It isn’t unusual to see House lawmakers glued to their iPads in between votes, corresponding with their offices and catching up with the news. But according to Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., the hottest tablet device is a job killer.

“A few short weeks ago I came to the House floor after having purchased an iPad, and I said that I happened to believe, Mr. Speaker, that ... this new device ... is now probably responsible for eliminating thousands of American jobs,” Jackson said. “Now Borders is closing stores, because why do you need to go to Borders anymore? Why do you need to go to Barnes & Noble? Buy an iPad and download your book, download your newspaper, download your magazine.”

He accused Apple co-founder Steve Jobs of hoping for a time when textbooks will no longer be used in schools and colleges, eliminating publishing companies and industry-related jobs associated with paper. He also said that the iPad is sending jobs to China, where it is produced.

“Certainly it is making life more efficient for Americans, but the iPad is produced in China. So the Chinese get to take advantage of our First Amendment value—that is to provide freedom of speech through the iPad to the American people. But there is no protection for jobs here in America to ensure that the American people are being put to work," Jackson said.

Yes, that’s the same Illinois Democrat who, according to The Hill, last month called for an amendment to the Constitution that would guarantee an iPad, Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble Nook for every schoolchild.

So which is it, Mr. Jackson? Because you can’t have it both ways.

(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty)