Congressman Smacks Around College Kid
Meet Rep. Bob Etheridge and the back of his hand:
The Congressman's a little confused about his "rights," too. You have no "right" to know who anyone is, although you are entitled to ask, and you're entitled to refuse to speak to anyone who won't tell you.
That said, I do agree with commenter Dazed, from the reason site:
Freedom of speech aside, this trend of anyone with a flip cam waiting to jump anyone on the street to get a reaction is becoming disturbingly out of hand.
Still, you have a right to walk away, not smack a kid around.
I predict a half-assed apology by the end of the day.
Robert at June 14, 2010 7:01 AM
I predict the introduction of a Maryland-style anti-videotaping law.
Dwatney at June 14, 2010 7:56 AM
This "trend of anyone with a flip phone" taking video of themselves on the street and asking (even belligerently) questions of Congresspersons ... is one of the wonderful things to ever happen in the U.S.A. If a Congressperson cannot instantly, easily, understandably defend their opinions in public and at any moment: maybe they ought not be a Congressperson.
What, really, is the underlying dynamic which encourages people to guerrilla cell phone interviews on the street? It is this: U.S. Congresspersons are hiding their opinions from the public; are - late on Saturday nights - passing bills they have not read and do not understand. Are claiming, against all logic, that they support all sides of issues.
Re the street confrontations: who, truly, is the rude party? Who, truly, is generating the street action? Is it the guerrilla street interviewer? Or is it the deceitful U.S. Congressperson?
gcotharn at June 14, 2010 8:36 AM
After watching it again, with the sound on, I can't help but think the response should have been "Am I being detained, Congressman Etheridge?" (repeated every time he says "Who are you?")
(Maybe someone will get the reference.)
Dwatney at June 14, 2010 9:21 AM
The congress ass is the real instigator here. I don't run around with a video camera, but if I did, once a guy that big grabbed me or hit me, I would have kicked him in his tiny little balls, then bit him till I drew blood.
He already issued an apology. Now he needs that kick in the balls.
http://etheridge.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=190412
sterling at June 14, 2010 12:29 PM
That was the lamest attempt at an apology that I've seen in awhile.
sara at June 14, 2010 3:28 PM
You know what the answer is to "Who are you?"
Who am I? I'm your boss, I'm the guy that pays your salary, you work for me, now answer the damn question.
lujlp at June 14, 2010 4:21 PM
Wow what the hell was that congressman thinking?
"That was the lamest attempt at an apology that I've seen in awhile." I agree sara
I hope the media gives this guy a hard time. Bad press is really the only way to stand up to jerks like him.
"I predict the introduction of a Maryland-style anti-videotaping law." I wouldn't be surprised if that happened Dwatney.
Suvorov at June 15, 2010 10:10 AM
Bob Etheridge is a thief! Holy crap, i didn't notice the first time i watched but if you look closely you will see that congressman Bob Etheridge stole that guy's phone! Bob was empty handed when the video started. Midway through the video he grabs the guy's phone and its still in his hand as the congressman leaves.
Suvorov at June 15, 2010 4:52 PM
He sounded drunk.
I'm surprised some political enemies aren't helping the students to file charges.
Steve at June 15, 2010 6:29 PM
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