Jackson could step from being a race baiter.
Most polititions suffer from depression due guilt
Chances are that his illness is very real. This would be a Great opportunity for his supporters to push for better Mental Health Facilities throughout the Nation. Both current and future Medical Insurance policies have very limited coverage for both inpatient and outpatient services. Why is Mental Health constantly ignored in Our Nation? One: It would require each of us to question our own Mental stability. Unlike being over weight or having asthma this takes a conscientious effort, too scary for many of us. Two: Often times there is no quick fix, but a Life long effort on part of the Patient sometimes but not always requiring Medication. Three: What you don't see won't hurt you. If you can function in Society your considered to be Mentally Competent, but often times People self Medicate to function until they eventually either Die from there self Medication or stop functioning and still Fall through the cracks. Should this Congressman resign? I'd be surprised if he didn't offer, but his , "Handlers", will not allow him to. They'd be out of a job. However, he most likely will not be able to return. They say Depression, but that is like saying Cancer, there are several different causes and degrees of Depression. Most likely he is suffering from a form of Manic Depression. Which also has a vast variety of degrees and symptoms.
While I don't like his Politics, I wish him well and hope he is able to find Peace.
My youngest son has been fighting depression for about 10 years. It is a very real and very serious illness. I am a die hard conservative but I really feel for this guy. I have seen first hand what it can do to a person.
He already has the best health care that the people of the USA can give him. Now he should get out of Congress and allow somebody in who can represent the people of Ill.
Show some semblance of honor and get out!
Is that what they're calling drug abuse and corruption nowadays?
I'd be "depressed" too at the thought of going to federal prison and being "Bubba"s" bitch.
No reason he can't do the same @!$%#ty job we've come to expect from all our politicians
The REVEREND Jesse Jackson should retire and just stand down and let his kid decide what is the best course for him to pursue.