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Courtesy Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy
Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) meets with Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who is undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) received a special visit at the Mayo Clinic from a longtime friend and colleague on Thursday. Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) traveled to Minnesota to spend time with Jackson, Jr. who is undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder.
Kennedy told NBC News their meeting was "really emotional." Kennedy said it was clear to him that Jackson has been "dealing with a deep depression" that has also affected him physically. "In the room, I could feel it," said Kennedy, referring to the depression's impact on Jackson's physical movement, demeanor and energy.
Courtesy Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy
Patrick Kennedy and Jesse Jackson Jr. meet at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., Aug. 16.
During their time together, Kennedy said Jackson talked about the political pressure he has felt to either resign from Congress or not seek re-election. "He's worried about his political future," Kennedy said adding "I tried to emphasize there is a future." Kennedy attempted to offer reassurance by telling Jackson he is an "inspiration" for "showing people this is a serious issue that should be dealt with like any other medical condition." Kennedy urged Jackson to consider that he is making clear to the public and his constituents that "he is getting treatment like he would if he had cancer and this is just as deadly." Kennedy was referring to suicide rates for serious mental illnesses.
Kennedy did not indicate that Jackson has made any decisions about his own political career and he did not offer any specific advice. Kennedy understands that Jackson feels the weight of the stigma often associated with mental illness. Kennedy said, "he asked about me, how did I get through this?" Kennedy has received treatment for depression and addiction at the same Minnesota facility and was able to remain in office. Kennedy chose not to seek another House term in 2010.
Courtesy Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy
Jesse Jackson Jr. and Patrick Kennedy at the Mayo Clinic, Aug. 16.
Both are sons of famous fathers who have carried that weight throughout their lives and now share a "common struggle" with depression. Kennedy and Jackson, both in their 40s, have been friends for many years.
Kennedy says he is "confident" Jackson is making progress and deserves credit for "staying with it, "by remaining in treatment when he likely feels so much pressure "to get out." Jackson took a leave of absence from Congress June 10th.
Leave a Comment:
This most have been like a meeting of Dumb and Dumber.
This
most(must) have been like a meeting of Dumb and Dumber.No more like a meeting of being "caring" and showing "compassion".
That is how people are helped with emotional illnesses. People like you spread hate in the world. Only by supporting others can other people get treatment, gain back their energy, and return to a productive life.
As a former psychiatric RN I have seen many people have similar episodes and then return to their routine productive lives.
Best wishes Rep. Jackson.
Deb is an expert....wow.....how nice.
Confussed-1578043Confused
They're both insane.
Being an elected representative is not like other jobs, someone can not simply fill in for you or pick up the slack while you are gone. Jackson is going to be away from his job for an extended period of time and needs to resign so that the people of his district can get the representation they deserve and are entitled to under the constitution. For Jackson to hold onto his seat when he is incapable of performing his duties is selfish and egotistical and demonstrates that he does not really care about his constituents, only about himself. Of course he no doubt learned that attitude from his father who is exactly the same way - it is all about him. Jackson would find that he would have much more support after he got well if he did the right thing now and stepped aside now. By trying to selfishly cling to his seat, even running for reelection when he knows he is incapable of serving, is the height of arrogance and demonstrates clear narcissistic tendencies.
And for the bonus round for $5,000, Alex, who is dumb,who is dumber?
I haven't been on newsvine for a year because of comments from people like the common man, your hate filled rhetoric makes a mockery of a forum to have a constructive conversation. Mayo clinic could save you...........
Then leave again, forever, Victoria...you are not needed or wanted.
This most have been???? Give it a rest cracker.
Oh and now we have blueinnm who has never made a mistake.
Jr., please get well soon, your constituents need you.
RIGHT ON............
It is appalling to hear the lack of compassion on the part of some people posting. How wonderful that none of have ever had to deal with someone suffering from mental health issues.
Another classic example of fine Christian behavior. Disgusting.
Yes, your constituents need you.......... To step down so someone else can do the job while you recuperate.
Or don't get well and collect a baloney check, for the rest of your term. Considering your district you might get re-elected.
