U.S. Rep. McKinney Accused of Hitting Officer

"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga., has been accused of hitting a Capitol Hill police officer.

Sources told WSB-TV in Atlanta that McKinney was involved in a disagreement with the officer at a security checkpoint at the Capitol.

One of the sources, a member of the House Republican Conference, confirmed that McKinney struck the officer.

The House sergeant-at-arms and a high ranking member of the Capitol Hill Police Department met with McKinney in her office Wednesday afternoon. "

http://www.channeloklahoma.com/politics/8343769/detail.html

:kick: for Cynthia!

...and call it an accident

I surely do believe that source, yes ma'am...

Whatever.

They've been vilifying that woman for years. And none of it's been the truth yet.

And she's OUR BadAss.

:toast:

:argh:

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Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) punched a U.S. Capitol Police officer today after he mistakenly pursued her for failing to pass through a metal detector.

Members are not required to pass through metal detectors and the officer, manning a position at Longworth House Office Building, apparently did not recognize McKinney and didn't see her Member pin.

The officer called out "Ma'am, Ma'am," in an attempt to stop her.

When the officer caught up to McKinney, he grabbed her by the arm.

McKinney pulled her arm away, swung around, cell phone in hand, and punched the officer square in the chest, according to the witness.

http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2006/03/last_call_mckin.html

The officer is WRONG. He grabbed her! This is UNSAT.

The officer made the MISTAKE and to add insult to injury he GRABBED HER BY THE ARM.

Dumba** officer is the one at fault.

that her Dad was a police officer. I bet her reaction was instinct.

dana whatshername reported it

tapped her

yeah, sure. hummmm.....

This stinks. There's nothing that you can do if you have both the Right Wing and the Media against you. They wag the dog and change the subject of REAL news at will. :(

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...maybe you're the one on crack.

You think this happens to the white guys?

video, I can see where they want her out of there. These officers aren't that dumb. This officer knew what he was doing.

did i miss something?

The harrassment of Cynthia McKinney is ON. This was my first thought when I read about the incident.

hell, at the republican convention, the few black republican delegates kept being asked to take people's luggage.

Even she said that.

I didn't have the information about her pin when I posted. BTW, I still think a white male would have received different treatment. And she mentions an expectation of being recognized - the Capitol Hill police are protecting her, after all. I would expect a black woman would have surplus visibility in Congress.

"Hey Cracker Boy, who do you think you are?" Tom permit-too-carry-a-concealed-weapon would have turned around and shot wildly, killing a few bystanders and been hailed as a hero by defense ministry media.

See posts #172, 189, and 199 (mine). Thanks for the reminder, though!

Sorry, but the Cap police and security did exactly what they should have. She went around the metal detector, did NOT have her member of Congress badge on, and did not stop when called. He should have grabbed her by the arm- he had no idea who she was (her fault) and she broke security procedures. She could have been anyone doing anything. Why have security if violators are not stopped immediately. He called her and she didn't stop and had gone around security. He did the right thing.

Next time she should have her members badge on or go through the detector. Cynthia McKinney often is an embarrassment.

If she did have her badge on in ANY way, shape or form, THIS OFFICER is guilty of assault. You do not grab someone unless you make damn sure they are not a true threat.

On edit: What if the person accused was Tom Delay? Right, the officer in question would be disciplined and put on "traffic duty."

Sorry, but if she broke security the guard had every right to grab her to ascertain if she was a threat. It's not assault; she broke the law, not the guard. You think a terrorist breaking security in the Capitol of the United States shouldn't be grabbed. He didn't know who she was and she was the one violating security.

for not stepping in front of her to get her attention.

We don't live in a Fascist State, I hope, not yet.

identify her, he had to stop her and have her pass through the metal detector or satisfactorily identify her and her position.

For her to strike a security officer calling after her and trying to get her to stop by using verbal intervention first is unexcusable. She, like Bush is not above the law and cannot be striking security personnel.

...if they were grabbed from behind.

what a poor victim.

but she could see his chest to land the punch. And never dropped her cellphone.

Why carry water for someone whose ego led to poor judgment? She's not immune to criticism, you know, just because she's on the left side of the aisle. Poor treatment of "the little people" is not part of the progressive mindset, and deserves to be called out whoever does it.

Peace.

...unless she has eyes in the back of her head, I doubt seriously that she saw him coming up behind her. AFTER he grabbed her arm, she swung around and hit him.

You're on the losing side of this discussion, but keep digging that hole deeper if you like.

Hey, MLD, you got some video you're not sharin' with the rest of us? Or are you trusting, umm, the MEDIA that LIES DAILY for your story?

:rofl:

The problem with you, MLD, is not only that you aren't right. It's also that you aren't even wrong.

Later...


"When people are fanatically dedicated to political
or religious faiths or any other kind of dogmas or goals,
it's always because these dogmas or goals are in doubt."
- Robert T. Pirsig

The media is lying to cover FOR McKinney? Seriously? You have to be insane to even think that is possible!

If I came running up behind you, yelling and grabbed you, I am damned sure you would react in the same way. She didnt hit him in the face, she hit (or, one could argue, agressively pushed) him in the chest after being swung round. Thats the way the press describes the incident, and I see no reason to believe they would be trying to cover up for McKinney.

