DUers, please reflect on something (Re: Cynthia McKinney)...

[Sapphire Blue]

I've seen a variety of reactions on this board regarding the incident involving Representative Cynthia McKinney & the Capitol police.

How would you react if the incident had involved Senator Russ Feingold? Or Senator Barbara Boxer? Or Representative Nancy Pelosi?

Would your reaction differ in any way?

[gizmo1979]

1. I'd love to fight for the woman

but if the story is as printed it'll be pretty hard.Just apologize and move on.I really hate the "Do you know who I'm" defense.

[MADem]

2. My reaction--yet ANOTHER thread on this subject???

Let nature and the legal system take its' course. One way or another, the issue will be resolved, but it is unlikely that any damn thing will happen over the weekend. The Cap police admin offices are closed.

[petronius]

14. It's about time for 'GD: McKinney'

right next to 'GD: Immigration'...

[MADem]

21. Heh, heh n/t

[QC]

49. Welcome to McKinney Underground!

Please visit our forums: Latest Breaking McKinney News, General McKinney Discussion, The McKinney Lounge, and more!

[niyad]

3. perhaps a question is, WOULD this have happened to them, or to an

MC with an r after the name?

[IsItJustMe]

6. You stoled my thoughts.

[Sapphire Blue]

8. That is an excellent question!

[Name removed]

24. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[IsItJustMe]

4. Not one iota!

[jjmalonejr]

5. How do you mean?

You mean if Russ Feingold socked a Capitol Hill cop for stopping him when he wasn't wearing an ID pin and then lamented that he was being harrassed for "being in Congress while Jewish"?

No, my reaction would not differ. I would think he was being nutty too.

I generally like Cynthia McKinney, but I think she acted badly and is continuing to act badly. imho.

[IsItJustMe]

7. I gues you know what happened? Fox was it?

[jjmalonejr]

11. I guess you do too.

[IsItJustMe]

13. No I don't. Thats why I'm not copping a judgement one way or another. I

have been told that it's innocent until proven guilty. That's just what I heard.

[jjmalonejr]

17. I take your point.

I just didn't like the way you assumed I'm some sort of Fox-bot. I'm hearing just as much uninformed BS spouting from defenders of McKinney. You're right, I shouldn't assume facts that I don't know for certain to be true.

My point was that what bothers me is McKinney's injection of race into the equation. I don't know if she "assaulted" anyone, but I do know that she's claiming to be the victim of racism and I just think it's irresponsible.

[IsItJustMe]

19. They are doing a damn good job crusifying her on Faux right now. Raw meat

kind of thing going on. I just don't want us helping them do their dirty work. I haven't heard about the comments she made, but even if she did say something to that effect, I would let it slide. I haven't lived in her shoes.

When my black brother says something like that, I have a little empathy because I haven't sung that song. Peace!
:hi: :hi:

[flyarm]

15. hmmm she showed her congressional I.d...that "fact" is being ignored n/t

[jjmalonejr]

18. Neither one of us has all the facts.

I'm just saying that McKinney is crying "racism" and I find it hard to believe she has any basis for that.

I just think it's irresponsible, damages her credibility and diminishes the very real instances of racism in our country by making a mountain out of a molehill.

[flyarm]

20. there is a history of what she has experienced ..once at the white house..

and you are correct ..none of us know what happened..period..

more the reason the tape needs to be seen..

by everyone..

fly

[Jigarotta]

44. she has acted goodly.

for many years.
I think some of our sensitivities are acting badly here. Don't we know the Program by Now?

Tiny non issues to cover up Real Badly stuff. Works all the time.

[Jigarotta]

56. depends what the definition of is 'socked' is.

maybe she just plowed him one right in the nuts?
or maced him? yeah, maybe that.
actually, she took out her gatling gun from her tiny purse and sprayed him.

...developing insanity.

[ShortnFiery]

69. Anyone who does not BEND and BOW to authority all the way

up to thinking "being assaulted" is just fine?

Oh yeah, that make ZERO sense whatsoever.

Well, unless you love jack boots and a budding totalitarian state.

The Capitol Hill Police are steeped in "face recognition" and protocol. Therefore, this officer would not have even CONSIDERED the thought of GRABBING those other legislators from behind. He was convinced beyond any doubt that a black woman with big hair had NO PLACE in our congress.

