ask not for whom the bell tolls

…it tolls for thee, Jesse Jackson. Or at least for your rapidly dissipating influence.

“We are tired of coming here to voice our opinion when we got African-American people sitting at the table and saying they represent our interests and playing this puppet game,” said one protester. …

“What has [Jackson] sacrificed for his beliefs? Us. We've been sacrificed. On the altar of his political ambition our people have been destroyed,” said John Johnson, VOTE.

The ever-modest Jackson took the challenge in stride, however:

“They lashed out at Dr. King, they lashed out at Nelson Mandela, they lashed out at Jesus, so all of those who fight for change become the object of frustration,” said Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow-Push Coalition.

Okay. Messiah complex, noted. But someone ought to tell the sorry reverend that when you are being protested by your own constituency, at home in Chicago, you are over. But Jackson isn't the only one to have lost the memo.

An official with the New York Stock Exchange has confirmed that it will once again provide financial support for Jesse Jackson and his Wall Street Conference in January.

“We don't disclose that amount, but it is similar to previous years,” Adamonis said. The NYSE has previously donated about $100,000 per year to the Wall Street Project, according to Adamonis.

It will be a happy, happy day when Jackson's shakedown schemes are a distant memory. It would be an even happier day were Jackson also charged with extortion—but I'm not holding my breath on that one.