Suburban mayors are right in supporting Jackson, Jr.
President Biden should issue pardon to former Congressman
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A group of nine Chicago area mayors are imploring President Joe Biden to take into consideration the host of positive initiatives and legislation former Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. implemented while in office; and grant him a pardon. The mayors didn’t shy away from the fact that Jackson was found guilty of misusing more than $750,000 in campaign funds. Simultaneously, though they urged the President to look beyond “a single transgression” and instead focus on Jackson’s strong community involvement during his 12 years of representing the Second Illinois House District, which takes in much of the South Suburbs.
Jackson, 59, served 17 years representing the Second Congressional District; and carried the distinction of never missing a floor vote-a rarity for a Congressperson. He also compiled a record of proposing legislation that would change the U.S. Constitution in areas benefitting the poor and middle class,
The mayors, in their request to Biden cited the former Congressman’s ongoing presence in their communities, and an unwavering commitment to help all of their communities.
During his incarnation, Jackson wrote almost daily letters to family, especially his mother. Those letters culminated in the book “A More Perfect Union: Advancing New American Rights” It was the fourth book he penned.
Since his release eight years ago, Jackson has largely avoided public appearances, but just recently took on duties as a fill-in host on WVON Radio.
Many in the news media have errantly conflated the mayors’ push for a pardon with Biden’s comments that he wouldn’t pardon his son Hunter, who was convicted of federal income tax violations last month.
The stark difference is Jackson has served his time for what can be considered a victimless crime, made restitution, and been the proverbial model citizen. Conversely, the younger Biden has yet to be incarcerated; therefore, display no signs of changed behavior or remorse.
The President, who has a little more than three months left in office, should take one of the most memorable steps of his term and pardon Jesse Jackson, Jr. unequivocally. Chicago, the South Suburbs, as well as the State of Illinois can vastly benefit from Jackson’s keen mind, government and legislative acumen, as his vision for this country.