A goof and a loon from two families of adulterers; wonderful story......
Here is the thing. He is being investigated for possibly trying to buy Obama's seat. These charges should not be swept away and are very serious. Then all of sudden he falls mysteriously ill. Then he is whisked away without any explanation which those he represents deserve to know. Currently they are NOT be represented. If this was a republican the left would say this is highly suspicious.
With respect to the Mayo clinic, due to sheer negligence they botched post op for my husband which could have killed him and financially cost the system. Please....the Mayo clinic is a very fancy hotel like hospital that picks and chooses who they will give care to. The number of medicare and medicaid patients they take is around 5 percent. This is extremely low compared to other large teaching hospitals. So I am saying they take those with very good private insurance plans like the two men above.
There is an old saying....things are rarely as they appear.
It doesn't matter what the subject is but Pigotry has the same response if a democrat has problems:
He has made the same statement about Barack Hussein Obama many times....
Curious!
They don't have any depression or bi-polar treatment clinics in Chicago? What a slam.
His district is going to hell in a hand basket (really been there a long time) and he's going through therapy hugging pillows and talking about the horrible upbringing he had. What a joke of a person!
There's more to this story than what is being reported.
Looks like we're rehearsing for an insanity plea for that little incident of buying a certain Senators seat.
Of course the criminals in Cheeeecago have the steps all laid out. First you deny it, if Blago goes to prison act crazy. Voila! Not guilty by reason of insanity.
The devil made me do it.
JS in SD
As much as I'd like to agree with you, I can't.
As totally dysfunctional as this government is, I think you could replace all 545 of them with the in-patients from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and get more accomplished.
Quote from the article in question:
Vote to re-elect Jessie Jackson Junior! The candidate with a serious mental illness clearly identified by his longtime friend!
His political career is what he is worried about and stressing out???
Ok now look... let me be clear, this guy is seriously mental (remember his friend says so too) and is only selfishly thinking of himself and definitely NOT his constituents.
He should step down... do the right thing... FOR THE PEOPLE.
Victoria - you are not considering the possibility that most of us are tired of the hypocrisy. If Kennedy were meeting with Jackson solely for the purpose of helping a friend, both of them would keep this meeting private. Instead, it is being advertised to the world because they are both using each other for political gain. There is also the consideration that there are many people who are as depressed or more so than Jackson who do not have the luxury of disappearing to a country club clinic to recover at the expense of the American taxpayer.
First of all. I am a Republican who is often arguing the liberals on these comment pages. But in the case of this story, which does have a tinge of "touch-feely" to it, I see no reason to attack JJJ or Kennedy over their depression. Would you beat him up if he was getting cancer treatment? What if he was recovering from a gunshot wound to the head?
With that said, there is a legitimate question of how long can a congressman be gone from his post before he should be replaced. No one in the media had the balls to raise this question with Giffords, because she was a woman who was attacked by a man and shot in the head. But the constituents have a legitimate need to be represented. And though I really don't care about the DNC, either party feels the need to have every vote they can get in congress, and thus long absences hurts the parties ability to push their agenda.
So the real, non-partisan question here is, how long should a member of congress be allowed to have a leave of absence? I am interested in everyones CONSTRUCTIVE input.
I think he should step aside and focus on his health. Politics is a brutal business, no place for someone who needs serious treatment.
Much of the Right does not believe in mental illness. Look at some of the comments on this board, they are just sickening and many are likely made by truly sick people.
If you have mental health issues, get treatment. Don't worry about any stigma that others may attach. It is about you and your well being. Regardless of your political affiliation or personal beliefs you are doing nobody a favor by avoiding diagnosis and treatment. Millions of America are in therapy or on drugs to control symptoms. They come from all walks of life, and all different beliefs. Mental illness has no party.
One has to wonder why two persons who suffer from these conditions should be in positions where their admittedly impaired natures affect millions of others. They should be receiving treatment. Of course if you're the son of a Kennedy, or a Jackson, or a Bush, the rules that apply to others don't apply to you. Enough privilege, whether it be for Democrats or Republicans.