Remember she would be used to just walking through without being stopped. Then suddenly she is grabbed from behind? For all she knew the person was a terrorist trying to harm HER! So she had every right to react that way. By the way the descriptions says he yelled "Ma'am, Ma'am!" not "Stop Police!" So the offcier failed to identify himself as a Police officer as well!

for the least several years...

I would hit ANYBODY would grabbed me from behind... I even punched a male friend in the face once when he was stupid enough to jump out at at night from behind a parked car. It's instinct. *(and no, my friend never did that again -- I almost broke his nose!)

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Walking in a secure building where you work daily and someone comes from behind and grabs your arm and you turn around and slug them in the chest?

The person doing the grabbing could have easily been a friend or co-worker trying to get your attention. I'm sure that situations similar to this has occurred to many people and I doubt that everyone's reaction would be to immediately begin hitting.

I keep thinking that all of this could have been avoided if she just greeted security personnel with a cheery "Good Morning" before going past security so that they knew who she was.

elected while black. Did she look like someone else?

The officer put his hand on her. She had a right to defend herself. I'm sure Rep. McKinney has security in place herself. If anyone should be charged it should be the guard. So now he wants to press charges. Yeah, get your 15 minutes Mr. Security Guard.

BJ

required to know the Members of Congress on sight.

Granted, it was a bit difficult at times (one elevator operator failed to recognize Senator John Tower on a weekend when he came dressed in full cowboy regalia ); but a Capitol Hill cop's not knowing a black, female Member of Congress on sight is a bit hard for this past employee to believe.

of inside info..I would think the Congresswoman from Georgia would have the right of way.

I sure he just couldn't match her with one of the many, many other black, female members of Congress...

even with 535 members.

The members that have been there a while should be a cake. While those newer would be the ones to go over for easier identification.

I would also think that there is more than just one security officer manning the post. If one didn't recognize a member the other should.

And you are also right that with the few black members in Congress they should have an easier time of recognizing them.

Sounds fishy...

capitol police officers are well aware of the identities of members of congress and have special training to avoid incidents of this nature. ms. mckinney is WELL known to the small body of capitol police officers.

if you REALLY believe that the small department of officers that comprise the capitol police habitually grab members of congress in the manner that a TSA officer wd detain an airport passenger that by-passed security, you're very naive indeed.

i was a federal agent sttationed in DC for the last 7 years of my career, and this situation is HIGHLY suspect. it's either been exagerated by a malicious, RW owned media or it was a setup to malign mckinney. they HAVE been trying to break her for years, you know.

Enjoy your short stay at DU.

Just because you're security or a cop doesn't mean you have the right to just grab people. One of my exes is a cop, and I know they were taught EXACTLY what they could do... even though many of them ignored it. They know what to do...

and I highly doubt she punched him... sorry. By the way... she isn't a terrorist so don't compare the two situations... Jesus. 9-11!!! 9-11!!!! 9-11!!!! Give it a break or take a chill pill. We don't need anymore 9-11-justifies-everything hysteria. It obviously is a bad excuse for many current mishaps.

and the officer, manning a position at Longworth House Office Building, apparently did not recognize McKinney and didn't see her Member pin.

From the above post number 5

The report on CNN was that SHE WAS NOT WEARING HER MEMBER BADGE.

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I borrowed this post from FogderRox in a thread in GD:

""Earlier today I had an unfortunate confrontation with a Capitol Hill Police Officer. It is traditional protocol that Capitol Hill Police Officers secure 535 Members of Congress, including 100 Senators. It is the expectation of most Members of Congress that Capitol Hill Police officers know who they are. I was urgently trying to get to an important meeting on time to fulfill my obligations to my constituents. Unfortunately, the Police Officer did not recognize me as a Member of Congress and a confrontation ensued. I did not have on my Congressional pin but showed the Police Officer my Congressional ID.

"I know that Capitol Hill Police are securing our safety, that of thousands of others, and I appreciate the work that they do. I deeply regret that the incident occurred. I have demonstrated my support for them in the past and I continue to support them now."

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/georgia/news-article_wxia.aspx?storyid=77995


Why do you insist on believing sources from rw sites??? Why did pass judgement before you had the chance to read Rep. McKinney's statement??

It's not like he tackled her or anything.

...that's no reason for one of the very few black female members of Congress, a person who is already dealing with political and other threats from the Far Right, to react the way she did, is there?

:sarcasm:

You would never react that way under the same or similar circumstances, would you?

:sarcasm:

And, we don't have the whole story yet.

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:)

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very impressive.

our turf

"embarrassment"..if anything is..it's your post on DU.

Cynthia McKinney stands up to the bushites when not too many others will..is that why you think she's an "embarrassment"?

keep labeling her that over and over again. And lying about what she says.

She is perfectly able to speak for herself.

I have never been embarrassed by Cynthia McKinney.

I have been filled with pride, many times over, for her public service and her compassion for those that have no voice.

However,I am embarrassed, everyday, by GW Bush ~ he KILLS people.

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Does everyone forget the shooting at the Capitol Building just a few years ago when the Capitol Police where ripped for lax security standards?

All that said(and I did say IF), I want to her the Congresswoman's side before I make judgements.

