Lawyer Says McKinney a Victim in Scuffle

[brooklynite]

WASHINGTON - A lawyer for Rep. Cynthia McKinney, the Georgia congresswoman who had an altercation with a Capitol Police officer, says she was "just a victim of being in Congress while black."

McKinney awaited word Friday on whether she would be charged for apparently striking the officer after she entered a House office building this week unrecognized and did not stop when asked.

Two law enforcement officials said it was unlikely a warrant would be issued this week. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Her lawyer, James W. Myart Jr., said, "Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, like thousands of average Americans across this country, is, too, a victim of the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials because of how she looks and the color of her skin."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060331/ap_on_go_co/mckinney_scuffle_9
- - -
Personally, I'm getting the impression this is akin to the "Don't you know who I am" behavior you sometimes get from celebrities. It may well be a requirement or desireable outcome that Guards can recognize legislators on site, but if they don't, and the legislator doesn't have appropriate ID and bypasses a security checkpoint, I'm not going to fault the guard for stopping them.

[shoelace414]

1. GWB

Governing While Black?

[sendero]

2. Without witnessing the incident..

... it is impossible to draw any conclusion IMHO.

If she was the only person in the area, and did not respond to the guard, well the guard might have a point. If there were a number of people passing through, she could have easily assumed he was talking to someone else.

There are just too many possible nuances to this situation to make much of a judgement, and I doubt we'll ever really know what happened. I will say this - IMHO the guard insisting on pressing charges is basically what we in the south call "chickenshit".

[ShortnFiery]

55. NO, we know that it is Rove's pal Matt Drudge that breathed life into

this minor incident. We also know that there was a republican committee member who INSISTED to as many news outlets he could contact that the Capitol Hill Police were going to arrest her.

Nope, the Capitol Hill Police are there precisely, more than any other task, to protect our esteemed members of congress. I doubt seriously that any WHITE woman or man would have been grabbed from behind. Why? Because this guard would have rightfully been concerned that she may have been a dignitary or a congresswoman.

Because there are FEW representatives, diplomats and dignitaries who are African American Women, the ONUS WAS ON THE CAPITOL HILL POLICE OFFICER to study her facial characteristics, NOT her hair style.

It has been proven in Psychological Research studies that people score "very low" at recognizing distinguishing facial characteristics of people outside their race.

Me thinks that it's time that more attention is paid to the FEW African American (and Hispanic) facial characteristics ... um, more classes, for the WHITE Capitol Hill Police Officers.

BTW and to make a point - Because I lived in Japan for nearly 4 years, it is simple for me to distinguish between the Asian Races. Why? Exposure. However, none of my WHITE friends can understand this "so called gift."

This Capitol Police officer was wrong on so many levels. It is WRONG for those of us who have experienced sexism and/or racism to entertain for one moment that this Officer had NOT FULLY made his mind up in advance that - "This Black Bitch" does not belong here!?! Otherwise he would not have used force by grabbing her arm.

They (Hill Police) are TRAINED that a few extra steps to station yourself in front of a distracted (potential representative or diplomat) is the BEST SOLUTION. He could have taken three steps and "made a scene!" Then there would be NO story.

Remember folks, it's Rove-Co and Faux that are making these absurd conclusions that she will be arrested. Consider the source while considering WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE RESULT had this same officer would have been unable to recognize Condi Rice and, in turn, would have *grabbed her* from behind?

This is a case of Political Smear Campaign in it's infancy. If the Officer does the professional act of NOT pressing charges. It will end at that. If he DOES allow Rove-Co. to use him and makes assault charges, then this not only is political but begs undertones of sexism and racism.

I'm disgusted in good democrats say, "Oh, we just don't know!" Bull, if that ONE republican committee member had not observed this incident, it would NOT have forced it's way (thanks to Matt Drudge and FOX News) into the PUBLIC news arena.

Please consider the above ... the FACTS before you go about again in spin ... "Oh! We just don't know or understand."

WE KNOW ... ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN A VICTIM OF OVERREACHING AUTHORITARIAN BEHAVIOR ... AND WE UNDERSTAND that if he had grabbed a crack whore trying to sneak in he would have received an "atta boy review." But this OFFICER grabbed an esteemed Congresswoman instead?!?

Unless you warmly look forward to living in a police state, I suggest that we STAND UNITED in our support for Congresswoman McKinney. Her only crime was being uppity enough to be a black woman member of Congress.

It is beyond time for this OFFICER to drop the charges. I want to know of any money the Republican Campaign committees may attempt to forward to him if he does NOT do the right thing.

This is WAR! They try to spread this smarmy "swift boating", let's get them right out of the gate?

For heaven's sake fellow DUers! If you don't have an inkling of the evil and corruption that the Republican Noise Machine is capable of then we deserve to LOSE. We must stand united or fall flat.

[sendero]

57. While I totally agree..

... that there is a high likelihood this is a smear campaign, and I've already said that if the policeman files charges he is a chickenshit, I wasn't there so it is really impossible to tell what happened.

If there is video and they won't show it, they'll never get a conviction though.

[5X]

3. Thanks for being judge and jury,

you saved the taxpayers the money.

[slackmaster]

4. Playing the Race Card will not serve her well

The guard had a duty to stop ANYONE that he did not recognize as a member of Congress.

If he DID recognize her, he should be charged with assault. If not, he's in the clear and she is in deep yogurt.

[Bucky]

15. There's part of the problem. Members of Congress SHOULD be stopped too.

How typical that they expect that they should be able to waltz thru the bothersome security procedures that ordinary people have to endure. If there were any justice, security pimping members of Congress would have to go thru robot-performed cavity searches just to use the telephone.

[fknobbit]

48. except for

US Constitution, Article 1, Section 6

[Media_Lies_Daily]

72. Members of Congress have places to go and meetings to attend...

...just like their staffers who are also excused from passing through security. Would you rather that they wait in line every time they need to be in another building?

"Bothersome procedures"? Hmmm.

