Son’s woes weigh heavily on the Rev. Jesse Jackson

[DonViejo]

CHICAGO (AP) — At 71, the Rev. Jesse Jackson still keeps a hectic schedule and speaks widely on all kinds of civil rights issues.

But he struggles when addressing one thing: the son and political heir who abandoned his congressional seat last week because of mental health problems and two federal investigations.

The elder Jackson says his heart “burns” over the woes of his oldest child.

Over the last 40-plus years, Jackson has played many roles — barrier-breaking presidential candidate, international hostage negotiator and master orator.

Now he’s older, and civil rights activism has changed. But those who know him say his lower-key role is also a result of the troubles surrounding Jesse Jackson Jr. Some are concerned that the son’s problems could hurt the family’s image and legacy.

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http://www.salon.com/2012/11/30/sons_woes_weigh_heavily_on_the_rev_jesse_jackson/

[MotherPetrie]

1. It would have messed with my head if my father had had a mistress whom he fathered a child with

There are things I admire about Jesse Jackson, but there are also things I despise him for. Pretty hypocritical for him to worry about his SON hurting the family's "image" when he already did that big-time himself.

[Hekate]

3. Rev. Jesse Jackson has done a lot of good in this world

Regardless of his personal failings, I am very sorry for his troubles. You never, ever stop aching for your child, no matter how old.

Hekate

[politrixjunkie]

4. The elder Jackson tarnished his legacy years ago

with the mistress and child.

No disrespect on what he's done for civil rights prior but I lost all respect for him as a leader after that.
My girlfriend worked with PUSH back in the day and told me he was a womanizer then too.