The real culprit behind American unemployment? The iPad, says congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.: It’s “probably responsible for eliminating thousands of American jobs.” Just look at Borders' bankruptcy, he noted on the House floor on Friday: “Why do you need to go to Borders anymore? Why do you need to go to Barnes and Noble? Just buy an iPad and download your book, download your newspaper, download your magazine,” said the Illinois Democrat, who owns an iPad himself, notes the Huffington Post.
“What becomes of publishing companies and publishing company jobs?” Jackson asked. “What becomes of bookstores and librarians and all of the jobs associated with paper? Well, in the not-too-distant future, such jobs simply won't exist.” He slammed the gadget’s overseas production as well, adding that “there is no protection for jobs here in America.” It seems he’s changed his tune: Last month, he said the iPad was “revolutionizing” America and called for an “iPad for every student in the nation.” Click through for more on Jackson's iPad assertion. (More Jesse Jackson Jr. stories.)