They are sick and not stupid... helllooo... know the difference please!!!
The best way for them to cope with their illness is to continue their daily routine without an overload of work. The reason why they got in their situation is through traumatic stress... probably from too much work or the people.
I know this too well because I too suffer from clinical depression.
Impaired nature?? Being mentally ill does NOT mean you are intellectually impaired. It is comments like yours that stigmatize people who have a medical condition that happens to manifest itself differently than a person who may have Diabetes, Heart Disease etc. Through medication and therapy MANY mentally ill people live normal lives! Your thoughtless and backward opionion is unfortunately all too common!
As a former psychiatric RN I can tell you we only have one brain, therefore you can not sensibily separate one function of the brain from the other functions. all functions have an impact upon one another. This guy is not able to take care of himself. He is in the hospital because he was unable to function approprately. Otherwise he would have been treated on an outpatient basis.
If compassion, talking and praying would help his condition then all he needed was a church or a friend. This is a mental illness that needs medication because the manifestations are severe. To allow a person who is mentally ill to serve in his former capacity is unthinkable.
Mr Kennedy had an substance abuse problem, but Mr Jackson has a wiring problem in his brain
Whether it is a substance abuse problem or 'mental' illness, both indicate neuron dysfunction. I feel great compassion for anyone who suffers from mental illness; it's just debilitating and then there are the holier than thous and the idiots who go out of their way to make a bad situation worse by making fun of the suffering...perhaps their wiring is a bit off as well!
hello what do you think the Mayo Clinic does?
I'd like to see you say something like that about someone being treated for cancer - which is no different.
And as a former psychiatric RN, .... I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. But I'm only a former psychiatric RN on Thursdays. On Fridays and Sundays I'm Napoleon Bonaparte. Saturdays, and Mondays through Wednesdays I'm a double agent posing as a spy for Becky-becky-beckystan. (Sorry, I can't tell you that identity or I'd have to kill you!)
PS. Does it appear to anyone else that there are an unusual number of psychiatric experts on this discussion thread, .... or is it just me? (....on Thursdays, that is).
I love how all these people think its important that we consider their illness as if it wasn't debilitating. Depression is an altered state of mind where rational decisions are often not made. I realize it may be politically incorrect to say Depressed people shouldn't be in charge of something as important as a government but come on people get real. There is nothing wrong with seeking treatment and recovering which is very possible but you should not remain in a position of power while you go through something like this. For one thing the pressure of the job will not help them succeed at overcoming their issues and for another millions of people rely on having a competent person representing their interests in Congress.
I have no problem with giving them a temporary leave of absence while they get it under control if it can be accomplished in a timely manner.
Winston Churchill suffered thru prolonged bouts of severe depression, the worst of which was during the 1930's. Just something to keep in mind.
As for Rep. Jackson, I have no problem with his remaining in his House seat as long as voters are given a realistic assessment of his recovery time and ability to handle the stresses of the job. Then I would leave it up to the the people in his district to decide in November what to do from there.
And anyone on this thread who takes joy in his suffering is beyond despicable and beneath contempt.
Robert in Oregon...(#2.7)....OMG !!!....That's got to be one of the best, funniest posts I have ever read on here !!!! " a spy for Becky-becky-beckystan."....Wow !!!
Don't knock them. You can have depression and some other mental illnesses and still be a productive citizen and work in society. but I agree that mental illnesses should be treated the same ans any other physical illness by insurance companies.
Who cares? Both these people are losers imo.
I looked at the comments on this article to see if people were generally being encouraging or critical, hoping that people would be displaying their better nature. I was wrong. Most of the comments are quite cruel. What a mean, nasty people we have become. I guess kindness has become a lost art in much of our society.
Re: Heartlight3's comment. I was also looking at comments - curious if people would give kind support to a struggling person. But, once again, I see how easy it is to disregard the humanity of people they may oppose politically. I dislike almost everything about the Republican party, but, I hope that if an individual is afflicted with a serious ailment, that my heart can still go out to that person. (Only exception, Karl Rove, a person with enormous capacity for cruelty.)
