Just because you get elected to Congress doesn’t mean you have to show up to do your job. And just because you don’t show up doesn’t mean you have to explain your absence to your constituents. And, depending on your political affiliation, it might even be “insensitive” and “an invasion of privacy” for anybody to ask. They’re lucky to get any information at all, the ingrates.
Keep that in mind as you read the following from the Chicago Tribune:
The Rev. Jesse Jackson said Tuesday that he and his wife visited their son Jesse Jr. this week at the Mayo Clinic, where they offered “positive reinforcement” and did not discuss politics.
The lawmaker, who is being treated for physical and emotional problems, is responding to therapy, according to his father, who urged people to be patient about his recovery.
“It’s not the kind of health challenge that you can put on a timetable, but he is responding as he seeks to regain his strength,” the Rev. Jackson said. “He has the best treatment and he is responding.”
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., 47, began a medical leave for “exhaustion” June 10. Five days later he entered Sierra Tucson, an Arizona treatment facility, and on July 25 he was admitted to Mayo, according to a spokesman for the lawmaker’s wife, Ald. Sandi Jackson. Mayo officials in Rochester, Minn., said July 27 that the lawmaker was being evaluated for depression and gastrointestinal issues…
When asked if he thought his son would stand for re-election Nov. 6, the Rev. Jackson said he did not want to respond…
The Rev. Jackson said his son was buoyed by get-well cards circulated by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, and calls, letters and prayers from others…
“To a person, everyone was looking forward to him coming back,” Kucinich said. “Whatever his path of recovery is, people will support it.”
Well, of course we will. It’s not like he’s a Republican.
Take as much time as you need, Rep. Jackson. The people who elected you to represent them don’t deserve any answers. All they have to do is keep voting for you, no matter how you behave or what you do to avoid the consequences. That’s their role.
As for the rest of you: Shut up.