[ladjf]

9. I am a C. McKinney fan. If, however, the events transpired as

reported, I believe that more prudent behavior by her would have helped her to preserve the image of an in control, up and coming young Democratic leader. There is no good reason not to wear an ID badge. If, as reported, she struck the policeman, what did that prove? Ms. McKinney should save her battles for the floor of the House of Representatives.

I hope that she emerges unscathed. But, I don't think that will be the case.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

10. Who It Was Is Of No Relevance To Me. Only Facts Are.

Not enough of them yet, but from what's available so far it appears at this time to be a matter of bad judgement and impulse reaction. Regardless, it is still being blown way out of proportion to what it really was. Hopefully all the facts will come out and we will know the truth one way or the other. It is only those facts that matter to me, not the individual.

[oasis]

12. This was a setup. The right wing is constantly looking for the opportunity

to snatch one of ours in an attempt to discredit the entire party. The GOP and their operatives are like packs of hyenas and jackals
circling a herd of wildebeast.

I'd investigate the officer and his contacts.

[Comadreja]

16. Looking for an earlier incident

I remember in the buildup/early Iraq protest period a woman with a "Thou Shalt not Kill" placard was hit and nearly run over by a WH cop, but haven't had any luck finding it on Google. Anyone know where to get a video clip, picture or just a report?

[Gabi Hayes]

33. somebody here posted a very early "Hill" article on this, in which

they cited two, maybe THREE other instances where she'd been stopped/hassled by the cops there

one of the instances had to do with her 23 year old aide being mistaken for a congressperson, instead of McKinney. the circumstances were not delved into (ID, etc), but she has had trouble in the past

and AFA all this difficulty in being able to recognize her, it's their JOB to recognize members of congress, exactly so this sort of thing doesn't matter?

what's that, you say? there are FIVE hundred plus of them?

well, gee. how many African American congresswomen are there? and how many of those have had SEVERAL run-ins with the police?

do you think they just MIGHT want to be extra careful in her case?

this whole thing stinks to high heaven

[Gabi Hayes]

34. why do all you holier than thou types spout your ignorance without

knowing any of her background?

huh?

from the Hill

• In 1993, after she complained about being stopped by security guards, Capitol Police posted a photo of her on an office wall so that officers could remember who she was.

• In 1995, McKinney reportedly contacted the sergeant at arms after a white Capitol Police officer asked her to consent to a security check.

• In 1996 and 1998, she complained that White House security officials failed to recognize her and did not give her the same treatment as other members of Congress, at one time mistaking her 23-year-old white aide for the congresswoman

http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/033006/news3.html

also

''The incident yesterday was uncannily reminiscent of a scene in a recent documentary about McKinney, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Filmmaker Ian Inaba followed her around Capitol Hill for “American Blackout,” about African-American voting rights and McKinney’s 2002 reelection bid.

In one scene, McKinney is walking into the House side of the Capitol with Inaba when a white Capitol Police officer stops her. McKinney informs him that she is a congresswoman, prompting an immediate apology.

She then told the filmmaker that she is often challenged when entering the Capitol.''

it mentions a witness who says he punched her, but this story has gone through various transformations, much like the Cindy Sheehan/banner story did.

wonder who the witness was

wonder why people can't wait til this all shakes out to make such tendentious statements about rule of law, before ANY of the facts have been heard in a court of law, if that ever happens

[MrBenchley]

22. Not sure what that's supposed to mean....

You mean if Pelosi weren't wearing her pin, and was stopped by the cop at the security barrier, and punched him?

[Sapphire Blue]

23. That's what's been REPORTED in the 'news'; would your reaction...

... be identical if the 'news' report was about another MC? Would you so readily believe whatever was reported about another MC, as it seems that you do in regard to Rep. McKinney? Do you as readily believe all 'news' reports about everything & everyone else? Has a disinterested eyewitness to the incident involving Rep. McKinney come forward? Or video released?

[MrBenchley]

26. In other words...

am I supposed to pretend that an antiSemitic loon without a shred of credibilty has some credibility?

No thanks.

[Sapphire Blue]

28. "an antiSemitic loon"?!?! You lost me; WTF are you talking about???

[MrBenchley]

29. Don't let any facts get in your way....

Maybe you ought to find out something about this disgraceful loon before you start your crusade....