[av8tor05]

79. Yes.

Yes, if our Congress folk had to abide by the sames rules, regulations, and laws that they mete out to us common folks then maybe, just maybe there would be a few less idiotic rules and regulations passed. So to answer your question, Yes they should have to go through security at work, just like I do in a government building.

[ShortnFiery]

58. Oh yes it will ... especially when he had no need to grab her

from behind.

There's no "playing" here. The officer FAILED to recognize her as a congresswoman. Oh! She changed her hairstyle. Hum? Let's see if Sen. Specter loses all his hair again, if THIS officer grabs him from behind?

Oh, Condi has also changed her hair from plastered down to flowing, let's see what happens to this OFFICER if he grabs Ms. Rice from behind?

There's absolutely no excuse. If the officer does file charges, in addition to Republican Cronyisms, you can damn well bet there are true undertones of both RACISM as well as SEXISM.

Those of us who have experienced such ham handed - needless - authoritarian behaviors KNOW IT when we SEE IT. If he presses charges, you bet, it will ALL come to light. ;)

[ShortnFiery]

59. Hello! It's part of the OFFICER's job to recoginize ALL representatives.

And a change of hairstyle does not wash. <giggles - did I make a pun?>

Again, I bet all Capitol Hill Police officers who happen to be African American recognize McKinney? Oh but that's only because SHE'S ONE OF THEM!

He failed at his job to recognize the congresswoman.

No one better grab me from behind in any context. He could have taken three steps to position himself in front of her.

The Officer FAILED in his job. He was in error. He should promptly drop the charges. Anyone with knowledge of finances should check to see if this individual is NOT being paid by the Republican Smear Machine?

[confludemocrat]

95. Exactly. This is trumped up BS.

This is about her being black. As if this kind of racist bullshit couldn't happen anymore. She doesn't take shit from people, much less some over-officious cop who doesn't know his business well enough.
If you are not a white person chances are you have no idea what she has to go through every day with authorities like these cop types.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

70. Oh, please. She's not in ANY trouble except in the minds of....

...those that wish her ill. I've even read things that people have posted about her on DU that I never thought I would ever see.

"Race card"? She's one of fourteen black female Members of Congress...if a security officer can't learn to recognize her on sight then maybe he should be seeking another line of work.

Additionally, she was wearing her Congressional ID, which is certainly more visible than a tiny lapel pin.

[Bridget Burke]

5. Too bad she didn't shoot an old man in the face....

Could she have gotten him to apologize in national TV?

[aikoaiko]

6. Where is the video when you need it? nt

[oneighty]

9. Tie?

Your user name. Just curious.

180

[Ian David]

7. Maybe she thought he was a quail? n/t

[Media_Lies_Daily]

73. What does that mean?

[datadiva]

8. From what I understand

There is video of the incident but they are not releasing it because of the ongoing investigation. If it favors McKinney you can bet it will never get released. I am reserving judgement myself. But the way things are going lately, you get my drift.

[jumpoffdaplanet]

14. Not releasing the video likely means

She didn't hit the guard, and that the guard manhandled her.

If it was the way the guard says it was, they'd "leak" it in a heartbeat

[peaches2003]

22. Not the altercation

The video it is said shows her walking around the metal detector, but not much if any of the actual altercation which was further away as she had kept on walking.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

31. How convenient that the video is not going to show the actual....

...altercation. Interesting, don't you think?

[Solo_in_MD]

41. Why would you expect a fixed camera to be pointed at an area

outside the one where most of the attention would be focused? Occam Razor says that most likely there is no conspiracy about releasing a tape.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

69. Right. You do realize we're dealing with the NeoCons, don't you?

[ShortnFiery]

56. Yes there's no excuse for the Capitol Hill Police Officer to

grab a Congresswoman from the back, he should know her facial characteristics vice hairstyle. I doubt seriously that many African American Capitol Hill Police Officers would NOT readily recognize her. Oh but you'd quip, "She's one of THEM?" :puke:

Let's do an experiment and have him grab Condi from behind tomorrow? Even if she does not react, what are the odds that this officer would KEEP HIS JOB?

Oh Heavens Senator Spector! Don't go through any more rounds of Chemotherapy and risk losing your hair again. You gotta know that the Capitol Hill Police only study our lawmaker's hairstyles in order to make identification. :puke: Why that WHITE man with all the Republican Power could equally have been man handled in such a way? Not! :P

[Media_Lies_Daily]

74. She isn't required to pass through the detector...

...but you knew that, didn't you?

[preciousdove]

10. Recognizing Congresspeople SHOULD be part of the job!

We learned this stuff in 4th grade. The quality of the Capital staff is evidently really, really bad or this was a set up. No excuse for this!

[slackmaster]

11. Sure, but what if the guard is relatively new on the job?

It takes a while to get to know 435 people.

[0007]

75. How many black members of congress, 'eh? How about fourteen?

So the relatively new guard doesn't wash well, 'eh?

[Media_Lies_Daily]

76. If the guard was relatively new, why was he placed in a position....

...to challenge Members of Congress? Why was he not in a secondary/trainee mode while he learned to recognize all of the Members of Congress by sight?

Your post seems like a pretty weak argument to me.

[Bacchus39]

97. she wasn't wearing her Congressional pin

the security officer was doing his job.

[Bacchus39]

96. and he was new on the job

n/t

[peaches2003]

23. Oh, really

Look at her picture with her trademark braids which she has had for years and then look at her with her new hairdo- you wouldn't recognize her either. And that is what she herself said right after the incident!

Now, of course, her story totally changes and she pulls her usual 'I'm the victim' routine. She does this everytime anyone challenges her arrogant attitude and her routine is getting old.

[0007]

28. Show me her arrogance of past performances please.

[LostinVA]

33. You keep on posting this in threads without any backup

Rep. McKinney HAS been the victim more than once -- of nasty, coordinated smears so bad she was sabotaged from holding her seat.

What keep changing is the "official" story: she punched him, she just hit with a cell phone, she slapped him... he only called her name...w ell, tapped her arm... well, okay, grabbed her from behind.... and yeah,m she was talking on a cell phone and may not have heard the cop....

Where you see arrogance, I see refusal to back down to the Man, where you see some kind of "victim" attitude (cause she's a woman? An African American???), I see a survivor of massive swiftboating.

spins spin spin

[toopers]

63. What is the most interesting right now . . .

is how the tone of her initial statement is much different than her second statement.

[ShortnFiery]

64. An person who happens to be African American would recognize

her either way (big hair or braids). Why? Because people of the same race more readily identify each other.

That's exactly why, WHITE police officers should take care to pay special attention to the distinguishing characteristics of those congresspersons of other races. That's exactly why what the police officer did was RACIST. Why did I make such a rash claim. Because he would not have entertained grabbing a POTENTIAL Congresswoman or High Ranking Official from behind *for one moment*.

All indicators are is that this white officer STEREOTYPED (Black - Woman) and made the split second decision that this person could NOT have been anyone of true importance.

How many other congresspersons have been GRABBED from behind? Again, had he not been 100% stereotypically sure that a black woman with big hair was of NO IMPORTANCE, he would NOT have assaulted her.

The Officer is at fault. When I was responsible for protocol, I studied people of color extensively. Despite what each race thinks of the other, "They don't all look alike." A black officer would not have made such an automatic conclusion ... a black officer would have stood in front of the person he wished to question. Heaven forbid Nancy Pelosi change her hairstyle lest she too could be GRABBED from behind by a Capitol Hill Officer. Arlen Specter best not have more chemo-therapy because "hairstyle is all inclusive" when it comes to recognizing our esteemed diplomats and representatives.

Bunk! The Officer erroneously behaved in a thug-type manner because he applied stereotypical racism, i.e., a black, big haired woman cannot be of any importance - stop her instead of taking three extra steps to get in front of her path. Racism! Pure and simple.

[toopers]

83. You are making an interpretation without facts . . .

what if he simply didn't recognize her because her hair is drastically different than it has been for the previous 15 (or more) years? I live in her district and I didn't recognize her when I first saw the new hairdo. Finally, what would have happened if the cop didn't stop her and she ended up being a psycho? You have applied stereotypes more than the cop!

[Marnieworld]

84. you miss a good point though

Putting aside why he didn't recognize her, his choice to grab from behind was based on his assumption that this couldn't be a potential congress person. He went to the limit of force when a lesser action- stepping in front of her and confronting her verbally was more appropriate. I would be very surprised to learn that grabbing is option 1 all of the time. He made the mistake by going too far too fast.

[toopers]

86. The reports that I have heard/read . . .

is that he called after her first. Just the fact that he had to grab her from behind indicates that McKinney was already by him and that he had to catch up with her. I am not sure why anyone's first reaction is to hit someone. I know that if I struck a cop, I would have been taken down and carted off to jail.

[LisaL]

121. You know what-all of that does not give her the right to poke him.

He also asked her to stop, and she didn't. And she wouldn't wear her ID.
If she really wanted to prevent such misunderstandings, she would be wearing her ID as required.

[Pastiche423]

12. Where was your personal impression

in the 2002 mid term elections?

The repukes are just continuing their smears against Cynthia that they started in the run up to the 2002 elections.

If I had received death threats, as Cynthia has, I'd swing at anyone who grabbed me from behind too.

[LostinVA]

34. I haven't received death threats, but if I felt strong arms

grabbing me from behind, I'd turn around swinging and kicking...

[Bucky]

13. I'm a white male. Let me test her theory that it was race, not behavior

I'll walk into the halls of Congress, refuse to slow down when told to by the police, and you know what? I'll walk right past them unaccosted. They probably won't even bother to ask me to show ID at all. I'm white. We can do anything. Now excuse me, old chaps... for I'm late for my golf game with Tom DeLay.


</sarcasm>

It's a shame when people devalue the race card, which we need to be able to play in political debates when real racism rears its head, by using it for their own selfish purposes. It teaches our children they should try to get out of any situation by crying racism.

[FredScuttle]

18. Thank you for telling us when to play the race card

Minorities around the country thank you for your valuable experience.

:sarcasm:

BTW, were you aware that this is not the first time Rep. McKinney has not been recognized as a member of Congress by the Capitol Hill Police?

[slackmaster]

26. About the other instances where she wasn't recognized...

Was she wearing her lapel pin?

Did the officers, who failed to recognize her, actually know who she was (and how do you know the answer to that)?

[Media_Lies_Daily]

32. What will you say if it was more than once?

[slackmaster]

44. It depends

If it was the same guard multiple times, I'd say that person acted inappropriately.

If on each instance the altercation was with a guard who didn't recognize her, she could have avoided the problem by wearing the lapel pin and has only herself to blame.

[Bacchus39]

98. so what?? do Capitol Police keep a picture of her in their wallets

I doubt it. by the way, the security officer was new and didn't recognize her. I have to show my ID and subject to a search and so do you. Is McKinney not subject to the same procedures? Jesus, all she has to do is wear her Congressional pin and she can breeze through. but she wasn't/

[ShortnFiery]

60. You have no idea !

You would be an excellent candidate to get that dark spray paint that they do in those reality shows to change race from WHITE to BLACK.

Walk a week as a person of color and see if you hold the same UPPITY perspective.

In other words, you have no idea - the continued undercurrent of covert racism (and some sexism) that flourishes today.

You really don't have any idea ... and yes, part of him GRABBING her had to do with her race. That's a given to those of us who have experienced jack booted thuggery from Authority Figures.

[Marnieworld]

85. Congressman Bucky? Is that you?

Unless you are an elected member of congress for multi-terms your little hypothetical is hardly an equal situation.

[symbolman]

16. It's because

all those black people "look alike".. especially when you have a time in history where STEREOTYPICAL Behavior is the NORM once again..