I'm disgusted. If this happened to any other member of congress, it would have been brushed off. Was he hurt physically? Will he claim medical compensation? NO! The reason this is being blown out of proportion - guilt on both sides - is a Right Wing opening to trash her character.

We should not be hearing this in the evening news. This is more Right Wing fodder for them to beat off on. Again, it's disgusting the way anyone here would buy into such an unintentional (on both sides) altercation.

The Right Wing Noise machine loves those who trash any liberal.

They won't give up -- but neuter will she!

...a rightwing attempt to either have her charged with a crime or embroiled in a controversy of some sort, don't we?

Have you forgotten the comments she made about 911 a few years ago?

<http://www.infowars.com/articles/us/mckinney_grills_rumsfeld.htm>

...but that is neither here nor there.

:shrug:

A woman who has questions and wants answers. She's terrific!

at..if i do not condone it..i don't care who he is!

and don't take me by surprise from behind..i will punch first ask questions later...

and why would any congress person not be concerned about their safety from someone touching them from behind...they should be swinging for their safety !!

it is stupid that any cop or guard would not be aware of a congress person being on guard for that..i am sure congress gets security briefings of how to protect themselves at all times of assault..

she did what she should have with anyone coming up from behind her and touching her body!

fly

He reacted the way he should when he failed to identify her, and she reacted the way anyone would when he grabbed her from behind. Simple misunderstanding resulting in a brief, barely violent altercation, unless this cop is saying a hit in HIS BULLETPROOF VEST was somehow physically damaging to him?

She didn't carry on the fight, she merely reacted to an instant of perceived danger. Apologies all round, incident forgotten.

But what is the bet that this officer votes Republican?

N/T

I'm sure she had a good reason to slap a police officer. Remember, politicians are special. LOL! F*cking pigs, right?

chest. Those women who have martial arts training may have done more damage. Again, you step in front of the PERSON in question before they leave the area. That is THE WAY security works to not result in an altercation. These Police Officers should NOT have to chase after someone and GRAB THEM FROM BEHIND, but catch them right out of the screening area.

BTW, My brother and brother in law are both Police Officers. I respect their profession more than words can say.

Congresswoman McKinney Punches Police Officer... MORE... Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) punched a U.S. Capitol Police officer today after he mistakenly pursued her for failing to pass through a metal detector, HOTLINE reports... The entire incident is on tape. The cop is pressing charges and the USCP are waiting until Congress adjourns to arrest her, a source claims... Developing...,

Just because you respect police doesn't mean everyone does (obviously).

Laugh a little.

However, I stand by my previous statement that if this were a CONSERVATIVE member (or even a Republican) of Congress, this would all be swept under the rug. I've been grabbed by former boyfriends from behind before, and trust me, they did not pull that stunt a second time. When you are physically assaulted, the reaction is knee-jerk instinctive.

This is not funny but a well orchestrated attempt to smear the good name of one of our best liberal Congresswomen. Again, I'm disgusted with the whole situation which will get far too much air time while we forget about the civil war in Iraq.

A conservative would get a pass, they would hush this right under the rug (assuming the cop didn't have an agenda). They should charge her and the cop both with assault, it's only a misdemeanor.

Thanks for the levity. :hi:

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But this STILL smells like a game of "Bash the Democrat."

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I'm going to hold my nose and support Cynthia on this - until and unless the facts show otherwise.

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"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

I think there's a lot of blind loyalty here at DU for McKinney simply b/c she's against Bush (and believe me, NO ONE could be elected from her district and support the Administration). A lot of people I see praising McKinney here don't seem to know much about her history. I preferred Majette.

Her dad went on a tirade at a campaign event last week where he blasted gay voters for not being "loyal" to McKinney in 2002. Her office did not apologize.

http://www.sovo.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=5815

Between that and this incident (she should not have hit the cop, regardless of why he followed her), I don't think I'd be voting for McKinney in the primary this July.

*yawn*

Oh, and one more thing?

Transparent.

As glass.

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

Or are all media sources bought and paid for by Karl Rove and the VRW Conspiracy if they dare say anything about Democrats?

the Hill.

Did I say anything about KKKarl? You must be projecting. I do believe that the MSM si owned by the "Have Mores,"a nd they don't fuck with their friends.

And, since you're such a journalism aficionado, answer me this: do you consider the sources legit? The second hand Repub source? No legit journalist would.

What's your interest in hoping Rep. McKInney is smeared? Because you seem to be buying this hook, link, and sinker....

http://www.wonkette.com/politics/cynthia-mckinney/cynthia-mckinney-is-a-badass-163868.php
or
http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2006/03/27/daily29.html?surround=lfn
or
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=77991

What's the point of pretending it didn't happen? It's GD funny if you ask me. No ones going to care, she can pay a paltry fine and move on. If anything it further reinforces people better not mess with her.

Is the insane overreaction from McKinney or those on the far left. Otherwise, it'll drop within a news cycle.

Yes, I consider the sources legit. The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed what happened. They, actually, were the first source of confirmation. Why a Republican committee confirmed it, or was even asked in the first place, is beyond me.

The only thing I'm buying is what happened. Its absolutely inane to believe that people would construct a conspiracy theory around something like this.

He probably made it all up LOL.

