Report: McKinney hit officer with CLOSED FIST!

[flashdebadge]

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=74162

The Associated Press - ATLANTA

Rep. Cynthia McKinney struck a Capitol Hill police officer in the chest with a closed fist during an altercation last month, according to an event report filed by the officer.

The report, which was obtained Tuesday by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, describes the incident as an assault on a police officer, who was identified as Paul McKenna.

The report gives specific details of what happened when McKenna tried to stop McKinney, D-Ga., from going around a security checkpoint at a House office building March 29. It had previously been reported that McKinney "stabbed" the officer with a cell phone or slapped McKenna with an open hand.

U.S. Attorney Ken Wainstein has turned the matter over to the grand jury, who will decide whether McKinney will be charged.

After the scuffle, McKinney had said she was the victim of racial profiling and that the officer touched her inappropriately when he tried to stop her. But the incident embarrassed House Democrats, including fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus, none of whom publicly defended McKinney's behavior.

Under pressure from Democrats and the members of the Black Caucus, McKinney apologized for the incident on the House floor earlier this month.

___

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Let's see the video.

And lets see the past history of this McKenna guy.

[danalytical]

4. What if there is no video showing the incident

and the officer comes up with a squeeky clean past? What then?

[ContraBass Black]

10. The original reports said it was on tape.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

13. Well then it's his word against hers.

I wonder how the people falling over themselves to defend the Lacrosse players feel about McKinney's assumption of innocence.

[LostinVA]

167. We don't have the night at Duke on tape, but we have this on tape

So, show it.

Also, there is a very real, targeted smear campaign against McKinney. This isn't tinfoil hat stuff -- it's true. It succeeded in getting her tossed from her seat.

Apples and oranges from the Duke rape case.

[Catrina]

18. Let's see the officers past ~ why are they still hiding him? Maybe he's

one of the officers accused of harrassing some of the black officers who sued the Capitol Hill Dept. for discrimination? As long as we don't know anything about him, we're free to speculate. Why not clear the matter up and identify him?

[ShaneGR]

48. Uhhhh, he is identified by name in this article....

Paul McKenna

[Zhade]

53. They said there was a tape.

So, either there is, and they won't show it because they're lying about what happened, OR they lied about having a tape.

Don't know about you, but I stop trusting people the instant I find out they've lied to me - like the b*s* administration.

[mrfrapp]

56. Security Cameras

Moreover, if there is no tape then why isn't there? Do they really expect us to believe that a security checkpoint doesn't have a camera trained on it at all times?

[0rganism]

121. Maybe they can't show it because it's going to be evidence?

Attorneys for both sides may want to avoid the possibility of jury taint.

[Zhade]

131. If true, then I happily await the time when we can see the tape.

Until then, I do not believe the cops over McKinney, or vice versa.

[0rganism]

132. Agreed -- I think people are too quick to rush to judgment either way

I'm just saying there are reasons other than the overtly sinister for why video of the incident may not be immediately forthcoming.

[LostinVA]

166. There is a video -- the cops said they wouldn't release it

So.... I won't believe it until I see it. Not this incident, not this Rep. No way. There is NO legit raeson for the tape not to be released if they are telling the truth.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. They won't let it go, will they?

If this does go to trial, it will be on 24/7. Wouldn't be surprised if the rw call for her impeachment, even though congresscritters can't be impeached.

[Tiggeroshii]

14. They can be impeached.

n/t

[northzax]

15. don't you think that Rep. McKinney's hometown paper

has a legitimate interest in reporting on her activities?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

17. My post referred to the possible indictment

which is being pursued by a Federal Prosecutor. I don't think he has any connection with the Atlanta Constitution.

[zbdent]

19. 24/7? But, McKinney's BLACK!

Oh, wait . . . I see, she's not missing . . .

[Cooley Hurd]

3. That is sooo last month...

...we're on to Rummy and Scotty's resignations - things that MEAN A HELL OF A LOT MORE than Cynthia McKinney's altercation.:eyes:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

5. Actually this works better for Repubs if they drag it out over the longest

possible period of time.

So if they bring charges don't expect it until right in the meat of campaign season.

[danalytical]

11. Couldn't agree more

McKinney is small potaties compared to half a dozen military generals bucking the president.

[Rhiannon12866]

150. I agree.

Another DU friend believes that the focus here on Cynthia McKinney's "altercation" and the Duke (University, not Cunningham) rape case is just a distraction from the real news, as they are doing on CNN. There are important things happening in our world, the horror in Iraq, Bush*'s sanction of illegal wiretapping, a possible attack on Iran which could lead to WWIII. You're right. This is no longer news.

[babylonsister]

6. History, ancient. Move along. nt

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

7. Is the poor guy out of intensive care yet?

Will he be in the fullbody cast for long?

[Orrex]

24. If a congressman had hit a female police officer with a closed fist,

would it be as amusing to you?

I'm not asserting that McKinney actually hit the officer as described, but I find a laughing dismissal of a possible assault to be problematic.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

26. What if a large male police office forcefully grabbed a woman.

Oh, wait, that's what happened.

[Orrex]

30. What if he hadn't?

If McKinney ignored the officer's instruction to halt, then what should he have done? Flagged her through because she was probably okay? That's a pretty loose security policy you're proposing there.

About 500 people work in my building, and the security guards can recognize pretty much everyone. But we still have to enter our punch-in codes and show our ID's because that's the policy. If I ignored an instruction to halt, the guard would rightly detain me, even if he recognized me.

Why, in your view, should the halls of congress maintain a more relaxed standard of security than my building?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

34. Well if he had done his job and hadn't assaulted her...

then she probably wouldn't have defended herself.