I had my teeth cleaned massively yesterday, lot of pain, under the gums skrub to fix them all, etc, and when I was done the dentist said, "Your teeth show all the symptoms of someone who is a meth user.." I wasn't sure I heard him right as I was under a fog of painkillers and NOX, but this it's now pissed me off..

What a thing to say to someone, is it my long hair? The fact that I wear a Maui Rock shirt of my own design? Round "Lennon" style glasses? Listening to Rock on my IPOD during the procedure?

I told the guy the truth, that I didn't even KNOW what meth LOOKED LIKE, other than on TV, never seen it in person, NEVER USED IT, hadn't done any sort of street drugs in 20 years or more.

People have no problem committing to IDIOTIC mindsets these days, like Bush they all want to be RIGHT and INSTANTANEOUSLY.

I'm gonna make that dentist apologise for even SAYING THAT.. and Cynthia should be apologised for being treated as some kind of standard BLACK WOMAN Issue..

Brought to you by the same people that call Iraqis "Sand niggers, Ragheads" etc.. it's the mentality now. An INSULT is no longer an insult and not supposed to be the ignorant persons fault, especially when they can cover it up by HIDING the film that PROVES they were at fault, and I'd bet my LIFE that Cynthia gave that guard EVERY opportunity to realise his mistake.

[Janice325]

20. Thanks for your post, symbolman.

I always appreciate reading your point of view.
I live in Georgia, in her district, voted for her in the last election. I'm a white female. I understand Ms. McKinney is reputed to have a somewhat "colorful" background. I'm hoping that this whole incident has been totally blown out of proportion and that both parties were at fault.
I'd really like to see the videotape, though.
I do think if Cynthia wasn't so vocal about the Bush administration this would have been a non-issue. I mean, jeeez, the guard pressing charges????? Hasn't Cindy Sheehan filed charges against whoever she was "manhandled" by on at least two recent occasions I can think of?

[AndyTiedye]

47. TIme for a New Dentist

I wouldn't put up with that.

[symbolman]

115. Oh god, it gets even better with the dentist

while I'm in the waiting room for a meet and greet I see a bunch of books on SCIENTOLOGY on his big desk, and I'm not talking about paperbacks, I was looking at HUGE volumes all numbered with titles, maybe 20 of them, about being some kind of Supervisor Hotshot in the "religion", PLUS KIDDIE Books on Scientology laying around..

I almost walked out right then and there, not wanting some nut working on my teeth, and it was REALLY hard for me to keep from bringing up that South Park episode that made the rounds a few weeks ago, the show they cancelled/censored about Scientology..

I sort of understand how he can get reality mixed up with bullshit and compare me to some meth user, he'd DELUDED.. I'm still in pain but know if I call him for a script he'll just tell me it's all in my head, like Tom Cruise talking about childbirth, little turkey ass..

A pal of mine came back from Europe and said that he'd run into Ron L. Hubbard while in Amsterdam, and that Ron had faked his own death, but still had a message that he wanted my pal to take back to america with him..

The message was, as my friend put it, "I was only Kidding.." :)

[Swamp Rat]

126. LOL!

I met him in a Heerlen cafe, near the German border. We got stoned and laughed at all the Scientology idiots. :rofl:

[brentspeak]

17. Crying "racism" -- stupid idea

Unless McKinney has some proof that the cop stopped her because she's black, not only will this make her look like a total race card-pulling crackpot, but it's total slander against the cop.

A cop spots a woman blowing by a security clearance, asks for her to stop, then grabs her arm when she doesn't comply. That's "excessive force" and "racism"? That's more like the cop simply doing his job.

[FredScuttle]

19. Puuting your hands on a Congresswoman

you better have a damn good reason beyond "hey, I don't recognize you because you're not a pasty, fat, bald white guy like the rest of those congresspeople"

[Snivi Yllom]

24. the police should stop ANYONE they dont recognize or wearing the right pin

period

[Laughing Mirror]

52. Have you ever been black?

No, I didn't think so.

[DrGonzoLives]

77. So should the cop just let anyone go through?

Especially if they're black? Just curious.

And spare me the argument about how the officer "should have recognized her." Do you really think they have the guards sit around for hours memorizing the faces of every single Representative in Congress?

[Laughing Mirror]

114. Yes the officer should have known her

That is part of their job description, so that IS the law.

[DrGonzoLives]

122. Evidence?

Care to back that up with proof? These guys aren't doormen, they're security.

[Laughing Mirror]

132. All of this information has been repeated many times on many threads

Here is McKinney's statement on this, which needs to be read, apparently, once again.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/8361195/detail.html

[slackmaster]

102. I have been black - It was an interesting experience

I went to a fund raising party at my neighborhood bar as a black-face pirate.

A bartender who has known me as a regular customer for a couple of years kept serving the people on either side of me, but never made eye contact with me until I said her name followed by "What does a man have to do to get a beer around here?"

People who have known me for 10 years or more walked right by without making eye contact.

It was like being invisible.



ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

[Laughing Mirror]

113. Jim Crow makes a happy comeback. Good grief!!

Some things never change.

[slackmaster]

131. I've puzzled over it since that night

Many white people seem to have a deep-seated fear of dark-skinned people.

[MrPrax]

21. Cops Have History of Mistaking McKinney

Well, it seems that cops have a hard time recognizing McKinney as a lawmaker. From a 2002 Slate profile of the congresswoman:

In August 1993, during her first term in office, a Capitol Hill police officer tried to prevent her from bypassing a metal detector, as members of Congress are allowed to do. For years afterward, The Hill reports, the Capitol Police pinned a picture of McKinney to an office wall, warning officers to learn her face because she refuses to wear her member's pin. (And because officers are innately suspicious of a black woman with braided hair and gold shoes.) Five years later, she blasted White House security after guards thought her 23-year-old white aide was the congresswoman.

from TPM Muckraker

Yup...cops never abuse their authority and citizens should just put up with it because they keep us safe :eyes:

[slackmaster]

27. She should wear the damn pin like all the other Members

She doesn't deserve any special treatment above and beyond what any other member receives.