[Sapphire Blue]

30. US Representative Cynthia McKinney is a "disgraceful loon"?!?!?!

Sorry (not), nothing I "find out" will cause me to share your disgusting opinion.

Maybe you ought not to smear Rep. McKinney w/your BS.

[MrBenchley]

32. The only BS is you trying to pretend this demented dimwit

has any credibility whatsoever....

[Sapphire Blue]

35. Now she's a "demented dimwit"? You know, the question posed in my OP...

... was whether DUers reaction would have been the same had the incident involved an MC other than Cynthia McKinney... perhaps a more 'popular' MC. You have responded w/repeated vile insults against Rep. McKinney. Perhaps my question to you should be, "Do you insult all MCs in the same vile manner that you insult Rep. McKinney? Would you insult Senators Feingold & Boxer in the same vile manner? Would you insult Rep. Pelosi in the same vile manner?"

BTW, you do know that McKinney is a Democrat, don't you?

[Gabi Hayes]

37. I wouldn't bother any more with this sort of critter

you know the story of what happened to her in the 2002 campaign, yes?

[Sapphire Blue]

39. No, I don't need to bother any more... this critter's answer is obvious.

[MrBenchley]

43. Ah, that 2002 campaign, when her dad blamed "the J-E-W-S"

and Cynthia went sashaying around the campaign trail with Louis Farrakhan....

"Misty, water-color memories....we simply choose to forget"

[Jigarotta]

59. yep and noted. nt

[MrBenchley]

42. She's always been a demented dimwit...this escapade is just the latest

embarassment from her.

You know, the question was a pantload and went downhill from there.

""Do you insult all MCs in the same vile manner that you insult Rep. McKinney?"
Not all members of Congress are demented, antiSemitic imbeciles who punch cops.

Turds like Faux Noise are trying to pretend McKinney is representative of all Democrats...you'd think that would give some people a clue, but I guess it's too much to ask.

[Sapphire Blue]

45. You should call hannity or o'reilly... they'd love to hear from you.

Your posts on this thread have have answered my questions quite well.

[MrBenchley]

46. Actually, Faux Noise is pushing YOUR point of view

Go figure...they're trying to pretend that an anti-Semitic loony who punched a cop represents some ideal Democrat.

[Sapphire Blue]

53. Since I disagree w/your insults against McKinney, you imply that I am...

... a perfect example of "FAUX NOISE's" distortion of the Democratic Party. (I'll take that as a compliment :evilgrin: ) Using this tactic will not intimidate me into agreeing with you or your insults.

Since I don't watch "FAUX Noise", I don't know what they are saying about this incident, but I certainly don't doubt that they are calling Rep. McKinney the same vile names that you have been calling her... perhaps even worse.

Just what IS my point of view, oh all-knowing one? Where have I presented the point of view which you have attributed to me? Are hannity & o'reilly asking if their viewers to reflect on what their reactions would be had this incident involved a MC other than McKinney? (Since "FAUX News" never asks their viewership to think, I doubt it.) That is the 'view' that I've presented here, but you are reading something else into the question that I've presented... something that seems to suit your own purposes. Your responses have been nothing more than repeated insults against a US Representative that you dislike (hate?), and calling her names. Rather juvenile.

Perhaps you should spend some time reflecting on the questions I've asked. No need to respond further... as you have made the answer to my question very obvious.

[bpilgrim]

57. Is it a surprise that MrBench & FAUX NOISE is on the same page?

at least he is open about his sources :evilgrin:

peace

[Name removed]

67. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MrBenchley]

65. Since they're not insults but facts about the antiSemitic loony

and since you ARE trying to pretend she represents the mainstream fo the Democratic party, I really doin't give two craps for your phony outrage.

"Perhaps you should spend some time reflecting on the questions I've asked."
Or perhaps I'll just blow them off as disingenuous noise, as they deserve.

[Sapphire Blue]

70. Wow. 4 new posts & all insults. Please enlighten us left-wing loonies,

... oh, all-knowing one, just what is "the mainstream fo the Democratic party"? (It would seem that, according to you, we left-wing loonies may need this spelled out so that we can conform to your 'ideals'... just what might those 'ideals' be?)