What, you think she goes around beating capitol police?

[Orrex]

43. So, people can assault capitol police once, and that's okay?

Since you addressed none of the points in my post, I can see that you're not interested in discussing this. Good-bye.

[progressivebydesign]

59. trying to stop someone coming thru is not assault.

If she apologized, why are you blaming the cop for assaulting her? He didn't assault her, he didn't recognize her and asked her to stop. She refused and kept going.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

69. It's his job to recognize her.

So instead of doing his job like he was supposed to, he assaulted her by grabbing her arm and she defended himself.

[LittleClarkie]

79. If it was his job to recognize over seven hundred people

why are Congresscritters supposed to be wearing little pins that identify them?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

99. They're not supposed to be wearing ID pins.

[NYCGirl]

101. Oh, yes they are.

http://www.slate.com/id/2139273/

The U.S. Capitol Police referred the case of Rep. Cynthia McKinney to the Department of Justice on Monday. The congresswoman allegedly struck an officer last week after he stopped her and requested her credentials. McKinney called the incident racial profiling and said the officers should recognize members of the House even if they're not wearing their official lapel pins: "It is true that at the time I was not wearing my pin. But many Members of Congress aren't wearing their pins today." How many members of Congress actually wear their official pins?

Most of them do—at least in the House. With 435 representatives walking around, it can be hard for staffers, lobbyists, and police officers to remember who's who. Even the members themselves sometimes rely on the pins to identify their colleagues. Each election cycle brings 30 or 40 (or even 87) new faces to the floor, and the pins help the veterans and the freshmen to get acquainted. The official Senate pin isn't as popular, since there's less turnover and fewer people to keep track of.

—snipped—

You don't have to wear your pin, but it's the best way to get past the security lines if the guards don't know your face. In the Roll Call article, Foley declared himself "not a big pin-wearer, I don't like to damage the suits." Cynthia McKinney has refused to wear her pin for more than 10 years.

[Ms. Clio]

103. Um, it's right there in the article "You don't have to wear your pin"

They have had her picture posted for over ten years.

[NYCGirl]

107. And it ALSO says:

You don't have to wear your pin, but it's the best way to get past the security lines if the guards don't know your face. In the Roll Call article, Foley declared himself "not a big pin-wearer, I don't like to damage the suits." Cynthia McKinney has refused to wear her pin for more than 10 years.

[Ms. Clio]

110. Yes, but her picture has been posted for all the police officers to see

And lapel pins seem like a flimsy security measure, anyway, and very easy to counterfeit.

[NYCGirl]

112. That's why they have official ID, too.

Read the whole article I posted — they don't sound that easy to counterfeit.

[Ms. Clio]

116. No, they sound more and more ridiculous as a form of ID

From the article:

When a member of the House retires—like Tom DeLay just did—he gets to keep his old pins but won't get any of the new designs. That doesn't mean DeLay will lose his access privileges. Under current rules, DeLay will get a special "former member of Congress" pin that he can use indefinitely. The representatives' spouses also get pins (of a different color).

Non-congressmen use one badge to get through security and another for floor access. The most recognizable senior staffers can slip past guards without their badges, just as many lawmakers get by without wearing their pins.



If a police officer can really identify all these pins in a milling crowd of people, then he should be able to remember what one black Congresswoman looks like from day to day.

[LittleClarkie]

105. What do you mean?

I think they are supposed to, but it's just not required that they do so. But I would reckon that if she's had this sort of thing happen before she'd just wear the damn pin and be done with it.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

149. no, it is not

it is his job to protect her and as a part of that if someone tries to bypass a metal detector and he does not recognize them, then he should have stopped her. There is nowhere in the job description of a Capitol Police Office that he/she should recognize all 500+ people in the congress. And even if it were, she had radically changed her hair and thus radically changed her appearance. If you wish to deny that should be a factor, then you obviously never seen anyone who had radically changed their hair. My wife had her hair cut recently and our oldest child (of three) did not even recognize her...and they are together pretty much about 16 hours a day...

sP

[LittleClarkie]

84. And gee, if they are both innocent until proven guilty?

Meanwhile, where are you getting your facts. Is there a report somewhere who idenifies him as large or that says that he grabbed her forcefully? I thought we only just found out his name

I swear, if it had been a black Republican Congresswoman, half the people here would have said "Good for him! Serves the smug Repug right for not following the rules!"

Her politics and her race don't make her either right or wrong or innocent or guilty. They mean precisely nothing in this circumstance. Whether or not she speaks truth to power has nothing to do with whether either she or the cop acted improperly.

They are BOTH innocent until proven guilty.

[Bassthumb]

141. You won't believe she hit an officer with a closed fist without......

the video(see post #1).

But you are certain without the video that she was assaulted.

"What if a large male police office forcefully grabbed a woman.
Oh, wait, that's what happened." Post #26 by Bornaginhooligan.

I have been reading posts at DU for a little bit now, and each time I want to post I see something like this. Is this really the progressive thought process? I really enjoy DU but comments like this seem to be commonplace here lately.


If being the opposite of a freeptard is what you were trying to accomplish, you have succeeded. But please, how do you figure this thought process works. I am a progressive (or at least my own version of one; I am my own person), and bigotry like this stinks. Posts like this are why I haven't posted.

[Catrina]

142. If you've been reading DU for a while, you must have seen that the

Chief of Police actually verified (unintentionally of course) Cynthia McKinney's version of events on live TV!! He said the cop 'grabbed her from behind'. The Chief of Police, btw, is resigning because of ethics charges. Apparently he violated the rules regarding nespotism.