Boyo? You cruisin' for a piece of ass? :hug:

of having been stopped by police on several occasions. Always they speak politely and let me see them.

Only a dumb ass would grab a person from behind. This guard is/was a dumb ass.

Perhaps he should have shot the fleeing suspect who might not have heard him.

My wife is partially deaf and cannot hear voice coming from behind her.

180

of being harassed, beaten and jailed for attending a variety of peaceful marches.

Maybe we come at it all from different points of view?

that.

180

McKinney has had death threats. And... the anthrax scare that targeted Dem politicians? I'm sure she's antsy.

I'm pretty sure the tape will show she's in the right.

And, her Dad is a cop -- she's not one to be automatically pissy to law enforcement.

Great coincidence, no?

Coincidence that she's pissed off and on edge? No, not really.

....besides from a lunatic, LYING source?????????

Just my inflammatory, unfounded opinion. You're saying they goaded her into slapping the officer because they knew she was going to speak at a war rally? Ok, I misunderstood you and forgot the *sarcasm* tag.

In that case - welcome to DU!

I have lots! Thanks!

Only topic today that made me laugh.

Better pull the skirt back down... there, that's better.

Stop your f*cking harassing people who disagree with you, you are following every poster around who disagrees with you to propose we are on the "other side". You think because you have 1000+ posts you can be the self-appointed spanish inquisition? You think everyone with low post count who thinks Cynthia is a little bit looney is a fucking freeper? Shove it, I don't care what you think.

If I post once a week for 88 weeks because I f*cking hate politics and come here for a laugh and to keep up on ALL the repuglican asshats and whackos of all stripes that I'm a worthless troll? You are the elitist snob here.

Ok - she didn't punch anyone, because sludge rapport said it, if she did she was justified, and it's all a big f*cking conspiracy by the AIPAC grand wizards and Xenu to distract us from bushy mchimphitlers war. Jeezus christ on crutches.

I'm sorry I don't have the "street creds" here that you do, apparently I should pad my post count with some worthless gd topic somewhere else before daring to step in controversial waters.

My agenda is showing? I don't need to do shit to point out that this event is funny and that Mckinney is at least "stressed" about something.

You keep policing the board why don't ya, you do nothing to make me want to hang around here and join the community, that's alright - YOU are so obviously bent on an agenda of defending this stupid story - which is inconsequential, distracting and CHICKEN SHIT.

Your just like my dad, a stick so far up it.

A second hand report confirmed by a member of the house Republican Conference. I think I will reserve judgement until all the facts are known. And just a reminder about the Capitol Police... Remember the Cindy Sheehan arrest during the State of the Union speech because of her t-shirt?

Puleaze. We're supposed to believe this tripe?

self-satisfied white male, I would assume.

:rofl:

I mean she is a House Dem; they have NO rights or privileges in the Capitol Dome.

I'm sure there is a security tape. I'm sure it will be shown over and over. There are 535 members of congress plus their hangers on. It is impossible for security to remember all of them. Black or white.

Anyone who has been in the building knows there are not just white people. There are 43 black members of congress and many black staffers. I couldn't judge from my brief visits but it was not a sea of whites only.

I will not speculate but in my experience it is unwise to strike someone, period. Especially a law enforcement officer, and especially in camera. If she was surprised and turned, this is a non issue. If it is anything else it will be a very big mistake on her part.

I hope this is a non issue.

It will take a lot to get me to take this allegation seriously. The bar of proof here is going to be very high for me. McKinney is a boat-rocker and not one of the good-ole-boys, so there are people who will do anything to get her out of Congress.

In my personal experience, if you spend much time up there (twice a week or so) as a court reporter all the security guards get to know you (often by name) pretty quickly, like within a couple months time. I can't imagine, unless he's a total n00b to the job, how the guy didn't recognize a Congress person who is there daily. hmm...

I hope this turns out to be nothing for her.

I wouldn't recognize every one of them instantly either. Although he could have been new.

her hair style has changed :-)

I'll post the story in a minute

Thank you. That explains everything. :) I knew it had to be something simple like that. No harm - no foul then.

I guess her appearance has changed a little (at least to my "white eye")

"

Whomever did her hairstyle should be arrested and charged with public indecency or fraud (for passing themselves off as a hairstylist).

Cruelty, abuse or something like that...

I'm sure even the most astute don't recognize everyone, but I have a feeling if I ever met Ms. McKinney, I wouldn't forget her.

She herself said she had changed her hair and no longer had her trademark braids, so he didn't recognize her. Believe me, you live in Atlanta (and I am the most loyal of anti-Bush Dems) and you know very well that Cynthia is ALWAYS the victim and it is ALWAYS a racial slur in her mind.

She is an embarrassment at every State of the Union pushing and shoving to get in front of the camera and shake Bush's hand. She is an embarrassment with her anti-Jewish, pro-Arab crap. She is an embarrassment because of her stupid idiotic statements. She is an embarrassment because she pulls the race card whenever she does anything wrong or embarrassing herself. As other posters said, yes, Majette was a much better representative of her district; McKinney lost in her own district to Majette after many years being a representative.

It is NOT necessary for a good liberal Democrat to support each and every Democrat and each and everything they do or say.

KInda makes you be on her side you know, when the baddies did their best to drown out truth...

the Honorable Sister Cynthia.

Unless, just perhaps, the guard thought that she was Maxine Waters or Diane Watson or Janet Jackson.


They say we all look alike.:sarcasm:

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The first part of the article is pretty much a re-hash. Below is a snip of the end of the article.
( personally I think this sounds like she reacted as anyone would when grabbed )


http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/0330metmckinney.html

Police usually keep pictures of members at each checkpoint to help them identify members of Congress, who are allowed to step around the metal detector and X-ray machines placed at every entrance of the Capitol and congressional office buildings. However, McKinney has dramatically changed her hairstyle since her official House picture was taken.

The incident occurred when McKinney was entering the Longworth House Office Building. Her office is in the neighboring Cannon building.

This is not the first time McKinney has had such a run-in with Capitol Hill police.

When she first arrived in Congress in 1993, a Capitol Hill police officer failed to recognize her because she was not wearing the congressional pin. Police put pictures of McKinney up at each security checkpoint to ensure it didn't happen again.

McKinney also once ran into problems at the White House when Secret Service agents tried to stop her as she entered the grounds to attend an event with President Clinton. McKinney suggested that the incident was racially tinged, claiming the Secret Service did not stop a white male aide who was accompanying her.

question would have made the extra effort to step into her field of vision - directly in front of her. I am very suspicious that this might have been planned. If I'm too off the mark, I now wonder why this Officer is pressing charges since HE laid hands on Her?

This reeks to high heaven!

Can we say it together? Major Distraction.

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and, how many days has this officer worked in this post? on the Hill?
first day? experienced there???

what kind of professional experience does this officer have? training??

is 'officer' just a job title?

is the officer outsourced?

was the officer working alone at this check point?
where precisely was this check point??

If a newbie, couldn't this officer have said, pardon me, I'm new at this post ... sorry to inconvenience you, but could you show me your badge until I become more familiar with members? or something along those lines??? ... if a trained security officer, is grabbing someone one allegedly doesn't recognize, from behind, a safe protocol?

Rep. McKinney was doing what she does every day ... going through her routine just like that of her peers; and, she's grabbed from behind??

Would that be threatening to her safety and security???


Another posted article wrote:

"The incident occurred when McKinney was entering the Longworth House Office Building. Her office is in the neighboring Cannon building."

she was entereing the Longworth HOB from where? The street?

Having worked on the Hill on the House side of the Capitol ... unless there have been major changes, one could walk from one House building to another without having to exit onto the street in order to re-enter another ... fwiw. It was amazing all the activity underneath those buildings (Folding Room), etc.

The story says police, but maybe it was a rookie "mall ninja" who just upgraded to cop 1.0 How about shouting "MA'AM!!!!!" at the top of your lungs as you run up behind her, instead of grabbing.

They are sworn law officers just like any city police officers.

like a set up.

McKinney and a few other political leaders like her "speaking out" is the reason we got ANY INVESTIGATION into 911. Albeit it was mostly a whitewash, it would not been investigated at all if it was not for brave American Patriots like her.

She is a vocal opponent to the administration. But so are others. Most of the CBC is no fan ot the current bunch.

I think a video will show the truth. Either she was surprised and pushed the person, a non issue, or actually assaulted him. I am waiting to see before I make up my mind.

Not every thing is a setup. It will get more play because of her politics but it is not like she is the only person there with outspoken opinions.

In the end even if she did whack the guy she would not be removed and her district is so strongly democrat another democrat would be elected if she were.

file charges. I would like to believe that our Capitol Police are professionals. If in his zeal, he grabbed her from behind, he should fully understand that women, in particular, have been trained to respond immediately when assaulted. It was instinct. Therefore, any THOUGHTFUL Officer, realizing that he FAILED to recognize a Congresswoman, would NOT make "an issue" of such an unfortunate occurrence.

This is Politically Driven. Unless the officer has a broken rib or any other clear physical injury, he's a Right Wing operative. I have no doubt - otherwise discretion would have been exercised. The right wing is getting off on this STUPID incident that should not have been brought into public domain.

Again, the Neo Cons not only get to trash a liberal Congresswoman shamelessly, they also get their distraction to keep the sheeple's attention off of the death squads and civil war brewing in Iraq. A twofer! :puke:

and in all honesty has entertainment value only.

But I think a video tape will show what happened. Tape has no politics.

In no way related to Iraq.

The place is a secure building. Those guys are there to make sure people don't go in there and blow themselves up (like what happened in India) or cause disturbances. They have a job to do.

The tape will show who did what and that will settle it.

I am a firm believer in responsibility. If he grabbed her and she reacted no big deal. If she turned and recognized him, got pissed and belted him, different story.


I will wait to SEE the truth.

like, say, Dick Cheney, she'd have shot the cop and that'd be the end of it. Nothing to see here, people, let's move along. Democrats just don't know how to handle situations like this.

If I need a sarcasm thingy here, then I'm in trouble.

All they need is a plausible excuse for her to "lose", and Diebold can do the rest.

Any temporary replacement would be made by the Diebold-installed Rethuglican Governor.