(And because officers are innately suspicious of a black woman with braided hair and gold shoes.)

If I was one of those officers I'd be inately suspicious of any person who isn't wearing a lapel pin and bypasses the metal detector.

It's their job. They do that to protect members, including Ms. McKinney.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

29. Just curious, but how many black females are in Congress?

[slackmaster]

43. Not many, but what difference does it make?

If the guard didn't recognize her, he didn't recognize her.

If he DID recognize her he should be charge with assault.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

45. It makes a great deal of difference to people that have had....

...this done to them all of their life.

[symbolman]

116. Wow

and YOU call YOURSELF the SlackMaster.. wow..

[MrPrax]

40. Aye Aye Cap'n

Protecting America...you bet...any other Bushisms you want to run the flag pole to defend fascist cops manhandling black woman...did they think she was a suicide bomber or something? Where was the threat?

They hate her, she hates them and she, being an African-American in America, probably has good reason to hate them.

As if a black person showing 'proof of purchase' or ID or a 'members' pin' ever fuckin' matter to the pigs.

[slackmaster]

42. You misunderstand me

Not protecting America, protecting members of Congress including black female ones.

[Karenina]

50. You are very easily, clearly understood

21. Cops Have History of Mistaking McKinney

<<VERY BRIEF SYNOPSIS>>>

Well, it seems that *cops have a hard time recognizing McKinney as lawmaker*. From a 2002 Slate profile of the congresswoman:

In August 1993, during her first term in office, a Capitol Hill police officer tried to prevent her from bypassing a metal detector, as members of Congress are allowed to do. For years afterward, The Hill reports, the Capitol Police pinned a picture of McKinney to an office wall, warning officers to learn her face because she refuses to wear her member's pin. (And because officers are innately suspicious of a black woman with braided hair and gold shoes.)

Five years later, she blasted White House security after guards thought her 23-year-old white aide was the congresswoman.

<< And WHO could be waved through without question.>>


27. She should wear the damn pin like all the other Members.

<<What info do you have that ALL the other members wear their pins regularly?>>

She doesn't "deserve" any "special treatment" above and beyond what "any *other* member" receives.

<<Gimme a break! Reading the codeword lexicon as you type? :shrug: :eyes:>>

If I was one of those officers I'd be inately suspicious of any person who isn't wearing a lapel pin and bypasses the metal detector. It's their job.

<<It's their JOB to RECOGNIZE THE REGULARS. These FEDERAL EMPLOYEES are not "Brutus the Bouncer at a Biker Bash," it's their JOB to RECOGNIZE and finesse. A week old "new hire" knows Who's Who. Grabbing a woman from behind is a NO-GO in civil society and if not already part of their training, should be. The REAL MESSAGE is just a jackboot, reminding folks to remember their places.>>

MrPrax
Response to Reply #27
40. Aye Aye Cap'n
Protecting America...you bet...any other Bushisms you want to run the flag pole to defend fascist cops manhandling black woman...did they think she was a suicide bomber or something? Where was the threat?

<<The threat? A black woman speaking the truth to power.>>

As if a black person showing 'proof of purchase' or ID or a 'members' pin' ever fuckin' matter to the pigs.

<<PLEASE DON'T GET ME STARTED, MrPrax! You're in the entry booth at the rink. Hockey hoodlums-in-training OUT, USFSA drama IN. How can you tell if someone's an ice dancer?>>


Media_Lies_Daily
29. Just curious, but how many black females are in Congress?

slackmaster
Response to Reply #29
43. Not many, but what difference does it make?

<<It makes them EASILY RECOGNIZABLE. What about THAT can you fail to notice?>>>

[ShortnFiery]

61. I would bet money that African American "Capitol Hill Police"

Officers have NOT EVER had a problem recognizing McKinney.

She's an African American Woman - Not a Chameleon.

Maybe the WHITE Capitol Hill Police Officers need a course in distinguishing characteristics of the African American and Latin American races.

That way they won't mistaken such people of color as crack whores or wetbacks in the future.

This Officer would have stepped in front of McKinney if there was ANY DOUBT in his mind that she MAY belong there, i.e., he would NOT have taken the risk of assaulting a representative.

I'm embarrassed that in any other situation, the Officer would be apologizing to the congresswoman.

Too bad the powers that be enjoy making us "little people" sweat. After all, according to the Republican Committee, McKinney is just another black bitch who should not be so uppity ... who should know HER PLACE, aye? :puke:

[Laughing Mirror]

53. How do you know all the other members wear that stupid pin?

How do you know?

I don't blame her for not wearing it. I wouldn't wear it either.

[slackmaster]

103. I don't know - Very unlikely that ALL of them wear it at all times

All I'm saying is that Cynthia McKinney could have avoided this situation by wearing hers. With the pin in place there would be no possible excuse on the guard's part for not recognizing her as a member.

[Laughing Mirror]

112. What about those 8 members on the House floor that day without pins

That were counted that same day Cynthia did not have hers on. How did those others get past security? Had they not changed their hair styles, so confusing to the Capitol Police? Or was it something else about them?

The issue is not about the pin, which nobody cares about. The issue is about attempting to silence an outspoken member of Congress.

[DrGonzoLives]

124. "Silence"?

Being grabbed from behind by a rent-a-cop is now silencing? This is what the grand BFEE conspiracy is?

"How can we shut that Cynthia McKinney up?"

"I know! Let's wait until she forgets to wear her lapel pin, and have one of our agents grab her from behind going through security!"

"Excellent."

[slackmaster]

130. She acknowledged that the guard DID NOT RECOGNIZE HER

:eyes:

ETA that does not mean her behavior automatically constitutes assault.

[symbolman]

117. You know that's a very good point

think about it, you have to go outside of the capital and there IS the possibility that wearing that PIN COULD piss someone off, and they could beat or kill you, maybe for just being a Congress person.

