E-MAIL THIS LINK
To: 

McKinney incident referred to U.S. Attorney's Office
Capitol Hill police have referred a scuffle between one of their officers and U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., a spokesman for the office said Monday. "We are working with Capitol Hill police to fully understand and appreciate the incident," principal assistant U.S. Attorney Channing Phillips told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "Pending review, it is inappropriate for us to comment any further at this time."
"Except that she's a barking moonbat, but you didn't hear that from me."
Phillips would not say whether a warrant was issued for McKinney's arrest.

McKinney spokesman Coz Carson on Monday also acknowledged the investigation. "We're aware that the wheels are turning in Washington," Carson said. "We have no control over what they decide to do. We will make the appropriate statement and take the appropriate action once we know where they're going."
"And then the spittle will fly."
At a press conference Monday morning, black clergy and lawmakers came the defense of the firebrand congresswoman. McKinney smiled as her supporters heaped praise on her leadership and her new look _ her trademark cornrows replaced earlier this year by a curly brown afro.

Speaking during a meeting of the Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta, McKinney did not mention last week's altercation, which happened after a Capitol Hill officer failed to recognize her as she entered a House office building. Instead, McKinney's supporters did the talking, calling her face and record internationally famous.
Which is not necessarily a compliment.
Her supporters tried to minimize the incident _ which they called political, not criminal _ but they also suggested it was an example of racial profiling. They called publicity surrounding the episode a distraction that is being used by "her enemies" to keep the congresswoman from performing her elected duties.

Immediately after the news conference, McKinney was ushered out of the building and into a black SUV, smiling and keeping silent when reporters questioned her as she made her exit.

Officials have said McKinney could be charged with striking the officer. McKinney said last week the incident was initiated by the officer's "inappropriate stopping and touching" of her.

The Rev. Reverend Darrell D. Elligan, president of Concerned Black Clergy, called McKinney, competent, courageous and committed. "She has our support unconditionally," Elligan said. "She is not a threat to the security of our country."
Well, he's right about that.
Several Georgia black lawmakers spoke of similar treatment at the Georgia Capitol _ specifically referring to an incident where they said they were relegated to a balcony during the viewing of the body of Coretta Scott King in February.

State Rep. Tyrone Brooks, who has represented Atlanta for 26 years, said he was treated like "a country bumpkin" the day of the viewing. "I was offended, I was angry," said Brooks, head of the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials. "If it happens to us in Atlanta, it happens to Cynthia McKinney in Washington. This is real."

State Rep. "Able" Mable Thomas, corroborated the Feb. 4 incident _ where she and other black lawmakers said they were relegated to the balcony of the Capitol and unable to participate in the procession. She said she did not mention the incident at the time out of respect for King.
Hard to buy this: any state pol who opens his/her mouth gets what he/she wants in such matters.
With her parents looking on in the audience, McKinney spoke at the end of the press conference, touting her service to her district. "Rest assured, I am doing the work they sent me to Washington to do. Nothing is going to keep me away from my responsibilities," she said.
More's the pity.

Posted by: Steve White 2006-04-04
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=147370