The Mourners' Bench

According to the Associated Press, Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) assaulted a Capitol Police officer after she walked past a security checkpoint without presenting the proper ID or following security protocol. Rep. McKinney claims, “This whole incident was instigated by the inappropriate touching and stopping of me, a female black congresswoman,"

However, the facts prior to her being touched tell a different story...

Members of Congress wear identifying lapel pins and routinely are waved into buildings without undergoing security checks. McKinney was not wearing her pin at the time, and the officer apparently did not recognize her, she has said.

Ms. McKinney failed to follow established security protocol, and was not wearing her pin which identified her as a member of Congress. It is her responsibility to provide proof of her identification no matter what how privileged or special she thinks she is.

"Congresswoman McKinney, in a hurry, was essentially chased and grabbed by the officer," Myart said. "She reacted instinctively in an effort to defend herself."

Ms. McKinney should not attempt to defend herself against Law Enforcement officers that are legally authorized to use deadly force. In most cases you can’t win. Ms. McKinney must have thought she was on the streets of Atlanta among her supports, in which the need to physically defend yourself is quite understandable.

Several Capitol Police officials have said the officer involved asked McKinney three times to stop. When she did not, he placed a hand on her and she hit him, they said.

Although the Democrats claim to have a new Bold Security Agenda, it doesn't mean you should be bold enough to assault security officers. Ms. McKinney failed to obey the lawful commands of a law enforcement officer. The officer is legally permitted to detain anyone for questioning, even a self absorbed racist female black congresswoman. The officer was only attempting to verify her identity, which is his job. The security of a government site trumps Ms McKinney's need to feel important.

Ms. McKinney, as always, is attempting to play the role as the helpless victim of a racist system. However, she is only the victim of her own stupidity and need to feel that she is not governed by the same rules that govern everyone else in her position. Having worked in a number of secure facilities, I know that if anyone tried to walk past security without providing ID, they would have been slammed on the ground, handcuffed, and arrested. Admittance into a secure facility is a privilege, not a right. (If you don’t believe me, then try walking around an airport security checkpoint.)

I find no fault in the Capitol Police for doing their job. Ms McKinney knew the rules, and refused to comply. Other members of congress also know the rules, and they have not made any attempts to defend Ms. McKinney’s actions. Their silence speaks loud and clear. So, when all else fails, and you know that you are wrong. Play the race card.

If I could offer Ms. McKinney some advice for her trial, it would be to plead insanity. Based on her record and performance, absolutely no one would argue with her, and there is an abundance of supporting evidence.

# posted by Eric : 5:36 PM