Congressional oversight of Pentagon contracting has steadily
eroded. Instead of doing its job, the Republican Congress
keeps turning a blind eye to the recurring pattern of fraud,
corruption, and abuse within the military contracting system.
American citizens as voters and taxpayers must say "no
more." No more corruption; no more waste, fraud, and
abuse. No more no-bid contracts in the Gulf Coast at the
exclusion of minority-owned and small businesses. No more
supplemental requests for an endless war with that helps no
one but the friends of the Bush Administration. No more
corporate profiteering from war and disaster. It is time to
demand that government put the needs of its citizens first.
I do that today.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ga04_mckinney/pr_060316_hr4939.html

Any law enforcement or security officer is allowed to use reasonable means to stop and/or detain a person. The way some people here carry-on about it, you make it sound like the cop Tazed her and cuffed her then conducted a body cavity search.

Also, keep in mind that unless a person can demonstrate a reasonable cause (such as fear for life or safety), striking a police officer is a crime that will almost certainly land the person in a world of shit.

NO, he can NOT, by all reason ASS-U-ME that she was attacking him as "an officer."

All she knew was SOMEONE was grabbing her from behind.

I can't believe that we have lost all thoughts of decorum and respect for individual citizens because 911 supposedly "changed all the rules."

Bullshit! It would have taken three extra-steps for him to get in front of her (not grabbing her).

Fault is on both sides, therefore, any professional officer who is NOT physically harmed would have forgiven her and not made an issue of this. Remember this officer FAILED at his job to recognize a congresswoman.

Finally, she did NOT hit him because he was a "symbol of authority" ---> she punched him because he was someone who GRABBED HER from BEHIND.

NO, he can NOT, by all reason ASS-U-ME that she was attacking him as "an officer."

All she knew was SOMEONE was grabbing her from behind.

Is this a Vulcan mind meld thing? You know what she was thinking at the time? Fascinating.

I can't believe that we have lost all thoughts of decorum and respect for individual citizens because 911 supposedly "changed all the rules."

Well, the incident did take place in the Capitol building. I would think that strict security precautions would be the norm. It wasn't all that long ago that some nutcase shot and killed a Capitol cop/security officer.

Bullshit! It would have taken three extra-steps for him to get in front of her (not grabbing her).

It would have taken a few extra seconds of her precious time to pin her badge on.

Fault is on both sides, therefore, any professional officer who is NOT physically harmed would have forgiven her and not made an issue of this.

It could have just as easily not been made an issues if she apologized to him. The guy was performing his job. What was she doing besides yakking on her cell phone?

Remember this officer FAILED at his job to recognize a congresswoman.

How long has this cop been on the job? How many members of the House and Senate are there? (435/100. What's McKinneys attendance record? Was it an immediate reaction? Or Did she pause, think about it then hit the cop anyways? The cop in question was simply performing his job. Nothing complicated about that. The brouhaha could have been avoided if McKinney simply apologized for her reaction. Or, did she simply choose to take the "don't you know who I am attitude"?

Finally, she did NOT hit him because he was a "symbol of authority" ---> she punched him because he was someone who GRABBED HER from BEHIND.

The sympathies and excuses expressed here are one thing, the realities are another... you hit a cop, and something is going to be said and done about it.

And FWIW, some are playing up the race angle... pathetic. Wouldn't it be a real kick in the pants if the cop is black?

I was scanning the thread to see if anyone remembered this isn't a game.

Sure, officers on duty in the congressional buildings are supposed to recognize Members. This time, one didn't. If CM didn't have her badge on, that is a partial extenuation, but either way I imagine the officer is going to spend some time with the flashcards.

But that's a triviality. The fact is, Congress is a target. The officer is there to provide security and it's his job to stop any unidentified person who walks through without being checked.

One thing I have very little patience for is Members of Congress who are too big for their britches. I don't care if they're Republicans, Democrats, liberals, or conservatives. Too many of them have a tin god complex. I appreciate those who don't, regardless of Party. It's worth remembering that for years, the two Senators who were regularly singled out as the nicest, most courteous to the worker bee staffers in the Capitol complex were ... Paul Wellstone, who will not surprise anyone here, and Jesse Helms, who will. I am sure Senator Wellstone and Senator Helms, had they been in this situation, would have apologized for causing a nuisance and complimented the guard for doing his job.

Of course, neither would have found himself in this situation because (1) neither would have been so high and mighty as to breeze through without stopping; and (2) both would probably have been on a friendly speaking basis with the officer. Helms in particular was famous for knowing the names of the guards, the serving staff in the Senate restaurant, the cleaning lady who did his office, etc. Go figure.

Anyhow, as you recall, a gunman shot his way into the Capitol Building just a few years ago and killed at least one officer (I forget the details). A bomb was set off just outside the Senate cloakroom back around 1980, give or take; fortunately the Senate had adjourned earlier than had been anticipated and no one was hurt, but that was just dumb luck. Another incident some years back: a person packed with plastic explosives and wired to a detonator tried to blow himself up in the House Gallery during a roll call vote, when the place was crowded with Members. The detonator malfunctioned. I expect there are many more incidents I'm not aware of.

This is not a game. Being abusive to someone who is protecting you is not a very good thing. CM should get a stiff reprimand. If that takes the form of public embarassment, so be it.

How about some common courtesy and r-e-s-p-e-c-t?

Like when stepping in the doors... greet the person who is responsible for your safety and others with a kind word or just a simple "Hi Joe, how are things going"?

