Jesse Jackson Jr. Denied Clemency as Biden Exits Presidency: A Missed Opportunity for Justice

A Father’s Appeal: Rev. Jesse Jackson on His Son’s Clemency Request

In December, Jackson’s father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, wrote to Biden that his eldest son “has devoted his life to what he refers to as his ministry – to public service, and to fighting for equality and equity in civil and human rights for all Americans…”

Before the conviction for using campaign monies to fund his lifestyle, which he said amounted to $75,000 per year for 10 years, Jackson was elected nine times and served for over 17 years as a U.S. Congressman, representing Illinois’ second district. His father also wrote that Jackson holds 13 honorary doctorates and cited his son’s scholarly work since his release, which centers on theology and Constitutional law.

“His mind, and the perch from where he now sits, because of the sum of all his life experience, is a strategic vantage point that would serve all of humanity well, now and in the future.”

Trump’s Pardon Plans: A Stark Contrast to Biden’s Decisions

Moreover, he ultimately learned of his denial on the same day that the freshly inaugurated President Donald Trump revealed plans to pardon hundreds arrested for participating in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. During this attack, over 140 federal and local police officers were assaulted and government property was damaged and stolen (Update: Trump pardoned about 1,500 people involved in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol).

Jackson, however, remains undaunted.

“The fight for the American felon, of which I am one, must continue,” he said. “Americans have been provided forgiveness as a gift in the Constitution — in the function and character of the Office of the President. The process must not be reserved for the privileged.”

Clemency and Politics: The Impact on Voter Dynamics

Jackson also said that he planned to take his appeal to Trump, stating that if the returning President did what Biden had failed to do, it would draw more voters to the Republican party.

“If President Trump wields his pardon pen for the debt paid felon, as it is expected he will for January 6th insurrectionists, I believe he will make inroads into the base of the Democratic Party on a scale that we have not seen,” he said.

Jackson added, “The power to grant grace and new life to an American citizen (70+ million debt paid and unpardoned offenders) is the most powerful power in the Constitution and only the President of the United States can do it.”

“The power of grace and mercy is inherent in the office irrespective of the party who holds the office.”

Clemency and Politics: The Impact on Voter Dynamics

Tacuma R. Roeback is the Managing Editor for the Chicago Defender.

His journalism, non-fiction, and fiction have appeared in the Smithsonian Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tennessean, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Phoenix New Times, HipHopDX.com, Okayplayer.com, The Shadow League, SAGE: The Encyclopedia of Identity, Downstate Story, Tidal Basin Review, and Reverie: Midwest African American Literature.

He is an alumnus of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Chicago State University, and Florida A&M University.

Conclusion

Jesse Jackson Jr.’s denial of clemency is a missed opportunity for justice and a stark contrast to President Trump’s pardon plans. The fight for the American felon must continue, and it is up to the next President to make a change.

FAQs

Q: Why was Jesse Jackson Jr. denied clemency?

A: Jackson Jr. was denied clemency because he did not meet the criteria set by President Biden for pardons.

Q: What are the criteria for pardons?

A: The criteria for pardons are not publicly disclosed, but they typically involve a review of the individual’s criminal record and a determination of whether they have shown remorse and taken steps to rehabilitate themselves.

Q: What is the impact of pardons on voter dynamics?

A: Pardons can have a significant impact on voter dynamics, as they can affect the political affiliations and voting patterns of individuals and communities. In this case, Jackson Jr. believes that a pardon from President Trump could draw more voters to the Republican party.

Q: What is the next step for Jesse Jackson Jr.?

A: Jackson Jr. plans to continue his appeal for clemency and take his case to President Trump.