Millions of Americans have depression over the Government handling of our taxes. What visits do we get from ANYONE. That is because THEY don't care about anyone but themselves, period! Some stating that WE the People are nasty. You can just look at ALL the Political commercials these folks put out about each other. Talk about NASTY! I can seriously tell you this as being fact. Jesse Jackson Jr. and Patrick Kennedy have NEVER EVER done anything for me and my family or ANYBODY that I even know. So this is the CHANGE that some were talking about. LMAO!
Great.... another mentally UNSTABLE member of Congress......
You can have problems Jesse, but not in office..... RETIRE
Heartlight and Toohip - Please... This is not about a mental disorder (except for liberalism, I guess); it's about Jackson trying to avoid charges. And Kennedy's visit is just a political show - why else would it be plastered on
MSNBC. I think they confused "bipolar" with "buy political seat."You got that right. I looked at the comments for the same reason. I knew better. Before I clicked the link I even said to myself.. "Okay. Time to read the explanation this time from the ridiculous right on how this is all Obama's fault."
There has always been this kind of hate in peoples hearts although it has been exacerbated somewhat by the ultra-nasty political campaigns. The factor that has given rise to these ridiculous "flame wars" is the relative anonymity used by the trolls. Facebook an estimated 83-93 million fake accounts; that's about 10%. That percentage can probably be applied across the board, including Newsvine, etc.
People say here what they would almost never say to someones face. The least civil of us seem to be the most garrulous, unfortunately.
Isn't that its definition?
Steve - are the numbers your last name, your prison ID, or some other non-anonymous indication?
Odd how Heartfelt and others are whining about nasty, cruel remarks but don't think a thing about the LIES being spewed on the TV campaign ads by the liberals, unions, and left Super Pacs. Hypocrites!
So the alcoholic that ran his car into a tree is at Mayo trying to cheer up Jr.
JJ jr can't retire. How else could he support himself without being on the gov't dole?
The last time this site printed something about Jesse Jackson Jr's illness, the comments were so hateful and racist that I'm sure NBC shut down the story quickly, embarassed over the ugliness on display in their forum. I was shocked.
Many people in all kinds of professions suffer from mental illnesses and most just don't up and quit their jobs and claim disability as a result. It's important to all of us that Health Insurance be available and that mental health care be an option. I've known people with terminal cancer that will stay on the job until near death, wanting to complete their lives on their terms. We should want our workplace to give us medical leave when we need it instead of merely showing us the door. If people in the public eye like Betty Ford can have some impact on how mental illness is handled for all, then I thank them.
Mental health resources should be easy to get. If authorities had paid attention to James Holmes' psychiatrist, lives could have been saved. Take note that most of the people who were badly wounded had no health insurance and they were nearly all white people. This is just ridiculous. You shouldn't have to forfeit your life or your livelihood because you fall ill. Americans have worked too hard in this country and invested in it over centuries not to enjoy the benefits that distinguish it from other, poorer nations.
And now for some Jackson Family History...NO...Not Michael Jackson !!
Years ago Jackson Sr. threatened Budweiser with a boycott till they relented and gave the Jackson Family the Largest Budweiser Distibutorship in Chicago....Jr. can go on the payroll there....problem solved....
"Back in 1995, the reverend made his son a congressman, financing the 30-year-old’s campaign by collecting money from Rainbow PUSH donors and spending it on expensive mailers and phone banks. Most of his Junior’s money came from out of state. Bill Cosby and Johnnie Cochran wrote checks.
Jonathan Jackson is the national spokesman for Rainbow PUSH, Yousef Jackson owns a Budweiser distributorship his father helped him obtain. Both of these sons work in the family business, too.
Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Newspaper-Jacksons-Want-To-Replace-Jesse-Jr-With-Brother-165420726.html#ixzz23TA2dJgD
Jr. will resign as soon as Daddy decides if it will be Jonathan or Yousef that will be the next Representative from that District. The voters will comply....
Lookin' like Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., didn't inherit his dad's Chicago Teflon Coating....Things are starting to stick to him....He's gonna go full blown Tri-Polar when Rudy Giuliani replaces Eric WithHolder as Attorney General in January.....