That kind of recognition and familiarity trumps any "flash cards".

I was editing my response to make just those points when you posted this. You beat me to it.

Not even Zsa Zsa got away with hitting a cop. :)

But it stands to reason in our budding totalitarian mindset that ANY liberal is fair game to be grabbed from behind. If this happens to you, best make sure ladies that it's not a cop who's in the process of grabbing you. Everything's changed since 9-11, ya know. :P

I'm reserving judgment on the McKinney case because I think the details will be important here.

There are varations of this where I could see either party deserving of the blame.

Forgive me, but from a woman's point of view, I too easily understand an "automatic" reaction.

You're absolutely right - I sure hope (want to believe) that her reaction was knee-jerk. ;)

I can't help but wonder if this Officer is NOT injured for life, why he's pressing charges.

Guess I just feel bad because I know she cares about her constituents.

Time (and the video) will tell.

And, she refused to cooperate. McKinney wasn't given the chance to refuse to cooperate.

it makes me want to vote for her twice in 2006. Sadly, I only get to vote once and Diebold gets 30% of that.

I love Cynthia - My hero. What guts, what bravery, what courage, she has more strength in her character when facing up to the * administration, seeing and telling it like it is than almost anyone else in Congress -- on a par with greats like Feingold, Boxer, Conyers!

Take care Cynthia. We need to see you this Sat!

Pointing the finger at the cop as if he did something wrong simply for doing his job at a security checkpoint is pretty dumb. What's he supposed to do? "Um, please, uh ma'am? Don't make me raise my voice. Please come back here. Please."

do no wrong.

I once had a cop give me a moving violation ticket for absolutely no reason, except maybe because he was behind on his monthly quota of handing out tickets, and I was just a dumb kid, driving alone in a rustbucket -- someone who would have no credibility to dispute it in court. So I'm not a "cops are always right" person.

This is not the same kind of thing.

People blasting the cop and implicating him in some conspiracy to topple McKinney (but no other anti-war reps) do not seem very familiar w/the responsibilities of law enforcers. He was doing his job.

If this had been a Republican, everyone here would be cheering the cop.

If the cop was struck he does not have the choice to "just let it go". He is required to report it.
Especially if the tape is reviewed by his co.

This is the same for most police in most states. For some infractions they are required to report it, the DA chooses if it is worth a charge/trial.

Second the race of all involved is moot. The last time I was there for a visit there were black officers and black employees present. Racism is real, but wait until there is actually a shred of proof that it was at work. Otherwise it just makes no sense.

Finally the tape of this incident should shed light on the issue. Tape has no politics.

The actions of the people involved will speak.

just my 2 cents.

As if this was a partisan issue or a matter of politics? A fucking conspiracy? Give me a break.

At the very most, this is a misunderstanding. You people need to spend some time away from this board. This group-think is far, far too dangerous for you to operate in a rational world.

But terribly unintelligent. I suppose you think you made a good point; I'm obviously just brainwashed for believing that striking a police officer is a bad thing. I'm an agent of Karl Rove and the evil Nazi army.

I totally agree with your comments. My post was directed at the crop circle crowd, subterranean mole men believers and race baiters here.

Sorry about that.

:smoke: :hi:

Sorry about being so defensive. I've been accused of being brainwashed before by people on this site.

Have to run now... damn Mole Men are getting in my garbage cans again. ;)

Please refrain from dissenting until your post count is higher, thanks.

My Representative had an odd run-in with a Guard.

Ok. I guess we're even on the criminal act front.

Its not like people on this board are begging for this to not be an issue. Its currently one of the "hottest" items on the boards, based on the number of replies.

Let's enjoy a little experiment here? Ms. Rice has not only changed her hair but has totally relaxed it so that it is flowing instead of pasted down on her head. Hey, I like it for a nice change.

How about this SAME OFFICER grab Ms. Rice from behind tomorrow? Hum? ... I doubt that even if Condi reacted as if she was being assaulted - thereby also punching this officer in the chest ... no, I seriously doubt that this man would hold onto his job. He'd be fired in a New York minute for what you term "doing his job."

Yes, in essence, when it comes down to brass tacks, the officer did his job, but he did his job piss poorly for not taking an extra step to be in her field of vision. This officer grabbed a Congresswoman from behind - there's a less ham handed way to get someones attention right after passing through a crowded checkpoint? How many dignitaries and politicians have been grabbed from behind? The world may never know. :P

is by raising unprovable bullshit scenarios. What would happen if Condi Rice assaulted a police officer? I don't know. It hasn't happened, and therefore neither you nor I have a reasonable prediction of what would occur. Trying to make a definative assumption on the matter is just plain stupid.

The officer is pressing charges because that's what's required of them. If a police officer is assaulted, it must be reported. After any subsequent investigation, the charges can easily (and most likely will be) dropped, but you always report it to leave the options open. Its regulation.

The less people assumed about things, the better off we'd all be. There are some things that are clear-cut black-and-white. The officer did his job, like it or not. In all liklihood, nothing will result of it and the issue will be forgotten in three days. Why is everybody acting like the Thought Police is knocking on their door?

