Cynthia McKinney fit "suspicious" description

[Hmph]

hard to believe their inept security, which is based upon a person's personality which decides who goes through and who doesn't along w/a piece of jewelry, has taken more precedence than:

limiting funding for fallen or injured war vets
decreased spending for elderly
Katrina victims getting dicked royally

and again, this speaks directly to 9/11 -- the unpreparedness and using types of faces to recognize "problems"!!! too bad the airlines didn't think the terrorists looked suspicious, then maybe over 3000++ lives wouldn't have been lost.

and if charges are filed, it speaks directly double standards, because this would not be an issue if this were Bill Frist w/the same described situation (no pin and even if he shaved his head), this wouldn't be an issue or a guard would be getting fired. I think people tend to recognize top white leaders and forget the rest.

even though there are only 14 black members of congress, 11 years or not in same environment, she still has to abide by different and stricter rules because the U.S. hasn't matured to the point where she has "carte blanche" like Frist or any of the other white members of congress who were also noted as not wearing pins but allowed access to the building.

the fact that Oprah is STILL denied things in this present day (access to public buildings and property) based upon race speaks directly to that double standard.

Congresswoman could face criminal charges
Capitol Police refer McKinney scuffle case to prosecutors

Tuesday, April 4, 2006; Posted: 1:57 p.m. EDT (17:57 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Prosecutors are discussing whether to file criminal charges against Rep. Cynthia McKinney over an altercation between the congresswoman and a U.S. Capitol Police officer, officials said.

Three federal law enforcement officials familiar with the case said Monday that Capitol Police have completed their investigation and presented their findings to prosecutors.

However, the officials said no decision has been made on whether to issue an arrest warrant against the Georgia Democrat, and her attorney called reports that police were seeking an arrest warrant "not true."

"They are doing no more than any other law enforcement agency does, and that is simply to file with the prosecutors the necessary paperwork for them to further investigate the case," attorney James Myart said. "That's all it is."

Officials said it was unclear when a decision might be made. The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Kenneth Wainstein, is expected to consult with other Justice Department officials before making a decision.

McKinney, appearing with her attorneys Monday on CNN, declined to answer questions about what happened between her and the officer at a security checkpoint outside a House office building. But she said the incident was an example of racial profiling.

"I don't understand exactly why it is that certain police officers have a problem remembering my face," McKinney said, noting that she is one of 14 black women among the 535 members of Congress. "The issue is racial profiling, and that's something that we're going to have to deal with as a country."

McKinney also said that, within the ranks of the Capitol Police, "there are problems inside with ... the respect for diversity." She did not elaborate, but Myart pointed to a discrimination suit filed by more than 250 black officers against the department.

McKinney and an unidentified Capitol Police officer got into a confrontation Wednesday afternoon at a security checkpoint at the entrance to a House office building as she was going around a metal detector.

Members of Congress are allowed to bypass metal detectors. But the officer did not recognize her, and, by her own admission, she was not wearing a pin that identified her as a congresswoman.

What happened next has become a matter of dispute, with allegations that McKinney struck or touched the officer after he touched or grabbed her, depending on different versions of the events.

Myart said the Capitol Police have indicated to him that there "may very well be a video" of the confrontation. But he said he has not seen it.

In reaction to the incident, House Republicans on Tuesday pushed for a vote on a resolution that would commend police for professionalism but would not specifically mention McKinney or the confrontation. (Full story)

Also Tuesday, Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, the Democratic whip and No. 2 ranking Democrat in the House, said Capitol police officers "can't possibly know every member and they can't possibly know every person who comes through that door."

Hoyer did not mention McKinney by name but said, "I believe every one of us who visits the Capitol or any of our office buildings, whether we be members, whether we be visitors, whether we be staff, have a responsibility to fully cooperate with every member of the Capitol Police."
McKinney: Hairstyle shouldn't be issue

In her interview Monday with CNN's "The Situation Room," McKinney scoffed at suggestions that her change of hairstyle in January might have been the reason the officer did not recognize her.

"If the security of the House of Representatives of the United States is based on how members of Congress wear their hair ... I think this is really ridiculous," she said. "My face hasn't changed."

