Jesse Jackson Jr, Mentally Ill

Associated Posers ^ | 10-18-2012 | geronl

[JaguarXKE]

Mental illness can often be managed very well with the right medications (My son's medication costs $1200/mo). For the record, there is a difference between mental illness and being "mentally handicapped", the later inferring lack of intellect. Even extremely bright people can be affected with mental illnesses like BiPolar or Schizophrenia. My son has Schizoaffective disorder, but because he is getting the right treatment to manage the illness, he was able to recently complete a leadership course and was just promoted to 1st Lt as a senior member in the Civil Air Patrol. About 25% of people with Schizophrenia, for example, can lead relatively productive lives if they are lucky enough to get a good diagnosis and get on the right medications. Strong family support is a must.

By the way, I'm not excusing JJJ. If he's done anything illegal (which for my money is highly likely) then he needs to be held to account. BiPolar isn't going to prevent that from happening and wasn't the point of my initial reply.

[JaguarXKE]

You’re right, there have been people who have faked mental illness, but it isn’t as easy as one might think. Even if Jackson has BiPolar, that will not get him off the hook for any illegal activities - nor should it.