The Rev. Jackson, latest gift to eastern Will County landowners

Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. 

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is the latest Christmas present for eastern Will County landowners.

Every year it seems, the State of Illinois' and its lieutenants deliver a new gift to rural folks who live 40 miles south of Chicago.

Christmas traditions can be so heartwarming—except in this case. Here, supporters of the state's plan to build the Peotone Airport—that isn't needed, wanted, or would serve any positive purpose whatsoever for the people of Illinois—have threatened to ruin another Christmas for the good folks out in the country. This tradition has been going on for decades. Yet, somehow the audacity of it still takes me by surprise.

This is the first time, Jesse, Sr. has been involved in this effort.

Perhaps this marks a last gasp for the Jacksons before they finally realize they aren't going to get what they want. Or maybe Dad is being groomed to take over the battle after young Jesse gets indicted for trying to bribe the former Illinois governor—Rod Blagojevich—who was charged with filling the vacated senate seat once held by Barack Obama. Honestly, Illinois politics is really something.

Perhaps it would be helpful to issue score cards during voter registration just so folks can keep track of the many ways their elected officials try to enrich themselves at the people's expense.

It seems the elder Jackson was a stand-in for his son at this meeting of the minds of airport boosters. Junior, who couldn't attend the meeting because he was busy castigating Barack Obama in Washington. Young Jesse isn't fond of not getting his way.

I'm sure he would rather have been at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park Thursday night among all his friends and supporters. They are all pushing the state for control of a new airport (that may never be built) outside Jesse's own congressional district, and far from the towns represented by Jesse's posse.

At least the result of this year's gift of Jesse Jackson, Sr. will be more lip service by those who want to castigate Gov. Pat Quinn for not giving Jesse, Jr. what he wants. Is there a theme here?

Introducing the Rev. Jackson marks a real scaling back on gifting. Perhaps airport boosters are trying to save money during these tough economic times.

In past years, Holiday gifts were much more lavish—ripping out perfectly good houses and barns, decimating the countryside and sending threatening letters vowing to take homes and property.

So once again, Merry Christmas eastern Will County. May 2011 be another no airport New Year.