By Charles D. Ellison
There’s quite a bit many want to say about the physics-defying fall of former Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. There will be more to say about it now that the special election to replace his seat is pretty much at its end – no way in hell will a Black Republican ex-convict wrestle dominance from Chicago’s notorious Democratic political machine.
With that settled, some of us will resort back to Jackson, Jr. Lore. Resisting the temptation to engage in gossipy chatter about the Rolodex-watch, home-renovating, Michael Jackson memorabilia excess of a once rising star politician with the platinum political name is hard. But, there’s really not much to it beyond what it is: another tragic example of an office holder with a hand too deep in the cookie jar. What’s done is done, he got caught and now.
One thing you can say about Jackson is that, at the end, he took it like a man. Sources talk of a soul facing inevitability, but clear-headed enough to haggle with prosecutors on the issue of what to do about his partner in life and crime: wife and former Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson. Having already messed up, Jackson made a point to get as much of a favored guilty plea arrangement for both he and his significant other as he could get. In the end, there was a bit of subtle valor. “I have no interest in wasting the taxpayers’ time or money,” was a somber Jackson in the courtroom last week. Nor do the rest of us. And so, for all the salacious details about a political husband-and-wife team smoking the opium of success to its outer limits, there is a sense that you couldn’t kick him down any longer.
There’s a bigger opportunity here, however, than just ruminating on a crusty cautionary tale. It’s a moment for the larger Black community to, as Q-Tip once bucked, “breathe and stop.” We’ve seen many a Black elected official mess up and perp walk their way from courtroom to jail. But, never did the image of it leave such an indelible print on the Black psyche in recent years as that of a Jackson going through it. We typically associate the Jackson name – the political one that is – with racial legend. For sure, much of that brand has diminished over the years due to Rev. Jackson’s age, business dealings and an infamous unscripted moment of testicular nip-tuck.
In short, we are fast learning that our Black elected officials are not civil rights leaders. And maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Jackson, Jr. was famous for blowing up his spot as a sort of self-styled neo-activist on Capitol Hill. He attempted to channel much of his father’s famous oratorical swagger in the House chamber, and his more public legislative priorities and gestures signaled old wine in a new bottle. There was lots of talk about New School walk, but the actions suggested Old School paradigm.
Politicians are not activists. Nor should we see be viewing them as such. Yet, many of us still do. As a result, we are unpleasantly rattled and shaken when one of them falls from grace.
We must accept that they are paid stewards and advocates of the public trust who are tasked with shaping sound public policy in the best interests of the people they represent. In Congress, they are paid a handsome six-figure annual sum to do this full time. Their jobs require huge commitments and personal sacrifice. It can be thankless and wrapped in minutiae. This is why there are some who get ousted after serving only one term. Sure, there are moments when redistricting plays a role. But, for the most part, many go to Washington wanting to play “the game” rather than work on their district’s behalf.
Through all the showy House floor speeches and the in-your-face protestations, Jackson, Jr. was still a politician. This was very evident based on how he attempted to maneuver his way into a Senate seat via a disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich to how he moved campaign money to fund an opulent lifestyle.
Of course, we all have our vices and personal flaws. We also enjoy the high-life rewards and perks that come with success. There’s no harm in that. But, it’s rather fascinating to watch some elected representatives who promote themselves as part of an activist Justice League of civil rights superheroes when they’re really not. They are mortals like the rest of us. In fact, most African Americans in elected office find themselves saddled with many of the same socio-economic challenges faced by most people of color. Quiet as it’s kept Black Members of Congress are among the least wealthy on the Hill. Many represent fairly impoverished, unemployment-riddled districts where folks are barely keeping it together. Unfortunately, platitudes from elected officials rehashing outdated platforms do little to comfort the household pondering over an electric disconnect notice.
There’s nothing wrong with simply explaining it like it is. Yet, if many Black elected are not clinging on to 20th century war stories, they are fashioning themselves into a collective cause celebre’ of black-ties and galas. Much of it seems far removed and detached from some rather pressing business at hand.
Any politician’s fall is a tragic story, especially one with so much promise. It is a stain on a democracy we pray can be a little more perfect. One corrupt pol in handcuffs means a few others who didn’t get caught. In this instance, transparency would have been useful if Jackson, Jr. had simply put some trust in those who voted for him. Instead, he auctioned it off. Perhaps it’s about time elected officials practice keeping it a bit more real with their constituents about what really happens inside Washington. Rather than viewing their constituents as something akin to feudal serfs working Lord Politician’s manor, it’s time they begin treating citizens as actual partners in a very difficult, complex and twisted political process.
CHARLES D. ELLISON is a political strategist, Washington Correspondent for The Philadelphia Tribune, Politics Contributor to UPTOWN Magazine and host of “POTUS On Call” on SiriusXM 124. He can be reached via Twitter @charlesdellison.
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