Well, the LTTEs are pouring in on the Bob Etheridge story

[struggle4progress]

Minor infraction
... What Bob Etheridge did to a couple of harassing punks would not even have put him in the Stanley Cup penalty box ... Rather than just being a talking head, Etheridge showed a human side that is actually quite endearing ... Cary
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/06/16/534763/minor-infraction.html

No apology needed
Bob Etheridge has nothing to apologize for. He was assaulted by two right-wing thugs who refused to identify themselves. He should, however, have called the police and had them arrested ... Morrisville
<edit: link> http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/06/16/534766/no-apology-needed.html

Intended to provoke
... If a pair of strangers shoved a camera in my face and started up with me the way they did, those "students" would be learning about American health care in a Washington hospital and I would - at worst - have to endure a boring chat with a sympathetic magistrate. I hope The N&O spares nothing to expose these creeps ... Bynum http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/06/16/534777/intended-to-provoke.html

Record of service
In his many years in the public eye, I have never known Bob Etheridge to be anything but gentlemanly in his dealings with the public. He is a responsive legislator who continues to be returned to office by a swing district because fair-minded people in that district know he represents them well in Washington. Throughout 2009, I watched Etheridge hold meeting after meeting in which he was abused, shouted at, ridiculed, berated and threatened by an obnoxious minority, and he never so much as raised his voice. Instead, he took measure of the needs of his district and the input of people who didn't shout at him, and voted his conscience ... Maybe Etheridge should have walked on. How many readers would have? ... Raleigh
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/06/16/534774/record-of-service.html

My sidewalk talk
In November 2007 following a Veterans Day event, I, too, had the experience of approaching Congressman Bob Etheridge while walking down the street. Unlike the "student," I extended my hand and told him my name. I shared with him my concerns about the lack of support for children with special needs and for military families when a parent is sent to combat. He got a pen out of his car, took notes and my contact information, we shook hands and parted ways. Two days later, I received a call from his staffer asking for more information in order to find the best avenue to resolve this challenge ... I get the sense, though, that the student got what he wanted: a damning video. I got what I wanted in my exchanges as well: a congressman who listens to his constituents and works for the people of North Carolina ... Raleigh
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/06/16/534775/my-sidewalk-talk.html

[bluestateguy]

1. These so-called journalists got what they deserved

The only thing Ethridge did wrong was apologize. Never apologize for anything.

[avaistheone1]

2. I agree

especially to these Reich-wing thugs, whose only goal was to stir up shit.

[meowomon]

3. I disagree. He put his hands on someone whithout consent.

I saw the video before I knew who he was and thought to myself that this rethuglican needs to really relax. Then, I discovered this guy was a Democrat. Very disappointing. No one has the right to man handle anyone whether they put a camera in your face or not. He aplogized, which was the correct thing to do. He should be happy the little creep isn't pressing charges.