Seriously, very possible, remember they've been anthraxed, could be sprayed in the face outside of the building or whatever.

Here's another question, HOW MANY Black Hill Cops had GRABBED a White Congress woman FROM BEHIND?

I'll bet my kid there's not been a single incidence of that. How many WHITE, PULPY, BALD Old guys have be GRABBED FROM BEHIND, and/or do or don' wear that PIN?

Let's get down to the facts, shall we?

And for all those that Bitch about the PIN in this thread, please tell me what part of a PICTURE IDENTIFICATION CARD YOU don't Understand? Was the fucking guard BLIND?

Oh, and while I'm at it, here's what I posted as a seperate thread the other day, thought it worth repeating:

*******************

Soon "Officer trips, falls onto McKinney's phone during donut stampede"

We all know how this works - HEADLINE NEWS "Moonbat Congresswoman attacks and Eats Capitol Hill Cop, part of Evil Liberal Death Cult"

Next week, after they can't find a tape, since someone fucked up and taped "Girls gone Wild" over that section, and now that the PUNCH Headline is evolving into a simple "POKE" by a cell phone (tho the complaining officer will make an official statement about how you can "put someone's EYE out like that.." and then CNN will show us dozens of people Injured, lives RUINED by cell phone eye poking out accidents, especially with DeadEye Timmy on his little bike) this story will move to page 47, and or be dropped from the Media altogether.

Except for when guys like the asshole Repig from Cal on the Bill Maher show (Goddam Lying, punk sissy surf nazi using talking points from THREE years ago, that got the audience GROANING), will pop up to say, "But there's corruption on BOTH sides of the Aisle, mostly Democrats of course.. we all remember when Cynthia McKinney Pistol Whipped that Capitol Hill officer for talking back to her.. At least Mr Tom Delay isn't a VIOLENT PSYCHOPATH.."

It's a set up alright, they FRAME it, the MEDIA trumpets it, calls it old news, then uses it as PROOF that Liberals are VIOLENT..

Meanwhile they keep SLEAZING on by committing thousands of crimes, pointing fingers at those damned mexicans who are driving the wages down (RIGHT, EVER read "Grapes of Wrath" you assholes?) so that white people don't have jobs.. since the gay marriage schtick is all worn threadbare..

But they do have that "WAR on Christianity" thing going for them, what a doozy, WHEN are the REAL CHRISTIANS going to STAND UP AND BE COUNTED?

WHEN? Don't they think that Jesus would be PISSED as HELL at what they are allowing these FALSE Christians to do by not speaking up?

Just in Time for Easter too, imagine that :)

************

Let's not forget that since Delay decided on a MONDAY NEWS DUMP (to avoid the weekend pundits savaging him) to let us all know that no one loves him anymore, except for his old pals COCKROACHES, then Watch for the Cynthia McKinney story to be the MAIN STORY this weekend, crowding out the Delay on Display Media Ignorance Sale

[ShortnFiery]

65. "it's their job" ... what a good German?

It's their job to study the facial characteristics NOT hairstyles of congresspersons. But oh, even though a number of congress-critters do NOT wear their (pledge? LOL) Pins, Ms. McKinney MUST always wear hers. Most especially when this black woman changes her hairstyle, because, you know, to the WHITE Officers who don't study thoughtfully, well YOU ALL LOOK ALIKE to them. :puke:

I'm really growing tired of all this "just doing their job" meme. Let them grab Condi Rice from behind and see how long they last in their job?

I wonder how many congresspersons wear that goofy looking pin each and every day? I'd bet a significant percentage choose INSTEAD to flash their badge like she had done. However, none of them will be grabbed from behind because they are not a big haired African American Congresswoman.

Oh, the Justice is awe inspiring: If you're Black, you best have all your pins and ID hanging all over you because that white officer is "just doing his job."

[slackmaster]

87. Godwin's Law foul

:nuke:

[wordpix]

25. there are better things for lawyers to wrangle over in DC, let this one go

[Media_Lies_Daily]

30. It all started with an unnamed GOP spokesperson who...

...told the media that McKinney had been involved in an altercation.

[sattahipdeep]

35. Can you handle the truth?

If you are an American, you should be outraged that any of our people were
treated as such. With the effected populace being mostly black poor people...tell me what
other conclusion can you draw? McKinney was forced out of office because she dared to
question 9/11...now she’s again standing up for truth.

http://bellaciao.org/en/article.php3?id_article=8235


Operation Blessing. Operation Blessing was founded by Pat Robertson.

That is the same Pat Robertson who called for the assassination of a duly elected
president, Hugo Chavez, of Venezuela. How can FEMA recommend that someone who calls
for the murder of somebody else get hard-earned money from the American people?
It is on the FEMA Web site, and it is outrageous.

No more blank checks, Mr. President, not for war, not for war.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?r109:1:./temp/~r109eboBMt:e22032:

:loveya: Cynthia McKinney

[ecstatic]

36. I stand by McKinney.. And yes racism is a factor

I'm sure the cop struck her first and she instinctively lashed out at the aggressor.

[Rainscents]

37. If she really did struck the cop... video would had been plaster

all over the teevee. GOP would have make sure video got out for everyone to see. However, they can't release the video, because she did NOT hit the cop! What a bunch a crook a shit lies and so many people are buying into R-Wing spin machines!