So much for the theory that opposites attract.
One from a family empowered by rum-running money from the thirties, the other from a father who was endowed by stiff-arming others with whom he found vulnerable.
Disgusting...
Your comment is proof that conservatives are completely disgusting. You're condeming the children of the fathers with whom you disagreed. Children who are ill and down and are struggling to regain their lives from a mysterious illness.
No wonder conservatives are against healthcare. Conservatives are a national collection of sociopaths who will stop at nothing to promote their greedy agenda.
Your side condemned the father of the last President. And you are a complete moron..........conservatives are not against healthcare. Just healthcare ram up our azz.
DisgustedConservative, when I read ignorance such as yours it makes me wonder where you got such ideas and if you are teaching your children the same ignorance as you espouse. It is very sad.
No nimrod, you are the one that is really sad. Nothing he said is false regardless of how you feel about either. Did Kennedy not come from a rich family and did Jackson not come from a father who took advantage of peoples situations? Face facts.
Since when is truth ignorance?
Truth is ignorance according to liberals.
GCCal says "conservatives are not against healthcare." Great, so can we please hear the conservative plan to make sure all Americans, especially children, are covered by a health plan that covers everything, including mental health issues? Waiting.
Justme, please explain how...............how the republicans can get anything forward since 2006 when the dems controlled congress and then after Obama became president and with Reid only allowing anything to get to the senate floor for voting unless it benefits the dems. HOW? HOW? HOW?
You liberals want these benefits for all but also want the other taxpayer to pay for yours. Always passing out the free candy using other guy's dime, so what ya' going to do when that runs out? Here's a novel idea, how about everyone paying for their own health care, I did all my life and can't understand why everyone else doesn't accept that responsibility.
Rep congress has a 10% approval, almost 500 filibusters in two year to stop the man in office from passing job bills
OBAMA 2012................in the bag, haters loose
Victoria.........remember this:
In 2006 every democrat voted against raising the debt limit while every republican voted for raising it. Then in 2011 both parties switched positions. Why, because it is called politics and one party is not any better than the other. So get off you frigging high horse and see how politics in Washington really works. In other words get your head out of your azz.
we have to pay our bills missy...and my head is high on my shoulders as a proud Democrat should be. ENOUGH....
I can totally understand why they battle these demons - I would be depressed if I were a member of either of these families. People seem to think that the Kennedy family is some great American heritage - some even call it royalty. The Kennedy's are dirtbags just like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. They are all opportunists - nothing more. I wish this country would stop putting folks like this up on a pedestal - they don't deserve it. I am sorry that Jesse Jr has to fight this and wish him the best. Depression is a disease worse than politics.
VIctoria- I would guess if Romney becomes President we wont hear "I inherited a mess one time" Because Romney tackles problems, look at the olympics he took over, Look at the Big Dig he ended. it wasn't about assigning blame it was about fixing the problem, that is why we will win. We are more concerned with fixing the problem than offering free gifts we dont pay for.
Romney,THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT, that whats would happen.
Don't kid yourself, George solved the problems, ya right and congress won't ever vote on anything that will help the country as long as the black man is in office McConnells word.That's not solving problems that creating them.
Dick Cheney is waiting to dust off his war agenda for Iran, and the Koch brothers can't wait to keep America stuck on oil to pad their own pockets
Seems to me Mitt hit the tax payers up for his so called victory............
"Because Romney tackles problems, look at the Olympics he took over...
What Olympics??? You mean the Superman Romney who just made the biggest insulting comment before the whole world and so stupidly offended our number one allies? The tactful and well heeled gracious and etiquette-savvy candidate for the President of the United States who just made an ugly tourist ethnocentric public relations embarrassment for this whole country, has no experience in foreign relations and won't even clarify his bishop of the Mormon Church standing or past tax returns? Now, why would anyone trust or vote for this already proved malarkey?
"We are more concerned with fixing the problem than offering free gifts we don't pay for."
