Journal pudge's Journal: Democratic Congressman Assaults College Student 9
His name is Bob Etheridge, a Democratic* Congressman from North Carolina. After being asked a simple (though perhaps loaded) question on a sidewalk, the Democratic* Congressman -- in the words of the NRCC -- "lost it" and assaulted the questioner: an unnamed, self-professed, college student. The Democratic* Congressman grabbed the person on the wrist, and later on the neck; he repeatedly asked, "who are you;" and then he lied that he had a "right to know" who the student is.
Frankly, I am more disturbed by the lie than by the physical assault. The physical assault, while disturbing, was a one-time incident, resulting in only a temporary loss of liberty to the victim. Such a lie, though, from an elected official of the federal government -- a Democratic* Congressman -- could be used to permanently deprive someone of his First Amendment rights.
Thinking more about it, though, I wouldn't be surprised that a Democratic* Congressman didn't know that we have a First Amendment right to anonymity, since the Democratic* Party has spent so much time in the last couple years assaulting our First Amendment rights (saying groups of people lose their right to speech when they exercise their right to associate, for example).
OK, maybe that was overly partisan. It's not like some Republican politicians don't have First Amendment problems too (John McCain did help author the bill I am referring to, after all). But I get really angry about government assaults on liberty, whether corporate assaults on corporate liberty (lockstep Democratic* opposition to the rights of filmmakers), or individual assaults on individual liberty (a Democratic* Congressman assaulting an individual on a sidewalk).
I agree with some of the commenters I've seen that the Democratic* Congressman should be removed from office as soon as possible. Practically speaking, that may mean just waiting until November, of course. It's notable that currently, Democratic* Congressman Bob Etheridge's election web site is not responding.
*Note that I used the proper form of the party name here. As an adjective, the word is "Democratic," not "Democrat." I took great pains to make sure everyone knows that this is a "Democratic" official, not merely a "Democrat" official: that he is, in fact, an elected member of Congress that belongs to the Democratic Party. (You're welcome!)
Cross-posted on <pudge/*>.
The videos... (Score:3, Interesting)
I watched them. It was disturbing watching Etheridge grab the guy -- fairly forcefully. Both by the hand then neck. This was obviously WAY over any line that a reasonable person should expect from another reasonable person. I for one expect much much more from our elected representatives. This was a major failure to think before acting on Etheridge's part.
It became fairly obvious to Etheridge himself that he crossed a line, too. That "hug" and strained smile afterward to make it appear less than it was. It looked forced and fake.
Re: (Score:1, Flamebait)
Seen on Sound Politics: "Do you fully support the Obama agenda" is now considered fighting words. I can see November from my house.
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Well, I remember when Charlie Gibson asked Sarah Palin if she supported the "Bush Doctrine" and she pulled out a black-jack, knocked him unconscious and had her dog pee on his shoes while he was out. Oh wait... that didn't happen. She asked for clarification and was resoundingly demonized as uninformed. Clearly, she should have placed Gibson in a half-nelson. Golden rule time.
Re: (Score:2)
HA
Am I the only one... (Score:2)
Am I the only one who is disturbed by the fact that the DC Police havent arrested this guy? When did politicians become some sort of exempt social class? For example, if I walked up to a congressman and grabbed him by the back of the neck and the arm and started asking him "Who are you", I am quiet certain that I would be spending the night in the DC jail until arraigned.
A simple assault charge is no big deal, but its still assault, and the congressman should still be charged, just like any other person. Th
Re: (Score:2)
For this crime, my guess is that they won't charge him unless asked to by the victim.
moo (Score:2)
If he were a Republican Congressman would you say anything.
Would you mention the "Republican" part or just say, "A Congressman assaulted a woman on the street."
Re: (Score:1, Troll)
If he were a Republican Congressman would you say anything.
Yes. You obviously don't know me well.
Would you mention the "Republican" part or just say, "A Congressman assaulted a woman on the street."
Yes. You obviously don't know me well.
I would not have repeated "Republican" as many times, but that's a joke, making fun of Democrats who get angry when people don't say "Democratic" and instead say "Democrat." I thought I'd rub it in a little.
Re: (Score:2)
Can you cite any instances where this has happened? Where a Republican did something "negative" and wasn't identified in the news article *AS* a Republican? I don't think I've ever seen one. I have, however, not only seen the opposite, but I've seen Democrats who did something "negative" get MISIDENTIFIED as Republicans (see Gary Condit circa 2000 or 2001 off the top of my head)...
I just wonder why you