[aeroamerica]

38. That's his job.

[genieroze]

51. Yup and she was trying to go do her job.

[sattahipdeep]

71. Bioweapons (microphone off)

In addition to explosive information given to me from investigative
journalists and whistleblowers, there is one particularly pernicious
development taking place: bioweapons labs under water with who
knows what having been released into the environment. People
desperate for jobs must be informed what the heck has been unleashed
in the devastated areas as a result of Katrina. Anyone involved in
cleanup must have this information before entering New Orleans. I
shudder to ponder all the ramifications of Katrina. Although I didn’t finish
my remarks, and I’m told they also shut the microphone off as I was
concluding my remarks--something I don’t remember ever having been
done to a Member before--I think you get the message here that high
crimes and more than misdemeanors have been visited upon the
American people.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ga04_mckinney/PrsRlsCleanupBill.html

http://bellaciao.org/en/article.php3?id_article=8235

[cap]

39. they've been trying to portray McKinney as a "ghetto slut" ever since

she stood up to the Bush administration on going to war. She was really calling them out on it and they shut her down. During the war debate, Fox was showing McKinney getting down to a disco beat... aka a "lower class black trying to get over"... that's all this is ... blatant racism.

I wonder what McKinney has been doing to piss off Bush lately... I wonder what she has been working on? That's what this is all about.

[Roy]

49. I wonder what McKinney has been doing to piss off Bush lately...

The answer is.... SHE IS STILL BREATHING!!!!

[yurbud]

46. this does have all the earmarks of a Rovian scam

[Laughing Mirror]

54. A lot of people would love to shut her up

Not only the White House mobsters, but many others.

This latest attempt to silence her may be to make sure she doesn't get her seniority back or her committee seat. Who might be responsible, then, for setting up the Capitol Police? Nancy Pelosi? The Congressional Black Caucus? The DLC?

Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-Georgia) is one member of the CBC who has managed to shine like the brightly lit star that she is. She has remembered the oath she took to uphold the Constitution in providing representation not only to the constituency she represents, but on a national scale as well. For her commitment to truth, to justice, and to the American Way insofar as it relates to the poor, the disenfranchised, and the downtrodden, who are often African-Americans, she is subjected to ridicule, scorn, verbal abuse, and being shunned by members of her own Congressional Black Caucus.

We have seen McKinney subjected to being called a "bitch" on the Floor of the House by former Representative Cass Ballenger (R-North Carolina) who was part of the North Carolinian caucus that includes Rep. Watt. As far as what is on the written record, nothing could be found to indicate that any of the male members of the CBC made any attempt to defend McKinney from such a scurrilous attack by a White supposed colleague, even if they were in different political parties. In fact, Watt is on the record excusing Rep. Ballenger's outburst, and as far as we could research, there is no record Ballenger was ever censured for his outburst, which Roberts' Rules of Order, as well as Congressional House Rules, require.


Since McKinney's triumphant return to Congress in January 2005, she has lobbied House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for restoration of her seniority she is due as a fifth, and now, sixth-term member of the House of Representatives. To date, McKinney has been denied, while three White members of Congress (two House members and one Senator, Democrat Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey) who were absent from Congress for from five to fifteen years, returned to Congress in 2004 and their seniority was restored with minimum fuss. So why is McKinney being denied restoration of her seniority?

http://www.blackcommentator.com/176/176_cbc_monitor_silent.html

[MaryBear]

62. Remember Dan White?

Congresspeople and their staff should also go through a security point/detector. Perhaps a second one.

Shame on that guard for his ignorance and behavior.

How can anyone not recognize Cynthia McKinney?

[Cookie wookie]

66. Look, they've come up with another

candidate (black) to run against her in the primaries in Georgia, who came out with a negative statement about her on TV already. Like someone up thread said, we don't have the facts so how is it that so many are drawing conclusions. If I was going to conjecture, I'd say it's a set up if it's anything. Watch for McKinney at the gate and cause trouble for her.

After all, the republicans want her out because she tells it like it is and the DLC types and Georgia dixiecrats want her out because ........ she tells it like it is. She's been pushing hard about election irregularities in Georgia and she's the one voice in Congress who hammers away for 9/11 truth.

From now until the election, "they" will be doing everything they can to damage her credibility.

[redqueen]

80. people in her district need to organize & mobilize NOW...

we can't let them get rid of her with stupid fluff like this... we need her voice.

[Cookie wookie]

105. I'll definitely work for her again this

election. She always needs both volunteers and contributions, so hope everyone who realizes how great she is -- not just those in her district or in Georgia, because what she does benefits all of us who seek truth and justice -- will pitch in in whatever way they can.

[-..__...]

67. And the "race baiting" continues.

With accomplices like some of you people, who needs enemies?

No wonder the right wing is under control.

Get real, people.

Put up, show up or post proof.

[oasis]

88. There's more than 400 years of "proof" of you care to check. (eom)

[-..__...]

104. Ohhhh, Puh-Lezze.

Nice try with a lame diversionary response though.

McKinney (and many others here), are playing the race card for all it's worth... and it's a shallow, small/single minded, divisive, empty hand.

The cop and McKinney should just apologize and shake hands and move on with their lives like reasonable people would.

[Name removed]

68. Deleted message

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

[ShortnFiery]

78. OH Tomas Newton ... that uniform? those buttons?

Oh the Brown Shirt and Jack Boots? It works for you! In that, you seem willing to carry through such a horrid deed, and more? :P

[baldguy]

82. The function of the Capitol Police is to protect Congressmen & Senators.

Not to assault them. How would you like it if your bodyguard turned on you & attacked you? If his excuse is "I didn't recognose her," then he should be fired.

[dolstein]

90. Silly rabbit, the officer WAS protecting Congressmen & Senators

The reason there are metal detectors and cops on Capitol Hill is to protect them. And it's the job of the cops to make sure that people go through metal detectors. McKinney wasn't wearing the lapel pin identifying her as a member of Congress. So when she walked past the metal detectors and then refused requests that she stop, it was the responsibility of the cop to make her stop. You are, in effect, suggesting that cops allow people to bypass the metal detectors because there's a mere possibility that they could be members of Congress. Do I really need to point out how ridiculous that is?

[baldguy]

93. The Capitol Police should recognize the people they are there to protect.

Members of Congress & Senators aren't required to wear the pin. Also, McKinney NEVER wears her pin and her photo was posted for Capitol officers so that they WOULD recognize her specifically.