Well, We are going to expire the tax break for the 1%, that Bush era rip off of the American middle class, okay? We will take that back and pay for lots of things. Then We are going to vote out all tea-pretender-doodles and purple-spy-dogs. Then We are going to train and hire a bunch of new doctors who really care about We The People and Our health, not big Pharma profits and our Pharmacies will be open right here at home, not empty pretend Pharmacies that endanger patients and withold supply of medications for profits, okay?
Then We will provide a bunch of real new jobs for everybody here in clean green techs. and get started remodeling the whole old grid utilizing decentralized energy which will liberate private homeowners from total dependence on the utility enron-types ...then we shall kick down all the norqueencards obstructing us in job creation measures in congress. Then we will balance the wages and rate of pay of workers to the true value of their labor and match it evenly with the cost of living of their consumer dollars on prices of things and services, and bust and tariff all the cheap substandard product monopolies giving a variety of small businesses that are really small right there on Main Street an even chance at making and selling decent products and making a decent living for many of our local American families in our own communities. Then We will encourage open markets locally with good "un-messed-about-with genetically modified monster-crap pretend plastic fruits and vegetables filled with pesticide toxins type", real organic healthy produce we can trust and stop the pollution of air and water. Recycling and re-using will fix problems of our land, and cleaning the plastics out of our oceans to recycle it will also work just fine to bring back some of our living resources again so that our children's children can eat, drink, and breathe in the future.
You can join Us fellow humans at turning the tide of overpopulation and diminishing pure healthy living resources on Planet Earth together by changing Our destructive and violent habits in Our daily lifestyles because We know We can! Oh Yes We Can pitch in together to build more quickly and efficiently in Our Communities and to preserve Our protective, health and education services in common for Our survival.
Or are you really just a deeper oil disaster fracking part of the artificial-world economic problem predatory type of anal retentive profiteering hoarder that beats child wage slaves on an assembly line somewhere and follows the leader? If so, here is where you can take all this clean smiling BS of pretend promises to get you more goodies for yourself and your in crowd of world class distinction fancy flitting about jet setters...and try to bury it too. Thanks anyway but this is clearly something We, The People of America and The rest of the Real World can do without.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2179622/The-Door-Hell-Giant-hole-Karakum-Desert-40-YEARS.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
JustMe - Health care and health coverage are two different things. But, why do you believe that health care or health coverage need to be free and provided by the government? Why not computers and televisions and cars and homes and food and...?
Victoria, GCCal slapped you around pretty good. You and Anonymous should have a date night with your food stamp cards. Seems you two are the liberal example of "hand full of gimmee and a mouth full of gimmee more". Now go back to bed, picking the pockets of the taxpayers must be exhausting! hahahahahaha
See Silly dotties girl play, see inaccurate assumptions and illusions of grandeur, see no facts or offers of knowledge of the topic, no links, no specifics, no vision, no care, no debate, see how in the perfect me me me mirrored hall they accuse and carry on like the great authoritarian overlords.
So is this pathetic spew all you could come back with? You could have googled up Wikipedia and done more to state something real. No study habits for sure, but dreams of pickpockets of taxpayers. You seem to have a problem. Are you in the 1% or just another socially competitive and envious wannabe? Do you even understand the concept of a broad based egalitarian middle class of working people and how important it is to a peaceful civilized functioning society? Quality education? You? There is no evidence of that whatsoever in your inquisition, "Seems you two are"... is just that...a vague rambling, mean and ignorant self absorbed hissy fit that displays a rather pathological and sadistic mindset. You and GCCal need to do some homework and learn some facts before you are qualified or allowed to work anywhere.
No one is perfect, but, qualified in knowing what they are on about in their careers with proved earned stripes in workplace and degrees on the record with written published words of factual relevance to laws and measures being passed in Congress and a history of how those laws and measures have benefited others in society over time...is the credible evidence that wins a case.
Then there are those who like to pretend like they know it all, and therein lies the difference.
I doubt that those who denigrate the Kennedy's or Jackson family have done anything to help other people, not with hateful attitudes like that. You demonstrate your ignorance of both families by reducing them to criminals and opportunists. Not even those people who disliked Dubya Bush came down on him because of his history of cocaine use and alcoholism (though I did think it relevant to point out his history of bankrupting his businesses).
hopefully he'll use some drugs, drive into a tree and perish.
who cares.