You must also have seen that McKinney claimed (backed by two other black women Reps. who said they too were often 'detained') that she is frequently harrassed because she is black. That charge was laughed at initially, until it was revealed that 250 Black Capitol Hill cops had filed a lawsuit against the Dept. for discrimination. That lawsuit was strongly backed up by the Black Caucus!

After the lawsuit, several of the Black cops asserted they were subjected to further harrassment. One black female cop was cited for 'not having her radio on'. McKinney was stopped (despite her photo being made available to cops) for 'not having her pin on'.

I have never known Cynthia McKinney to lie. In fact, any notoriety she has gained has been because SHE TELLS THE TRUTH. Based on that, and with no knowledge of the character of the cop, I tend to believe her, especially with the additional info now available that 250 black cops, at least two other black women reps., also claim what she claimed, that the Capitol Hill Police Dept. has a reputation of discrimation.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

157. I'm working off of the widely reported events...

which all pretty much all say the same thing.

The cop failed to recognize McKinney, he chased after her, grabbed her arm, and she spun around and contacted him with her hand.

Now if that's how it happened, then he failed to do his job, assaulted her, and then she defended herself.

Now that sounds to me like a case of mistaken identity, in which case responsible adults apologize and go about their merry way.

Now if you want to turn this into something political, a hit piece for instance, you make it out to be McKinney's fault. Which is a stupid thing to do, and anybody who does so should be prepared to look foolish.

[mondo joe]

173. If an officer stops someone who passes a security checkpoint it is NOT

assault (unless of course he used unreasonablee force).

[LostinVA]

169. Hahahaha! Good point!

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

33. If flounders had feathers they'd be flamingos.

Let's see, 120lb woman smacks 200lb cop in the chest. Wow! A real brawl. If it happened, as described, how much damage was done? I'll bet the cop sustained more pain and suffering from a hearty handshake from his pals.

[Junkdrawer]

40. LOL. Exactly....

:rofl:

[Orrex]

42. So I can freely assault anyone who outweighs 1.5x what I do?

In that case, point me to the nearest 300 pound woman, so I can smack her with impunity.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

46. My problem with this whole thing is the something out of nothing aspect.

Cop grabs McKinney. She slaps, punches, pokes, (whatever the latest is), him. Big deal. He could have complained to senior Dems who would have reprimanded her. Instead we have this huge story about a non-event.

[DubyaSux]

62. The huge story...

....wasn't a result of the altercation. If she would have just apologized and made nice, the problem probably would have went away.

Instead, she got in front of the first camera she could find to cry racism. She verbally attacked the cop. She apologized for the incident, but not her behavior.

McKinney created this mess and watered down true racism by crying wolf as a defense.

[Junkdrawer]

125. It was clear the Corporate Media was going to play this up BEFORE...

McKinney said a word.

I seem to remember about a day or so of LARGE CNN/Fox coverage after the incident and before her press conference.

But by "crying racism", McKinney gave the media an excuse for dragging this out more that they would have normally.

[Catrina]

143. Maybe the media should have done some homework and they

would have seen that she had very good reason for that claim. I have posted this already, so briefly, 250 black cops filed a lawsuit against the Dept. for discrimination, after which several of them claimed they were harrassed even further.

Other black female Reps (Sheila Jackson Leigh) back up McKinney's claim of harrassment (a second black woman also backed her up). Several other witnesses who have accompanied McKinney on Capitol Hill also verified that she is consistently harrassed. So, rather than dismiss her claim, maybe a little research, or a 'benefit of the doubt' attitude at least (we DO have racism in this country, so it's not a stretch to think that maybe she is telling the truth) might have been a more professional attitude for the media to take.

The Chief of Police (himself about to resign for violation of the rules regarding nespotism) actually backed up McKinney's version of what happened in a TV interview.

I won't go on, but there's more ~ maybe everyone should remember that Cynthia McKinney is not known for telling lies, she is known for telling the truth, which is got her in trouble in the first place. I have no reason to doubt her, based on her past record. This cop is unknown and the story has changed practically on a daily basis, while hers has not changed at all. The truth doesn't change.

[goclark]

159. I believe you but I have not heard

these details mentioned on my television.

I wonder why?

The injustice just floors me,GW can KILL innocent people, Cheney can shoot his "friend" and we are still hearing about this silly story.

Witch Hunt, witch hunt written all over it.

[Catrina]

160. Amazing isn't it? The people she upset are good at witch hunts ~

And the media is either too lazy, or are a part of it. But if those facts were known, it would paint a whole different picture of why she had very legitimate reasons for saying what she said. I guess once again, it's up to us to get the truth out ~

[goclark]

165. Exactly, not near the pain from a quill shooters missed bullets

[Strong Atheist]

51. I agree with ALL of your posts in this thread.

:wow:

[Orrex]

54. Agreement with me is a sign of great intelligence

nyuk nyuk nyuk

But seriously, folks...

Certainly Ms. McKinney is innocent until proven guilty, of course, but in numerous threads here on DU there's been a vibe of "the cop is guilty regardless of proof and regardless of anything McKinney did or could have done."

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

[JerseygirlCT]

155. Absolutely. nt

[LostinVA]

168. I don't believe it, because this is at least the fifth time the story

has been changed. Stupid.

[JerseygirlCT]

154. You know what? Make this a GOP congressperson

and you'd be all over him/her.

If she did that, she's 100% wrong. I don't care what her party affiliation is.

[Bozita]

8. We have another April RESURRECTION!

[mdmc]

9. The guards waved her through

then harassed her. She simply touched the police officer to get his attention.

:eyes:

[progressivebydesign]

60. that was sarcasm, right? Cuz why would she apologize? n/t

[mdmc]

63. she apologized to get past this whole mess

she had to cause the dems wouldn't stand up for her.

