Speaking of midlife crises?

Apparently Illinois prosecutors have decided, despite ample video evidence that would persuade this possible juror (if I were an Illinois resident, which thankfully I am not) of Jussie Smollett's guilt, to drop charges in exchange for him forfeiting bond in the amount of $10,000. 


There are two levels at which this is obnoxious.  First of all, you've got the reality that every second devoted to this case was a second not devoted to solving Chicago's horrendous rate of real crimes.  Shouldn't Smollett have been required to personally apologize to a few dozen grieving mothers on the South Side for diverting resources that could have solved the murders of their children, along with providing real resources (not just ten grand) for solving these crimes?


Second, it's worth noting that when politically favored defendants get sweetheart deals when dealing with their politically motivated crimes, you are going to get more of the same.  National Review's editors argue this here, and hint at what Michelle Malkin argues here; that the "fix" was led from some very interesting people who held important roles in Barack Obama's campaigns and administration.


The really nasty side effect of all this is that when people get the notion that the justice system doesn't work for them, they start working things outside the justice system.  You can see this, ironically, in Chicago, where large numbers of residents of poorer sections of the city will not work with police--a big factor driving hundreds of murders annually.


Congratulations, Illinois, on ignoring the requirements of justice, yet again.