Jacksons' fate a question of time (Guilty perps not 'run-of-the-mill tax cheats')

Chicago Tribune ^ | 8/11/13 | Katherine Skiba

[Libloather]

**SNIP**

The Jacksons will learn their fate Wednesday after a fall from grace in which he quit Congress and she resigned from the Chicago City Council and both pleaded guilty to felonies involving a spending spree with $750,000 in campaign cash.

**SNIP**

Berman agreed with a point made by Jackson Jr.'s lawyers, who told the court: "The harsh spotlight of the media that has followed him at every step of the investigation, his plea and his sentencing has already punished Mr. Jackson and his family immeasurably."

Berman said the Jacksons, not being "run-of-the-mill tax cheats," had endured stigma and loss of reputation, intangibles that need to be weighed against the public perception that unless felons get hard time, they've gotten off with a slap on the wrist.

[Libloather]

The very same thing would happen to you.

[BenLurkin]

They are the victims here, can’t you see?

/s

[Lion Den Dan]

Not run of the mill taz cheats? No they are not, they are super duper tax cheats who were in positions of honor and trust. They should be hung from the nearest lamp post.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

I’ll buy the rope! Meet me in the Town Square...

[jagusafr]

Worst defense closing argument ever - “My clients have already been punished by being held up to public ridicule”. Puh-leeeeeeze!

[deport]

Berman said the Jacksons, not being “run-of-the-mill tax cheats,” had endured stigma and loss of reputation,

**************

Illegally taking or using money and comparing that to “run-of-the-mill tax cheats,” should
encompass penalties much greater than just enduring stigma and loss of reputation. JMO

[Standing Wolf]

They are the victims here, can’t you see?

Representatives of the Democratic [sic] party are professional pseudo-victims. I'm sure the fix is in.

[presently no screen name]

“My clients have already been punished by being held up to public ridicule”.

Then they are allowed to wear bags over their heads in jail.

[Artie]

“Berman said the Jacksons, not being “run-of-the-mill tax cheats,” had endured stigma and loss of reputation, intangibles that need to be weighed against the public perception that unless felons get hard time, they’ve gotten off with a slap on the wrist.”

These two felons were elected officials. They are to be held to a higher standard. I think public execution for crimes against the people should make a comeback. Then perhaps these felony driven politicians might think twice.