[eleny]

12. Nixon RESIGNS!

Film at 8.

[bunkerbuster1]

27. This guy Carter--does he have what it takes to win?

[StaggerLee]

37. Lusitania Sunk!

:popcorn:

[Bucky]

71. Aristotle reveals: "Clouds are a flying lifeform!"

Og builds wheel, film at 11.

[guinivere]

80. A wheel? This I've got to see. nt

[Ecumenist]

16. AND....?

:shrug: She hit the guy, that much has been established, she didn't stab him. I believe that he'll survive. He's a big boy and guess what? "and if he's afraid, he'll have to overlook it. Besides, He knew the job was dangerous when he took it" (Taken from the theme from that esteemed cartoon character, "Superchicken") It ain't that big a deal, for crying out loud.

[Catrina]

29. I thought the last news was that 'she poked him' which was after 'she

whacked him' or she 'shoved him'? Now that the 350,000 Police union decided to talk to the officer involved and 'persuade him' to file charges, while also 'protecting his ID so he won't be harrassed (the way Cynthia has been) the story is changed again. She now 'punched him with a closed a fist' or whatever. The ever changing charges!

Cynthia should have sued him right off the bat. She should have known this would escalate. She upset the WRONG people too many times by speaking the truth.

Waiting for the Cynthia bashers to arrive ~ many of them seem to have left after the last round.

Meantime, we now have evidence that Bush may have been the leaker he was searching for.

Cheney may have been involved in a conspiracy to out an undercover agent. :eyes:

[Ecumenist]

35. But, but , but...

She hit him.... That mean black lady hit him and hurt him... (coming from another black woman). This is a means to try to distract the attention from their flaming failure attempt to govern this country. Before it's all over, she will have shot him, stabbed his mother and slit his kitten's throat.

[BoneDaddy]

20. Bottom line

If McKinney did do that, she needs to be held accountable.

My problem with the reich wing focusing on this so much is that comparatively, Ms. McKinney punched a cop in the chest whereas GW has a laundry list of offenses and so much blood on his hands that what Ms. McKinney has done is relatively negligible in my eyes. She screwed up, made a bad decision, but it is hard for me to condemn her while president asshole is getting a pass.

[Orrex]

28. Good points

As you mention, if McKinney did this, then she must face the consequences.

And if Dubya has indeed decimated the economy, the military, foreign relations, and the country in general, then he must likewise face the consequences.

Your complaint about the RW's focus is well-made. Congress is, one supposes, capable of attending to more than one issue at a time. Can't they even glance at Dubya's practices while they're scrutinizing McKinney's actions?

[Name removed]

21. Deleted message

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

[Ecumenist]

36. My thoughts exactly.

Sometimes, they are so transparent. If this is merely an incorrect impression about the OP, Mea culpa. It's just that this is so over the top.. Just makes you go..."HMMMM".

[oasis]

70. Check the name, perhaps "badges"are an issue with the poster. (eom)

[Ecumenist]

22. BTW..

Welcome to DU:hi:

The guy is a security guard, not a kindergarten teacher.... Chill, it'll be alright.

[Bluebear]

23. President Bush ILLEGALLY wiretapped his OWN PEOPLE!!!!!

[Catrina]

32. And Cheney used his SS detail to obstruct justice!! Where's the

Grand Jury?

[alarcojon]

77. and started an ILLEGAL WAR!

[soothsayer]

25. poor widdle officer, did dat big bad lady hit himms?

[Ecumenist]

38. Po' thang...

Bless his little ole heart...

[davidinalameda]

31. I don't care how she votes on the issues

her effectiveness is pretty much destroyed, and a lot of this was her own fault

[Chiyo-chichi]

39. You say McKinney, I say McKenna

Let's call the whole thing off.

[Lerkfish]

41. Rumsfeld BURNT INNOCENT PEOPLE WITH WHITE PHOSPHORUS!

guess which one alarms me more...

[EFerrari]

65. He also rained depleted uranium on innocents -- theirs and ours.

And children are being born with horrific birth defects.

But, let's have a hissyfit over a report that is trying to frame a Democrat *because* she is effective.

:eyes:

[DrGonzoLives]

172. RACIST!

Focusing on Rumsfeld's crime instead of blindly arguing for the innocence of Cynthia McKinney MAKES YOU A WORTHLESS VIRULENT RACIST. Go put on a white hood, Klan freak! :sarcasm:

[Roland99]

44. Wanna bet she swung around when touched and her arm swung and her

fist happened to hit him in the chest?

[me b zola]

45. Her hand was holding her cell phone,

So yes, I see it happening like that. It was a reaction, nothing more, IMO.

[Roland99]

47. And reason enough to take down a rabble-rouser.

[Jigarotta]

66. she had a closed fist around her cell phone!

when she whirled around after being grabbed by the officer.
book her!

sheesh.
what is it? a slap, a shove, a poke, a slug, a 'stab', a close fisted punch?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

74. I'll Take That Bet. n/t

[Swamp Rat]

49. Unless they produce the video and reveal who made the testimony

IMO, the unnamed officer is a lying sack of crap.

[Charlie Brown]

83. He's identified in the article

Paul McKenna

[Swamp Rat]

94. OK, I do not believe that lying sack of crap Paul McKenna.

Where's the video of poor Paul McKenna getting punched?

[mitchtv]

50. Oh Please

I'm sure he did something to provoke her. Like give her a painful squeeze on the arm or something like that instead of putting his arm up, he came from behind , did he identify himself before grabbing?. I personally have a problem with police testalieing, so I am not without prejudices

[Name removed]

52. Deleted message

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

[Boredtodeath]

57. Hit and run

You note, "flashdebadge" (caught that screen name, right?) never returned to the thread either.

