Congressman Bob Etheridge Caught on Tape

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Ghostwriter

Etheridge is supposed to be the moderate Dem in this area. He seems more like Himmler and the SS to me!

Wow. Only 5 posts into the thread and Godwin's Rule comes into play. That has to be some kind of record.

I'm not excusing him at all, especially without knowing more, though I know I'd be wary of someone pointing a camera in my face and asking me if I "support the Obama agenda." I do want to know more, because I'm willing to bet there is more to know.

Meanwhile, even if this does mean he shouldn't be in Congress, it sure doesn't mean Ellmers should be.

[AOII Angel]

I preface everything I say with, there is no excuse for assaulting people that approach you in the street.

Our public discourse has become so angry and heated that this is what comes of it. Incumbents everywhere feel attacked. Etheridge sounds paranoid on the transcripts of the video (I can't access the video from work.) People on both sides are losing perspective.

I don't think Etheridge is a bad man out to attack people who question him, but I bet he's under a lot of pressure and it's gotten to him. His career is over.

[Animate]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Wow. Only 5 posts into the thread and Godwin's Rule comes into play. That has to be some kind of record.

I'm not excusing him at all, especially without knowing more, though I know I'd be wary of someone pointing a camera in my face and asking me if I "support the Obama agenda." I do want to know more, because I'm willing to bet there is more to know.

Meanwhile, even if this does mean he shouldn't be in Congress, it sure doesn't mean Ellmers should be.

Its find to be wary and even makes sense but there is no need to put your hands on someone.

[Ghostwriter]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Wow. Only 5 posts into the thread and Godwin's Rule comes into play. That has to be some kind of record.

I amend my statement to Robespiere and the Jacobin's then.

^^^I believe we are. Etheridge is apologizing right and left or is it left and left.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Ghostwriter

^^^I believe we are. Etheridge is apologizing right and left or is it left and left.

That doesn't mean at all that we know the whole story or that we know what was or wasn't edited out.

And nice save on Robespiere and the Jacobins.

Meanwhile, Etheridge is hardly left and left. More like middle and middle.

[Ghostwriter]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

That doesn't mean at all that we know the whole story or that we know what was or wasn't edited out.

I believe he would have said something if there really was anything left out. Looks more like a bully got caught. If this had been John Baynor the hue and cry would be for him to resign his seat. I would have joined in and would be one of them calling for it. Time for the Dems to stand up and do the right thing and dump him.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Ghostwriter

I believe he would have said something if there really was anything left out.

Not necessarily. All I can say is that, as a lawyer, I would be very hesitant to introduce or offer a partial anything -- video, transcript. It begs the question: What was left out and why?

His "excuse" was that it had been a long day. I put "excuse" in quotes because he said there was no excuse for his behavior, and I agree. Maybe there was nothing more in what was edited out, but maybe he chose not to mention anything else because he decided not to make excuses or dilute the apology. He was asked the question specifically about what might have been edited out and said "I'm not getting into that today, I'm here to apologize."

If anyone is interested, here's his public statement.

Here's my question: who made this video and why? Who's the guy who was willing to make the video for a "school project" (here's your assignment: take a video camera and ask members of Congress if they fully support the Obama agenda) and willing to make sure it got to the internet, but not willing to take to credit for it? These were guys hoping for embarrasing reactions. Etheridge took the bait.

Looks more like a bully got caught.

Nah, he's not a bully.

If this had been John Baynor the hue and cry would be for him to resign his seat. I would have joined in and would be one of them calling for it. Time for the Dems to stand up and do the right thing and dump him.

Of course, Baynor wouldn't have resigned his seat. I wouldn't be too fast on the "time for the Dems to do the right thing." As AOII Angel said, we live in a time where public discourse has gotten completely out of hand. Donations pour in to a Congressman who calls the President a liar during a joint session of Congress; he writes fundraising letters for Republicans in other states. This is definitely a glass houses scenario.

Let the voters decide. I have to give credit for class, though, to Ellmers' response that she feels bad for Etheridge and that she wants voters to vote for her because they agree with her and want her to represent them, not for something like this.

[Ghostwriter]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Here's my question: who made this video and why? Who's the guy who was willing to make the video for a "school project" (here's your assignment: take a video camera and ask members of Congress if they fully support the Obama agenda) and willing to make sure it got to the internet, but not willing to take to credit for it? These were guys hoping for embarrasing reactions. Etheridge took the bait.

Nah, he's not a bully.

Why in the world would that matter?

He is a public figure who grabbed a person who was asking him a question. I can think of tons of answers and reactions by Etheridge that would not have included slapping and grabbing. I am sorry but you have to call this guy out for his actions. If he can't handle the pressure of kids asking questions he needs to leave the Congress and spend some time at home in peace and quiet.

If not a bully then he is must be a whack job. You just don't grab and push people around because you don't want to answer their question. Just keep walking and smiling.

From what I see the kids were not being rude or insulting. Unless you call saying "Sir, please let go of me" insulting. Oh, I guess the question about "fully suporting the Obama agenda" would be insulting to most anyone.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by Ghostwriter

Why in the world would that matter?



From what I see the kids were not being rude or insulting. Unless you call saying "Sir, please let go of me" insulting. Oh, I guess the question about "fully suporting the Obama agenda" would be insulting to most anyone.

A) because who the person is and what his reasoning was influences the material that is leaked and the context around it
B)"From what you can see" is rather the point here. The video is edited. No one has excused this guy's actions, but it's fair to say you're probably NOT getting the full story.

And C) Wouldn't be insulting to me.

[ThetaDancer]

Originally Posted by Ghostwriter

Why in the world would that matter?

He is a public figure who grabbed a person who was asking him a question. I can think of tons of answers and reactions by Etheridge that would not have included slapping and grabbing. I am sorry but you have to call this guy out for his actions. If he can't handle the pressure of kids asking questions he needs to leave the Congress and spend some time at home in peace and quiet.

If not a bully then he is must be a whack job. You just don't grab and push people around because you don't want to answer their question. Just keep walking and smiling.

From what I see the kids were not being rude or insulting. Unless you call saying "Sir, please let go of me" insulting. Oh, I guess the question about "fully suporting the Obama agenda" would be insulting to most anyone.

He should never have yelled at them or laid a hand on them; obviously he was in the wrong. But I also think it is rude to shove cameras in people's faces and ambush them on the street. I don't like it when Michael Moore or Bill O'Reilly engage in that sort of behavior, and I don't like it when these unidentified "students working on a project" do it, either.