(BTW, I know the answer to that last rhetorical question, but that's for a different time)

Frist did not Dx Terri Schivo from a videotape. The 2000 and 2004 elections were not stolen. Wow, bummer how that Anthrax finds it's way to Democrats.

Oh, and Republicans are just blessed when traipsing around in small planes.

I'm not saying this is a conspiracy. However, the mere fact that it was NOT handled discreetly like so many other potential situations, we have not heard about with the Capitol Police ---> speaks volumes.

I may be overly jaded and suspicious - however, the nasty antics of the RW and the Republican Noise Machine make such concerns not so bat shit crazy as you think. ;)

"However, the mere fact that it was NOT handled discreetly like so many other potential situations, we have not heard about with the Capitol Police ---> speaks volumes."

Do you have proof of other altercations with the Capitol Police? Or are you just assuming that these sort of things happen all the time, and they just decided to make a big deal out of this one?

I've been all around D.C. more times than I care to count.

I believe that many women when grabbed from behind would react like Congresswoman McKinney did.

That's why I honestly believe that the act of grabbing a person from behind is NOT the first response that most Capitol Police would follow.

You've ignored this point but I'll make it again for clarity: It would have taken little effort within a crowded checkpoint for this Officer to maneuver himself to the side or directly in front of the Congresswoman. IMO, there was no need for him to GRAB her.

The video will prove ONE of us right. If I'm wrong, I'm willing to admit it,i.e., won't enjoy but I will own up to any mis-perceptions. Being a petite woman who has been grabbed from behind, I tend to react instinctively. Therefore, I fully understand if she reacted before recognizing this man as a Capitol Police Officer. That's my basic point.

She was talking on her cell phone, and if she didn't know who it was, I wouldn't expect her or any other woman to react differently. But on the other hand, I don't fault the security guard either, for stopping her or for reporting it.

situation. I sometimes listen to my scanner to catch the traffic of the Capitol Police. They are excellent and have a very difficult - thankless job.

This whole situation is unfortunate. Most depressing is knowing that the Right Wing is salivating at the opportunity to disrespect another liberal.

Understood.

behind. I would turn around swinging. And as a Congresswoman who has often taken controversial positions and probably received many threats, Representative McKinley may be a little more sensitive to the possibility of danger than us ordinary folk. The officer never should have grabbed her from behind. My guess is someone has encouraged him to press charges and make an issue of it. I hope he loses his job.

my $.02

Peace,

freefall

Now she has been targeted by the right for challenging Rummy. She better know some self defense.

out which subsequently made contact with his chest. Now, he was doing his job and she was enroute to her job, with me so far? Why couldn't it have been resolved as a case of mistaken identity & go about your business? Get a Brain. Morans!

on edit: I also meant to say who is pressing charges & why?
poor officer, is he just a patsy for another smear ploy?

I was "swimming" in a no swimming zone BUT I wasn't swimming, I was standing with my feet on the bottom of the pond just cooling off talking to a friend who had swum over from the other side. Anyhow, the cop asked for my ID, then took my driver's license and drove away. I had to go find him, begged him to just let me have the license back so I could leave the park peaceably but he wouldn't give it back for like, an hour and a half because he was running a background check at the park office. I'm sure he thought I was a criminal. I ended up with an $80 ticket for "disturbing the peace" because after an hour and a half of this, I was ticked off and calling him, "Bub."

All I can say is, sometimes some cops have a bad attitude. Now I know what it's like to be driving while black or flying while Arab.

Speak! It hard living everyday while Black.

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i know he adores her. he said he was going to talk to her about it when they are at an event this weekend--he's been asked to give a short speech and mckinney is going to be there.

There is no reason for this. Allow her some dignity. She is the greatest congressperson.

Cynthia came out and gave press release! She said, everything was cool. So, sounds like to me, GOP took this shit and spin the fuck out of it!

I'm confused.

Oh yeah, the GOP "swift boat" smear machine probably kicked into action toute suite! LOL

I can further imagine ole' Drudge (whose site I refuse to visit and give more publicity) being scoped by Rove-Co.

If this House Republican Conference Member had not witnessed this interaction, the Capital Police would have handled this quietly ... they might have been discreet?

Too funny! Drudge gets another so called "new item" that proves to be a lead balloon. Surprise! Surprise! ---> From Rove's mouth FIRST posted on Matt Drudge's Web Site. Those good ole boys are well connected, aye? :puke:

Like a "one trick pony" ---> Get outta town! :hi:

And it was confirmed by the Capitol Police.

I think she is the greatest and would be heartbroken if anyone tried to silence her voice because of this-

Didn't hear her press conference, but her statement on her website sure sounds like an apology for not having her Congressional Pin visible so the security guards would know who she was when she went around the metal detector. (Yes, she had an ID, but evidently that is not a visible thing as she first said she was not wearing her Pin. Seems pretty much like CNN was right in their initial news report that I got flamed for repeating here.) Why can a Democrat NEVER be wrong here?

....

Section 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the United States. They shall in all cases, except treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any speech or debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other place

i don't give a damn what the "circumstances" were...she gets a lifetime free pass as far as i'm concerned...

GW of being in on 9/11. How can you help loving it. I'll kick in on her fine for punching any and all mouth breathing idiots who try to detain her.

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I have been reading the rabid republican views on this, brother they are out there.
link removed per forum rules.