Just imagine for a moment, if you will, that Bob Etheridge (D-NC2) was a Republican. The media coverage would not be quite so flattering. Editorials would be written about how bad this incident was. They would demand a criminal investigation, and, perhaps, well, probably, demand he resign. Instead, we get
The video was harsh. There was U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, a grandfather with a nice-guy reputation, fuming on a Washington sidewalk. He grabbed the wrist of a young man – then the scruff of the man’s neck – all the while demanding: “Who are you? Who are you?”
The Internet video immediately dominated cable television Monday, highlighting a growing trend in political discourse: bloggers and students catching politicians off guard, recording unflattering moments, then blasting them across the Internet.
Pardon me, but, an unflattering moment? That is an interesting way to describe simple assault by an elected official being asked a simple question by, God forbid, a citizen of the United States. Remember that important speech by Lincoln, where he describes government by the people, for the people?
The article in the Raleigh News and Observer, the main paper out of the state capital, goes on to mostly focus on citizen journalism, the video going viral, cable news (they mean Fox), Conservatives with cameras, and partisan journalism, as if that all somehow excuses Etheridge’s actions. So much for the media being the watchdog to keep government in check. There was, in fact, a reason “The Press” was mentioned specifically in the 1st Amendment: namely, to give them the ability to investigate and report on the government without reprisal, the same reason Free Speech was mentioned. It wasn’t so the media could stick their noses into the affairs of celebrities and other private citizens.
What will come of this whole affair? More than likely, Etheridge will be defeated by his Republican challenger, Renee Elmers. But, coverage of the assault will disappear by the end of the week, if it even makes it past Wednesday, within the Old Media. It has, for the most part, already started. A good chunk of the NC media have no new stories today, though they do have yesterday’s on their front pages. For the moment. Usually mentioning his “apology.”
Crossed at Right Wing News and Stop The ACLU
If nothing more comes of this than a Democrat Congressman loses his bid for re-election, I’ll be okay with that.
We should send 435 pairs of students with cameras to each and every Congressman and ask them similar questions and see what happens.
2 months shy of his 60th birthday that should teach that young whipper snapper something about proper behavior
Previously Ryan wrote: how embarrassing is that to get treated like a naughty boy by a senior citizen 2 months shy of his 69th birthday
Today he writes: 2 months shy of his 60th birthday that should teach that young whipper snapper something about proper behavior
So which one is it Ryan? Can’t get the basic facts right?
You won’t discuss this but if you think that anyone should put hands on another person for asking a question, then you really need to park your truck in front of an mental health institution.
The students asked a US Representative if he “supported the Obama agenda.”
That caused the Representative to commit an assault, mis-represent the law, and act like a lunatic.
And you think that was cool.
Good luck in Belleview.