You're another sociopath!
Glad-609, hopefully you are not allowed to have weapons.
You people are horrible.
Some of you are really horrible people. Hopefully, none of you will have to deal with someone you love having a mental illness. Rich, poor, Left or Right, it shows no preference.
I agree with you, Sally Ann. I thought there would be compassion here. Instead there is the hatred that seems to be taking over large parts of our society. I'm not a fan of Mr. Jackson. That doesn't mean I wish him ill. I don't know him personally at all but I'm guessing he's a better human being than those making some of these comments. That's not a very high standard....
I agree with sally ann. I can't believe how nasty all of you are. You obviously have no feelings for anyone and you don't know anything about how hard these 2 people have worked to help the poor in this country.
Oh did we upset your sense of compassion. Sorry but I wonder if you felt the same way about the other side whenever one of them was having a problem.
Actually yes. I do feel compassion for people who are ill regardless of their politics. Why don't you??
I bet you do. Me, yes I feel bad for him but that does not mean I have to like his politics in any manner or method.
politics has nothing to do with the millions of people not getting help for mental health issues. Soldiers kill themselves because of people with an attitude like yours. It's harder for them to get the help they need because of the stigma that comes with mental illness and making fun of mental illness doesn't help.
Of course it does that is why they don't get it. Geez
GCCal - Try letting your humanity override your obviously strong political views. I have political views as well, but when someone is struggling with issues of this sort, politics aren't in play, at least in my view.
In spite of some of your rather snarky comments on the subject, I suspect that you have more compassion in every day life than what you're posting. I hope so and wish you well.
Good for you Rick....put me on ignore....how is that for a solution. Easy, huh?
People should show compassion for those who suffer from health or mental health afflictions... but that doesn't mean you have to vote for them, and have them represent the public. History doesn't show that the children of once powerful people are qualified moreso than others to fill a position of authority, In the case of Jackson, with the history of political corruption in Illinois, health issues shouldn't trump legal inquiries.
To: DisgustedConservative
Your comment is proof that conservatives are completely disgusting. You're condeming the children of the fathers with whom you disagreed. Children who are ill and down and are struggling to regain their lives from a mysterious illness.
No wonder conservatives are against healthcare. Conservatives are a national collection of sociopaths who will stop at nothing to promote their greedy agenda.
What a wise post.....did you think that up all by yourself.
You should be ashamed of yourself- having mental illness is no different than any other disease you seek treatment for- I wish everyone for one day would have to have depression and see if that is what you would wish on anyone- it is a terrible thing to have you would not wish it on your worst enemy~ Have some compassion- politics has nothing to do with this what so ever.
Oh deb, you made me feel so bad...........Of course politics has everything to do with this photo display. To think otherwise is pure ignorance.
Well, checked the board to see if anyone actually addressed the article and the illness that Jackson is suffering. NOPE only political agendas, name calling, insults and things drug up from 30-40 years ago. Where are the intelligent people of the US? I know there must be a few. They sure aren't here.
The intelligent ones are sitting back looking at this picture and seeing two people who as children had parents in the spotlight. The result of having to live in a world where people are so nasty to those in the spotlight left them with the problems they have. Who would have more understanding of what Jackson, Jr. is going through than one of the Kennedy's who have been through it? Both have grown up in families whose triumphs and tragedies have been very public. They have had to hear their parents criticized throughout their lives. Now when they need help to deal with the issues that have developed, the same nasty people want to condemn their meeting.
Carnac says.....Jessie has an acute case of federal-idis. While he's out playing sick, the Fed's continue to lean on his friend who offered a million $ to Jail bird Blago for Obama's seat. Jessie's wife seems chipper on TV lately, she's getting ready to hang his tallywhacker out to dry in divorce court. If he goes to the can, she will get it all.