How ridiculous is it for a cop to be given McKinney's photo, and still have him see "just another darkie trying to dodge to metal detector" rather than an elected Member of the US House of Representatives.

At the very least, the cops should apologize.

[dolstein]

100. We're talking 435 members of Congress here . . .

Sorry, but you're suggestion that the Capitol police should be able to recognize all 435 members of the House (and the 100 members of the Senate) by sight is just plain ridiculous.

And again, let's get our facts straight, shall we? The cop didn't simply rush after her and grab her arm. He called out to her asking her to stop. She didn't. All she had to do was stop, go back and show her ID, and there wouldn't have been an issue. I have to show my friggin ID every time I enter my office building. I don't expect the security guards at my office building to regonize me, even though I've worked here for eight years.

And let's be honest -- if this had happened to a Republican, or to Joe Lieberman, the DU'ers would be blaming them, not the cop. So not only are DU'ers being unreasonable, their being hypocritical too.

[mopinko]

81. i just say, you go girl.

i love it that her first reaction to being grabbed by a cop was to punch him. or whatever she did exactly. i wish i was that brave.

[dolstein]

89. I don't know which is more embarassing -- McKinney or the DU posts

Let see -- someone walks past the Capitol Hill metal detectors, refuses to stop and then takes a swing at a cop when he grabs her by the arm. Most normal people would say that while it's unfortunate, the cop was just doing his job. These people would also point out that, if blame needs to be assigned, it makes far more sense to blame McKinney, who wasn't wearing the lapel pin that would have identified her as a member of Congress and igored calls from the officer for her to stop, than it would be to blame the officer, who can't reasonably be expected to commit the faces of every member of Congress to memory.

Predictably, however, McKinney cries racism, and many DU'ers naturally rush to her defense.

[ShortnFiery]

91. You are mis-representing the facts ... again

The Officer in question should REASONABLY be counted on to follow protocol. When unsure, step in front of the person. Instead he GRABBED her because, in his racist mind, she did not belong there.

[slackmaster]

92. And you are indulging in mind-reading

;-)

[FredScuttle]

111. so let's see the tape

so that you can justify taking the side of a Capitol Police force that has a history of harassing a black Congresswoman.

Where's the tape?

[dolstein]

94. Sounds to me like he DID follow protocol

When McKinney bypassed the metal detectors without identifying herself as a member of Congress, the officer asked her to stop. When she refused to stop, he went after her and grabbed her by the arm. He didn't tackle her. He didn't put her in a choke hold. He didn't aim a gun at her. He simply grabbed her arm.

[FredScuttle]

110. Let me grab your arm unannounced

or better yet, let me grab a female member of your family from behind without due cause and let's see how "fair and balanced" you are.

[LisaL]

120. It was announced. He asked her to stop.

She didn't.

[Vinca]

118. The cop was doing his job, pure and simple.

It will be amusing if they produce a video of the cop stopping a white person prior to stopping McKinney. How about the cop? Was he black or white? There are many black police officers in D.C. Is the theory ANY cop, black or white, gets up in the morning with the intent on harassing black Congresswomen? What if an African-American woman went around the screening and they let her go and she turned out to be a suicide bomber? The fact is, McKinney used to look matronly. Now she's quite stunning with her new hairdo and makeup. I wouldn't have recognized her.

[Cookie wookie]

107. Self deleted

[underpants]

125. I agree

with this post. I don't have the time to read your other posts but I agree with this one.

If she was wrong she should admit it. If she isn't (which she might not be) then she shouldn't.

Would a conviction force her resignation?

I have to say that aside from DU this story has evaporated since Delay made his announcement.

[confludemocrat]

99. This sounds like a huge misunderstanding but is being pushed by rethugs

and by a few of their usual fellow travelers here at DU who routinely side with the powers-that-be by their pontificatiing about something like this based on some kind of "principle". Much history to support that they have and still would fuck with her, but none of that is accounted for by those who instantly seek to blame her.

[dolstein]

101. Excuse me, but McKinney seems to be pushing this at least as hard

The fact is, if she had simply apologized on the spot for hitting the police officer, nothing would have happened. Instead, she ended up calling a press conference (with Danny Glover) to accuse the Capital Hill police of racism. I'm surprised she didn't cry rape as well.

[Cookie wookie]

106. How do you know that she didn't "simply apologize"?

What is your source?

BTW: Racism is real. And frankly, I'd take her word over the corporate media and the republicans any day. After all, they do nothing but lie.

[FredScuttle]

108. Exactamundo, dear Cookie

What the fuck has this government done to earn the benefit of the doubt?

All this administration and its enablers in Congress have done is lie....lie about:

September 11th
Iraq
Social Security
REAL support for troops (i.e. armor, benefits, etc.)
The economy
Katrina
John Kerry's combat service
and so on, and so on, and so on....

ANSWER: They haven't done jack shit to earn our trust. So, "benefit of the doubt"? Not bloody likely.

The fight to take back our government begins with incidents like this.

[Cookie wookie]

109. Just went to her congressional website to donate

and couldn't find anything about her 2006 campaign. Anyone have a link. This is one campaign I'm donating to.

[ShortnFiery]

119. I'm with you CW!

Although I do not reside in Georgia, I almost lost my breakfast when the commentator on Washington Journal spewed more Right Wing Blather to the effect that NOT ONE of the other Democratic Representatives support her. Bunk! Even if they don't THE PEOPLE (especially those of us who have experiences both sexism and racism) understand and will fully support her.

The Backlash Cometh!

[confludemocrat]

133. Thanks for illustrating my point (n/t)

[cleofus1]

123. just to show you

she is not a generic looking person...even with a hairstyle change i would recognize her anywhere

[AngryAmish]

127. Who is that shitbag to question Cynthia?

[cleofus1]

128. i think you answered your own question

the shitbag has decided the best way to keep the honorable cynthia mckinney safe is to put her in jail...

[cleofus1]

129. for those that ask why we support cynthia...

"we can either hang together....or we will almost certainly hang separately"