[Pastiche423]

55. Paul McKenna has been working for the Capital Police

for THREE years and still din't recognize Cynthia?

Uh huh. And my shit smells like a Sterling Silver Rose.

[EFerrari]

64. Exactly. I wonder how much he got for this little incident? n/t

[LittleClarkie]

85. If all the cops are supposed to recognize over seven hundress people

then why are Congresspeople required to wear pins?

[Ms. Clio]

91. According to Sheila Jackson Lee, they are not required to wear pins

And how would a tiny little lapel pin qualify as a valid form of ID, anyway, in what must often be a crowd of moving people? How easy would it be to counterfeit something like that?

And we are not talking 700 fat white men -- we are talking about a dozen black women.

And they have even had her picture posted, after previous incidents.

They know who she is.

[LittleClarkie]

96. Previous incidents?

What previous incidents?

[Ms. Clio]

97. Several, according to Wiki

I also read about it in a Counterpunch article, I think, but I can't find the link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynthia_McKinney#Altercations_with_police

[LittleClarkie]

102. Eeek. What IS her malfunction, I wonder.

Why so many? This has been going on for nearly a decade.

[Ms. Clio]

109. The more appropriate question is, what is the CH police's malfunction?

Sheila Jackson Lee says she has experienced similar treatment.

Perhaps this article by the Black Commentator will help put it in perspective.

Nobody knows better than Black officers that racism is rampant in the Capitol Police force. Of the 1,200 officers, 29 percent are Black, and many still have racial bias suits outstanding. "You have, basically, a renegade police department up here, that’s been operating under the protection of Congress," said Charles J. Ware, an attorney representing the Capitol Black Police Association.

But it’s not just race. Police officers, like workers in any organization, spend much of their time talking shop. For Capitol police, the subject of their shop-talk is the members of congress they are hired to protect. Cynthia McKinney is famous – no less so on Capitol Hill. She is the Black woman viciously branded as a friend of “terrorists,” the most uppity African American in the federal legislature. The cops are quite aware of what she looks like, new hair-do or not.

A McKinney lawyer got it right when he told a Howard University press conference that his client was targeted for reasons of “sex, race and Ms. McKinney's progressiveness."

The cops know who McKinney is – they have profiled her politically. Michael C. Ruppert, former Los Angeles cop and current honcho of the popular web site From the Wilderness, has felt the police hostility directed at his longtime friend, Cynthia McKinney:

” I have walked the halls of Congress with Cynthia McKinney maybe eight to ten times. I have walked into and out of the Cannon and Longworth house office buildings with her. I have walked to hearings in the Rayburn house office building with her. I have walked the underground tunnels from one of those office buildings directly to the edge of the House floor and its anteroom with her. I can tell you one thing for certain because I have seen it and I have felt it. Cynthia McKinney and her staff get treated differently from just about anyone else on the Hill. It’s subtle, but so is the taste of dirt when it’s in your mouth.”


http://www.blackcommentator.com/index.html

[LittleClarkie]

111. There was another article in slate

that was not as sympathetic, but did make the point that LEGITIMATE claims of racism from Rep McKinney are often obscured by her frequent crying wolf. So they seem to agree that she has a point about the Capitol cops, but she doesn't help herself much by often playing the race card.

I mean honest to God, insinuating that Gore is a racist by saying he has a low Negro tolerance level because she doesn't think he has enough black people around him (Donna Brazille, anyone. Yeah, he's intolerant, alright.) Egad.

http://www.slate.com/?id=2064530

[Ms. Clio]

119. Yeah, but I don't really get so excited about just that one remark

In the whole scheme of things, it really doesn't bother me nearly as much as Dems who support the war or voted for the bankruptcy bill.

[LittleClarkie]

122. No but in this context it does seem to make her the woman who cried racism

perhaps once too often.

[Ms. Clio]

124. The article was a hit piece

It smears her for not buying into the 9/11 BS, and it really didn't go into the details of the previous incidents, and didn't actually identify a single episode where she "cried wolf" on the CH police, just claimed that some people believe that she has.

If she has been racially profiled and hassled before, when is it "real," and when is it "crying wolf?"

I guess if there is really a trial, more of the facts will emerge.

[LittleClarkie]

127. I'd wondered alittle bit about the author. I've never heard of him.

I think he was using the Gore comment in his "cry wolf" motify.

But you're right in that he does seem to be painting her a something of a tinfoil hatter.

As I sit here and think about it, I am guilty of prejudging this case somewhat without knowing all of her past history and what went into her reaction. I don't know her frustrations, and for all I know they really are profiling her and harrassing her for speaking truth to power.

I'm sorry if I've been ass-u-me-ing too much. I'll just sit back and watch now.

I just wish we knew more about the cop. I don't want to assume and prejudge him either.

[Ms. Clio]

130. You raise a good point about the cop

I look forward to learning more about him.

It's certainly possible that she overreacted, but then, given the history, it seems understandable why she might.

And this story from the Black Commentator's article demonstrates how these scenarios can play out -- and it's about one of her detractors!

Days after his attempt to pound McKinney into dust, the duplicitous Mel Watt related to the Charlotte Observer his own scary run-in with Capitol police “a year or so ago”:

"I was running to the floor to vote and an officer said, `Can I see your ID?' and I said, `No' and kept running. I looked back and he had his hand on his gun. Then another (Capitol) police officer said, `Member.' He recognized me (as a House member). It just so happened that the first (officer) was white and the other one was black ... I was probably very rash. In retrospect, I thought to myself, `You had to be out of your mind.' I was trying to get to a vote and he had a job to do."