McKinney said teenage House pages, as part of their job, are required to recognize members of Congress on sight.

"Don't you think that the United States Capitol Police ought to also know the members of Congress by name and by face?" she asked.

McKinney also said many members of Congress do not wear their identification pins -- and that because the pins are "a piece of jewelry" rather than a photo ID, they are an inadequate security precaution for police officers who can't recognize members.
Defeated, then re-elected 2 years later

McKinney, 51, represents Georgia's 4th Congressional District, a majority-black district on the east side of metro Atlanta. First elected in 1992, she was defeated in 2002 after making controversial comments, including a claim that the Bush administration had warning of the September 11, 2001, attacks but took no action.

McKinney made a comeback in 2004, winning her old seat after the candidate who defeated her two years earlier, Denise Majette, decided to run for the Senate instead of seeking re-election.

McKinney previously complained of incidents in which she was not recognized as a member of Congress, both on Capitol Hill and at the White House. In 1998, she demanded and received an apology from the Clinton administration after White House guards stopped her.

[Hmph]

funny they have time for this shit, but don't have time to resolve Katrina issues that were solely created by voting down levee IMPROVEMENT funding 3 years ago.

this means they have too much time on their hands and are being paid far too much!

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/04/04/ ... lution.ap/

Republicans push to commend cops after McKinney scuffle
Measure would not mention McKinney or confrontation

Tuesday, April 4, 2006; Posted: 12:43 p.m. EDT (16:43 GMT)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Republicans pushed a resolution Tuesday commending the Capitol police force for professionalism after a confrontation between an officer and Democratic Rep. Cynthia McKinney.

"I don't think it's fair to attack the Capitol Police and I think it's time that we show our support for them," said Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-North Carolina, a sponsor of the measure. Ignoring a police officer's order to stop or hitting one "is never OK," McHenry said of the incident, which has exacerbated partisan tensions in the House.

Last week, McKinney had an argument with a uniformed police officer as she sought to enter a House office building. The officer did not recognize her. She refused his order to stop and struck him. (Watch McKinney on why she thinks she was singled out -- 18:26)

McKinney says she took action in self defense after the officer "inappropriately touched" her.

A spokesman for the congresswoman did not immediately respond Tuesday to a reporter's request for comment on the GOP measure.

The six-term Georgia Democrat says the issue is not about whether to obey a police officer's order, whether she hit him or the fact that she was not wearing the lapel pin that identifies members of Congress.

Her lawyers have said that a series of confrontations between McKinney and U.S. Capitol and White House law enforcement officers who don't recognize her points to a pattern.

"The issue is racial profiling," McKinney, who is black, told CNN Monday. (Full story)

Three federal law enforcement officials familiar with the case told CNN on Monday that Capitol Police have completed their investigation and presented their findings to prosecutors. However, the officials said no decision has been made on whether to issue an arrest warrant against McKinney, and her attorney said reports that police were seeking an arrest warrant were "not true."

The measure put forward Tuesday, which is co-sponsored by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Florida, would not specifically mention McKinney or the confrontation, McHenry said.

Instead, sponsors said, it would commend the Capitol Police for their professionalism and recognize the challenge of protecting the vast Capitol campus from terrorism and other threats while keeping it open to tourists.

"Every day they exhibit honor, courtesy and professionalism," Diaz-Balart said in a statement.

McKinney says that has not been her experience. She says Capitol Police officers have a long history of failing to recognize her and asking for identification -- a pattern she says is racist and in any case highlights a security problem in one of the most well-guarded buildings in the country.

McKinney has drawn little support from her House colleagues, particularly Democrats who are launching an election-year campaign that revolves around the party's commitment to national security.

Her lawyer, James Myart Jr., issued a statement on Friday saying several members of Congress would join McKinney at a press conference on Friday at Howard University.

None did. D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton issued a statement of concern about the incident and urged the parties to come to an agreement. A spokesman for Rep. Mel Watt, D-North Carolina, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said he has no comment.

McHenry, who at 30 is the youngest member of Congress, said he is routinely stopped by Capitol Police and asked for identification.