That is exactly what I think......He was probably thinking about jail time that is waiting for him for trying to buy senator seat....Blagojevich is behind bars for 14 years Jackson is on the loose. He should keep treating his depression when in jail to
Does Cocaine make you Bipolar now too? I didn't know that!
I think Rep. Jackson is showing courage right now. Doesn't matter if I agree or disagree with his political work, or like or dislike his family. A mental illness is a true medical illness, and often a life-long struggle. It affects the patient and everyone around them. And I can NOT imagine being in his shoes and having this play out so publicly.
Get well, Mr. Jackson. This should be your top priority.
I have never been a fan of his father's but I hate to see anyone go through this kind of difficulty. I am really glad he is getting help and someone like Patrick Kennedy who really understands the challenges is there to support him. In a time like this politics needs to be set aside. I know nothing of him politically and really don't care. He is a human being struggling with a debilitating illness and he deserves support for seeking help, not criticism. My prayers are with him and his family as he works through this.
Looks like they are comparing notes on how to stay on the taxpayers tit. No one would know how better than a Kennedy or a Jackson.
Clearly you lack compassion. These 2 people have been forced to be in the public eye for their entire lives. Give them a break and acknowledge their courage for being open about suffering from this disease. This will help many people who suffer from the same illness. Deal in facts not fantasies.
Forced? Forced? Are you kidding us.
What I don't understand is people reffering to them as "children". If they had any class, they would resign and "fix" their problems. Then, after showing some intestinal fortitude, offer their services to the electorate. Otherwise, throw the bums out- they ar incapable of doing the job.
The first comment on this thread was disgusting. "Dumb meeting Dumber". Only a low life would post something that crude. Depression is real and awful. My very best friend committed suicide because of his bipolar disorder. He was in his early 50s and had everything to live for but his depression was so utterly painful that the only way out was to run in front of a big rig truck on the highway and was killed instantly and his emotional pain ended for him. Don't judge another person unless you have first had experience with this dreadful disorder. Both of these men (Kennedy and Jackson) have lead high profile lives filled with a lot of stress and judgement. I say, how wonderful that they were able to sit together and heal together. God bless them.
Well said Thomas! An I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.
Pictures and everything for an intimate get together ?
It says "emotional meeting." Learn how to read.
What a shame/scam if you're buying it, they've not only sold you the steak but the "sizzle" as poor Jesse continues to ring the cash register at Mayo Clinic and all he's worried about is his re-election! You've got to be kidding me! If this is another example of our brilliant leadership in Washington DC, this country's in more trouble than we know.
he has Tea party disease..anyone needs help after talking to them
Sad that fox news stopped allowing (hate) comments and now they are all showing up here.
Lighten up Francis...
Hey, everyone calls me Psycho. I'd finish the quote, but I'm afraid it would be taken the wrong way and I would get accused of making threats. Wait, do I still live in the USA or have my 1st amendment rights been stripped so raw that I'm afraid to quote Stripes? I apologize Mr. Murray.
My thoughts and prayers are with my Congressman, Jesse Jackson, Jr. I applaud his courage in letting the public know what he is dealing with, and look forward to shaking his hand as his recovery continues.
I think there's a lot to be said about the Feds working up a case on him. Their findings must be close to being revealed publically and they could care less about bi polar.
nevertheless, he uses his brain in his job and so, is not only doing a disservice by not stepping down, but is mentally incapable of the job performance needed for this position.
so Jessie show your respect for the position and love for your people's welfare and step down or bring us a note from the doctor. That's all there is to it.
So should everyone with depression or bipolar disorder quit their job?
You don't make any sense.
I think if he is in treatment, he could recover from this and go back to work. We weren't clamoring for Giffords to quit when she got shot in the head. He's only been having issues this summer. Sure, there might be some legal factors at play, but mental health will help him handle that as well regardless of the outcome.
We need to understand that there are not very many people who can live in either the Arctic or Antarctica.
Shame on you Common Man.
Jesse does seem like the type who would be very intense. When he speaks, he's intense, and I think having a famous father doesn't help. He's always in his father's shadow. Much like Patrick Kennedy, and no I don't think Jesse Jr. should continue in politics.