Just how am I "trying to pretend she represents the mainstream fo the Democratic party'? Seems that you're the one that keeps implying that she does (you & "FAUX Noise"), and you're the one who blasts us left-wing loonies for 'pretending' that she does. You also seem very concerned w/what "FAUX Noise" has to say. Why is that MrB? Why are you so concerned about "FAUX Noise's" 'noise'? If you "really doin't give two craps for your <my> phony outrage", why do you feel the need to keep responding w/your insults?

My goodness, did I hit a sore spot in suggesting that "Perhaps you should spend some time reflecting on the questions I've asked."? If you'll "just blow them off as disingenuous noise, as they deserve", why do you keep responding?

Thanks for your continued response to this thread; you continue to prove just who & what you are.

[bpilgrim]

48. are you referring to yourself?

since you are the first one to spout how Dem's need to stick together unless it's a dem you don't like then it's out with the name calling.

predictable

peace

[Gabi Hayes]

36. just curious...how do we know you're not a

disgraceful loon, slandering anyone with whom you disagree?

just curious

[MrBenchley]

47. For one thing...

I don't go sashaying around the campaign trail with a bigot like Louis Farrakhan...notr do I pretend Al Gore is a racist. Mc Kinney does...and now she punched a cop when he was doing his duty.

[bpilgrim]

52. stop spreading BULLSHIT, please

even the cops have retracted the BS about her punching anyone.

peace

[MrBenchley]

66. Not bullshit, but fact, pilgrim

She's an antiSemitic loon.

[bpilgrim]

50. if you go back through his posts

he is :evilgrin:

peace

[Jigarotta]

58. disgraceful loon?

LOL! that's funnier than hell, thanks for the guffaw.

So being brave and honest enough to speak against the Killing Machine for these so many years, makes her loony? LOL#2.

[Gabi Hayes]

60. you GO! and welcome to DU!

join the loon society

[Jigarotta]

64. thanks Gabi! been a 'loon' for a while now. ;) nt

[MrBenchley]

68. LOL!

Being an antiSemitic imbecile who called Al Gore a racist makes her a disgraceful loon.

[mondo joe]

25. I hope and believe I'd have the same response.

I'm very let down by double standards.

[devilgrrl]

27. ARREST THEM ALL!!!!! STRING THEM UP!!!!!!

Goddamned Liberal trouble makers! :sarcasm:

[NYCGirl]

31. What if it were someone like Rep. JC Watts? Would DUers be reacting

differently?

[Gabi Hayes]

38. I'd hope that, as much as I loathe that particular "disgraceful loon," to

quote one of the distinguished posters on this thread, that I'd be able to withhold judgment until some verifiable facts are in

but all this speculation, and 'what ifs', begs the point

this is playing into the hands of the right wing radicals that run our country, weighing in with several instances of character assassination certainly doesn't help

I'm stunned that people here who are so quick to judge aren't willing to wait until the facts come in, PARTICULARLY in the face of several prior instances of unprofessional behavior on the part of the police there

EDIT: see post 34 for some factual information on previous exchanges

[NYCGirl]

40. I'd hope so, too. But I'm afraid our reaction would be very different. NT

[Gabi Hayes]

41. sure wouldn't be now, I bet

unlike the fascists who are running us into the ground, most DUers, I suspect, are capable of learning from their 'mistakes'

course the fascoids never admit any, so where does one go with that?

[Milspec]

51. No it would not

Cynthia McKinney is nuttier than a squirrel turd

[goclark]

54. There are some little people under a bridge in this thread

I'm going to not respond to them and maybe they will go back to sleep over there where they belong.

[bigwillq]

55. What if it happened to you?

I would hit the cop too.

[Nikki Stone1]

61. Feingold and Boxer have not challenged the official 9/11 story the way

McKinney has. Sorry, but I think she was being provoked and I think it was deliberate, precisely because she has been so outspoken about 9/11.

[Gabi Hayes]

63. has anybody in a position of power (not that she really is)

challenged the 'findings?'

those DINOs on the commission made me want to vomit

[Gormy Cuss]

62. No.

I wouldn't have reacted differently if it had been Katherine Harris. OK, maybe I would have enjoyed having her be the center of a negative media storm but if the story was otherwise the same I would have reacted to it in a similar way.

[The empressof all]

71. Locking

More flaming on this? Oh No!