Watt understands very well that the Black officer, who didn’t go for his gun, but instead called his white partner off, was intervening in a case of racial profiling.

[LostinVA]

170. It isn't HER malfunction

It's the Cap Police's.

Cynthia McKinney is certainly a bit prickly, but stuff like this AND the concerted RW push to get her out of office (which worked using LIES) would make anyone a bit prickly. Huh? Like black male lawyers getting stopped for the 100th time for driving a nice car in a nice part of town.

[NYCGirl]

108. Are people other than Reps. using that entrance? I would think so...

then it's probably many more than a dozen black women.

[Ms. Clio]

113. But they only have to RECOGNIZE about a dozen of them

It is a required part of their job.

[NYCGirl]

115. It may be a busy entrance. They have to make sure everyone is checked. NT

[Justice Is Comin]

133. I think I heard

it was 34,000 people a day coming through that checkpoint.

I'm almost embarrassed to see this double standard by some here. Can't wait until I see a Republican accused of something similar.

[Ms. Clio]

139. Then let me introduce you to J.C. Watts

Tuesday October 9, 2001 2:10 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An aide to Rep. J.C. Watts said Monday
that the congressman lost his temper when he stuffed a parking
ticket for violating airport security rules under an officer's
badge.

Watts, the fourth-ranking House GOP leader, was cited Sept. 28
after he left his car unattended in a loading zone at Will
Rogers World Airport, a violation of security measures that
police have enforced especially aggressively since the Sept.
11 attacks.

After arguing with police Sgt. Edward Stupka, Watts shoved the
$15 ticket under his badge and told him to "take care of it,"
said Pam Pryor, Watts' chief of staff. The officer tossed it
into the congressman's car, and Watts' wife later paid the
ticket.

http://www.americanpolitics.com/20011018Baker.html

[Justice Is Comin]

140. You're not seriously comparing

these two incidents I hope. You can't be that desperate to justify McKinney.

[Ms. Clio]

146. And you can't be that desperate to villify her, surely

The incident with Watts was much more egregious. He was illegally parked in an airport, in a place where he had no expectation of being recognized, right after 9/11, and he argued with an officer before assaulting him by shoving the ticket under his badge -- it wasn't a reaction to being suddenly grabbed from behind, like McKinney was, it was just pure arrogance.

[oasis]

117. After several incidents, they should know Cynthia even more than others.

I suspect the cop had a motive for "not" knowing her.

[Ms. Clio]

120. That is my suspicion, as well n/t

[progressivebydesign]

58. You're all so funny. If Tom DeLay had punched someone...

you'd be freaking out. None of us have any way of knowing what really happened.. and no one is stepping forward to defend what she did amongst her own party, and no witnesses have stepped forward to tell a different version than hers. Sometimes people make big mistakes..she apologized for what she did. The cop could have been wrong, she could have been wrong, we just don't know. The mistake that's being made around here is to always assume that the Democrat did nothing wrong. End of story. It makes us look like.. well.. fools. Just like the rape case that is being debated here over and over, unless we were there, we can only wait until it's resolved to know who was in the wrong. It really sux that this has turned into a political issue... but I know that if ANY of us slapped, punched, or even poked, a police officer, we would be in HUGE trouble, and apologizing wouldn't help. Put it into perspective.

[Bucky]

73. Oh, you and your blasted Vulcan logic! Damn you!

Dammit, Jim, I'm a doctor, not a police forensic scientist
beam me up, fake accent boy
thanks & mad props to ya

[Ms. Clio]

93. I don't recall a grand jury or an assault charge in J.C. Watts' case

Tuesday October 9, 2001 2:10 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An aide to Rep. J.C. Watts said Monday
that the congressman lost his temper when he stuffed a parking
ticket for violating airport security rules under an officer's
badge.

Watts, the fourth-ranking House GOP leader, was cited Sept. 28
after he left his car unattended in a loading zone at Will
Rogers World Airport, a violation of security measures that
police have enforced especially aggressively since the Sept.
11 attacks.

After arguing with police Sgt. Edward Stupka, Watts shoved the
$15 ticket under his badge and told him to "take care of it,"
said Pam Pryor, Watts' chief of staff. The officer tossed it
into the congressman's car, and Watts' wife later paid the
ticket.

http://www.americanpolitics.com/20011018Baker.html

[mondo joe]

129. I agree. I hate double standards, and I hate them here OR

there. I do not like them anywhere.

[JerseygirlCT]

156. I completely agree. nt

[dogday]

61. This is a flame fest-grab your suits and marshmellows!!!

[mb7588a]

67. Report: I had waffles for breakfast. mmmMMmMMMmmm... who cares? nt.

[guinivere]

81. But what sort of syrup did you use? The public has a right to know. nt

[smacky44]

68. Listen up!! There is MUCH MORE IMPORTANT new today!!!

This is just another headline to take your minds off of the bombing in Afghanistan, Rove demotion, rising gasoline prices, the culture of corruption surrounding this WH. I am ashamed of Jack Cafferty for even making this a poll.

Get real! Rove is headed back to his old role of Chief of Dirty Tricks for Bushbots and he will be out there organizing some smear efforts against Dems running for Congress. Also, even though he is damaged goods because of Plame, he and Tom DeLay will make an awesome "dirty tricks" team. Dems need to get busy and realize what they are going to be faced with and devise some plans to counter attack or pre-emptively attack these monsters.