"When I'm not wearing my pin, I am always stopped," McHenry said in a telephone interview. "I accept that as a due course of security."

[Hmph]

even though I have to agree w/the fact that she should have been recognized given there are so few blacks in congress, she has lost my support the more she speaks. it's escalating the situation even more.

and she of all people should know she is black and STILL doesn't have the opportunity to be upset or have opinions -- she works in a plantation type environment daily. society hasn't changed on that level when it comes to the "leaders" and "moral majority". shuck and jive is preferred, makes "leaders" and "moral majority" feel safer.

and hasn't she learned by now to play the "Becky Sue MacSexum" victim role, even if in the wrong. cry, look victimized, and be humble wearing a church dress. you see Kobe's Kate Faber played the "victim" and got pity from millions, and not to mention PAID!

the way McKinney's mouthing off is just tacky. and not to mention now irritating!

because the more I think about it, she's on her job, not entering a friggin nightclub, casino or strip joint. and our friggin' lawmakers have made it so we have to go through so much security anywhere, I think they should all be asked to identify theirself on a daily basis, stand in line bitchessss!!!

and what reason ON HER JOB would she have to be so defensive about someone grabbing her. she had more of the advantage if it was inappropriate touching, so turning around and hitting like a nigglet moment was pretty stupid. maybe she could have dropped something and the "unknown" person was grabbing her to tell her that?? duuuh, ever thought about that?! but it sounds like she was not even paying attention, and not paying attention at a security check point?? suppose someone "crazy" had tailgaited behind her??

people grab me from behind all the time when I drop stuff and don't notice it. some guy even used the opp to feel my arm, which was cheezy, but I was more worried about WHY I grabbed and attentive to that.

so she can before another black woman is never allowed to be congresswoman again! and she represents Coretta Scott King's area. you'd think she'd have more dignity and grace.

and now watch when the video comes out and confirms what really happened.

[Hmph]

http://www.house.gov/mckinney/

From the United States Constitution, Article 1, Sec. 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."

[Hmph]

well McKinney appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher. and was a lot less calmer and dramatic. I guess it's because of the way Maher's forum is.

but it turns out she voted against the war in Iraq, where no WMDs were found. her reason is there are too many homeless vets on the streets now and she didn't want to create another generation of them.

homeless vets is something I definitely have an issue with. it's not right or fair, and is beyond jacked up. and military staff returning from Iraq injured are getting benefits cut.

yet another reason to send the 10 million illegal workers to Iraq and let this country focus on its citizens.

[MsNikaPooh]

Notice I have remained lately. I was kinda embarrassed to be in her district. The race card doesn't have to be thrown at every single thing, yeah something was funny smelling about this but when she got to say it was only because she was a black woman(which I felt at first) that it happened. Then I started thinking her and her dad have made alot of political enemies in DC and GA so she should have been looking at them first rather than her color.

[Hmph]

but she's from a very racist area where all her life it's been about race.

people down south are taught to hate other races. I was never taught that, but I had black friends and family members who just outright hate whites because they feel they are all evil, dishonest and dirty. and these are mostly the ones who were spit on, attacked, etc. while trying to obtain civil rights while paying taxes. but so was my mother and other family members who judged individually.

I also have white family members who will not associate w/black family members because of the ongoing hatred in the south. the south will only change so much. there are still lots of confederates who can't wait for the 2nd civil war to reclaim their "status" and "wealth" again. best way to maintain that privilege is through politics. and McKinney's up against the oldest good ol boy club in the world.

when I moved to So. Carolina and an hour and a half from Atlanta, I had black employees telling me that white employees were racists, but they were not and were the few who OPENLY invited me to their homes or churches. but the ones that were outright foul, blacks said nothing about and treated them w/respect out of fear -- like a plantation.

unfortunately, not everything is black and white.

now where she fucked up: if I had been touched inappropriately on my job while entering, that building would be now called "The Tamra Burgess Capital Building" or that police department headquarters would have been renamed to "Tamra Burgess Capitol Police Department Building"

she had the upper hand but played the race card because of her upbringing instinct.