McKinney is not even an issue for us to think about right now. She is and has been in the cross-hairs of this administration and it very stupid of her to get herself in this position. She should know better. I hope she survives this politically because she does have the guts and courage that many Dems don't seem to have when comes to challenging this administration, however we need to move on and not get bogged down with this. The Dems response should be that the system must be allowed to play out as long as it fair and honest with these charges and then they should turn everyone's attention to the price of gasoline, Iraq, Iran, and the general state of decline of the nation since Bush came into office.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

72. If That's What's In The Filing Then I Think She's Going To Be Charged.

This may be definitely coming back to the forefront. I'm almost certain the GJ will charge her with simple assault with this.

[Mr_Spock]

75. Cool!

I hope she hurt him too!

[Charlie Brown]

76. ?

I didn't want to get into this thread, but that's a pretty calous statement. Why do you wish harm on other people, let alone police officers?

[Mr_Spock]

78. 'Cause I like a good fight

I figured my comment was appropriate given the weight I give this issue - which is absolute zero. I so think this is a flame-bait post.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

82. I'm a woman from a big city - if some burly guy grabbed me I'd freak too.

When you grow up in the city - if you get grabbed or feel threatened by someone your first instinct is to crack them over the head. A man ought to know better than to grab a woman.

[Xenotime]

86. I agree.

I am suprised that charges of harrassment haven't been brought up on the officer.

[Charlie Brown]

87. Even a police officer in a secure area?

It's my understanding that detaining people they not recognize who bypass security is part of the job of the Capitol Police.

I'm not quite sure what you're suggesting. Should we do away w/security around the Congressional offices? Or should we instruct police to drop protocol b/c some members of congress believe they have been unfairly singled out? Both seem like a recipe for disaster to me.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

128. The security guards are ok - but manhandling a woman is NOT ok.

It sounds like they were pretty rough with her. Why a security guard would need to "grab" an unarmed woman I really don't understand.

She obviously thought the guards would recognize her since she's been a member of congress for many years. It's very disrespectful. I doubt that they would grab a white male dressed in a suit like that.

[mondo joe]

175. If she was treated inappropriately why isn't she pressing charges?

Why not handle the problem?

[ShortnFiery]

88. Holy SHIT! Not this crapola again.

:puke:

[Gabi Hayes]

89. Locking. Wise the fuck up!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=967531&mesg_id=967531

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x969911

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x969992

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x969641

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x969961

got it?

get it.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

90. If Only The Important Topics Were Forced To Be Discussed,

80% of GD would disappear.

This is a public forum. There are all sorts of topics ranging in all sorts of relevance. It is an amazing freedom we have to focus and spend time in whichever ones we choose. Yes, there are many more important things going on right now. But yes, if there was to be a self-righteous guilt trip given each time a not-priority thread was given attention, every single goddamn post in the lounge would be scrutinized. They aren't, by the way, nor should they be. Get a grip.

[Gabi Hayes]

92. you get a grip....this particular load of BS has been beaten to death

several times before, and my opinion is that it deserves just as much attention as, oh, say, this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x966524

or this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x969892

but, go ahead, foist your opinion as much as you want. Love your 80% figure, btw. out of which orifice did you pull that particular stat? LOL


let the RW maniacs have a field day with the McKinney Inquistion. It's all they have left to keep the sheeples' minds off things that matter

but, go ahead....indulge yourself

keep helping them do their work for them

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

98. I'm Not Sure Any Of Us Know That It Is BS Yet Or Not.

If she is charged, which now seems likely, the facts may finally come out and we will know one way or another.

As far as the attention it deserves, it deserves as much as fellow DU'ers choose to give it. That is their choice, not mine.

On a completely unrelated note, I love your sig pic.

[nini]

95. There's no way to know for sure without seeing the incident.

If he pulled on her in such a way she felt threatened and didn't know who it was pulling on her (as in he was behind her) then she's justified as she would be defending herself..

If she saw him coming and decided to slug him - I'd say she's not so justified.

There's no way anyone can know without either being there or seeing some video. the fact this continues to be tried in the media with nothing provided to back up their conclusions is what is the real problem is to me. The fact she is black and outspoken fuels this media trial - that's the only thing I really am sure of in this case without more evidence.

[Rex]

100. When I see the video Capitol Hill police say they have.

Until then I will reserve judgment.

[oasis]

104. When will the cop's identity be made public? Our research on his r-wing

connections will be hampered until it happens.

[NYCGirl]

106. His name is in the article. NT

[oasis]

114. Thanks. I saw a short profile of him on CNN. "He's friendly to fellow

African American officers". The corporate media is already building him up with a phoney image.

[Catrina]

161. 250 African American officers sued his Dept. for discrimination! His

fellow officers harrassed them after they filed the suit. More charges of discrimination have since been filed. The Black Caucus strongly supported the African American officers.

Cythia McKinney said she always 'supported the Capitol Hill police' ~ she certainly supported the ones who filed the discrimination suit.

Intersting that they CNN profile felt the need to say that this cop, the one who manhandled McKinney 'was friendly to African American officers'. Guess they want to pre-empt any charges that he might have been among those officers who have been pretty upset over the lawsuit. Why even mention that?

[kitkat65]

118. Look at the pretty keys!

Jangle, jangle, jangle . . .

[oasis]

123. Look at the beautiful DC jury.

Not guilty, not guilty, not guilty.

Oh wait, maybe they'll get a jury from Milwaukee.:wow:

[DoveTurnedHawk]

126. She Was Wrong, But It's Over

Why are you stirring this up again? I wonder.

DTH

[Imagevision]

134. without McKinny, what would the repukes be talking about??

Clinton?

[ShortnFiery]

136. True, but I kid you not ... if more of these "law and order"

Democrats help take McKinney down, I won't be there to vote for their Kerry, Clark or Clinton come the Presidential election.

Yes, this seriously upsets us liberals because we are constantly dismissed by the DLC type crones.

Well, if you jump on-board, instead of kindly STFU on this (the Republicans are a pain enough) do NOT depend on many on the left to pull your a**es out of the fire with regard to the Presidential election. We all know that the DLC PICKS the Democratic Presidential Candidate.

So keep it up "authority lovers" and we may be saying President Hagel come 2008.

[flashdebadge]

138. I have a better question. Without McKinney how might we have capitalized

on the Delay matter? McKinney ruined our chance to highlight the Tom Delay issue for the rest of the country to see. That's all McKinneys fault because she thinks she's above the law.

[oasis]

144. Let's say McKinney never existed. How would you play up the Delay story

from this point?

[flashdebadge]

148. I would start with a press conference with all of the house and senate

minority leaders; Pelosi, Dean, Hillary, Kerry and point out that the democrat side of both house and senate are committed to sound balanced law abiding government policy and will CONTINUE to work to that end. Announce that new legislation is being drafted by our side to prevent the continued abuse an corruption that has permeated the other side. Reinforce and restate that the democratic side in no way participated, collected, distributed or handled any finances linked to the Republican / Abramoff scandal. Then announce policy initiatives supported and drafted with the input from John Q Taxpayer that would eliminate the corrupt finance tactics by those who abuse their power in office. That's just to start.

But our side never could have received the coverage to assert these ideas and help the people of this country see that our vision for the future of govt. is a true, accountable and honest system. We were too busy watching coverage and listening to reports of how Cynthia McKinney got into a fist fight with a capital police officer who sees hundreds if not thousands of people coming in and out of the capital every day. The country was focused on how one congress woman from the south thinks she is royalty and by God don't you stop me and ask to see my ID. DON"T YOU KNOW WHO I AM? I'M CYNTHIA McKINNEY you mere peasant of a man. Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzz

[oasis]

152. See post #109. I suspect the officer was out of line. He knew who she was

but chose to hassle her just because she was Cynthia McKinney. Him and those like him should be purged from the ranks of the capitol cops.

Cynthia took the high road and decided not to pursue her initial course on the incident. She was likely prompted to "chill out" by other congressional Dems.

McKinney should be commended for taking one for the team.

[flashdebadge]

153. "the team" is not commending her! They are very upset with her.

Striking an officer is not an example of "taking the high road"! This officer is highly respected among all of the other officers that work the capital. Many are african-American. Speaking of his character, several of the officers said "he is the type that would give you the shirt off of his back." SHE IS A DISGRACE TO OUR PARTY. I called her office to let her know!

[oasis]

158. Like always,the cops are sticking together. Too bad Democrats don't.

I'd still like to know what outside forces are encouraging the cop to pursue a case against the congresswoman.

[flashdebadge]

177. "outside forces"??? How about the fist to the chest? That's outside force

[Catrina]

162. Wow, you started this topic, but haven't done much research on the issue

have you?

I am beginning to hope the CHP DO make a federal case out of this. The more I learn, the more I believe they and the Republican operatives who are pushing this non issue, may regret it.

Anything that brings attention to the issues Rep. McKinney, the African American Capitol Hill cops and other black women civil rights activists have been trying to get addressed, may very well be worth it all.

Rosa Parks had to go refuse to sit in the back of the bus!! She had to go get herself arrested and take attention away from all those other important issues that needed attention at the time!! How dare she get fed up with being treated as if she were any different than any other human being! :sarcasm:

But, imagine if she had behaved like the 'lady' she was expected to behave like??

Go Cynthia!! A black woman getting arrested may be just what is needed to draw national attention to what the African American Capitol Hill Cops have NOT been able to do on their own!!

It's pretty sad that this is still going on in this country today!

Cynthia too is expected to act like a 'lady' no matter how she is treated. Some things never change, sadly.

It might be worth YOUR while, Flashdebadge, since you seem to have an interest in this case, to do a little research on what's been going on with that particular dept! Or maybe you do know?

[AlCzervik]

135. wasn't there, haven't seen a tape but maybe she felt physically threatened

by him and was in a defensive posture or maybe she wasn't, i'll wait for the tape before i decide.

[Sub Atomic]

137. If you wait long enough, it'll turn into she Tasered the guard....

....then shot him in the head and signalled her terrorist allies to come out of hiding and destroy our American lifestyle.....















































if you have to ask...















:sarcasm:


























:D

[rman]

145. Initial reports were McKinney hit the officer with her cell phone

That was quickly revised. I think we know what it means when the story keeps changing, especially during the first 24 hours.
So i'm guessing the "closed fist" is the hand that held the cell phone.

[kestrel91316]

147. Was this "fist" perhaps holding a cell phone and that's why it

was considered a "fist"?

[flyarm]

151. and * lied us into war and has murdered around 250,000 iraqi's

he has murdered almost 3000 american soldiers..and wounded around 75,000 for life..

so the point about Cynthia is??????????

deflection...enough already with this bullshit!

fly

[VOX]

163. BushSpeak for "That awful violent black woman!"

I've had it with the Republican standard-issue mock outrage. :grr: :mad: :nuke:

[Bluebear]

164. An accurate translation. nt

[LostinVA]

171. I have grocery store cashiers recognize me and remember stuff

I go there once a week, but they recognize me, and some even remember stuff I've bought. How many people do THEY see every day???

This isn't a teeny store, either...

[mondo joe]

174. Me too. But if I pass by someone in a busy hall with a cell phone

up to my face it's entirely possible they might not recognize me simply by not getting a good look at my face.

[All50inBlue]

176. more

fuel on the fire...