The Real Lesson of the Cynthia McKinney Debacle

© Dr. Gary D. Lemmons, April 2, 2006

Cynthia McKinney is back in the news again.  This 4^th District Congresswoman from DeKalb County has been a very colorful and controversial character on the political stage for several years here in Georgia and as a member of Congress in Washington.  Many thought that, after her defeat by Denise Marjette in 2002, she had matured, and, when she returned to the Congress in 2005, she would bring a more seasoned approach to dealing with those irritants that seem to exacerbate her ire.  That does not seem to be the case

In defense of McKinney, she has been the victim of institutional racism on more than one occasion.  Several times around Washington, she almost got into trouble or came into conflict with security personnel and had it not been for the timely intervention of others who knew her doubtless she would have run afoul of the law or the enforcers of the law.  During the Clinton Administration, she once visited the White House with one of her staffers, who happened to be white.  The staffer was feted by the security, while McKinney was treated like “the hired help.”  She subsequently complained to the administration and received an apology.

This latest episode came about when McKinney was stopped by a Capitol Policeman after attempting to circumvent the security detection checkpoint going into the Capitol building, which members of Congress have every right to do.  Apparently the officer touched, tapped, or grabbed McKinney and she struck the officer.  News reports indicate that there was a video tape of the incident, but, like most technology in government buildings, the tape was of the Civil War vintage and doesn’t show the incident clearly (wonder where all that homeland security money is?!?).  It is not certain whether McKinney slapped the officer, punched him, or belted him in the chest with her cell phone.

In defense of the Capitol Policeman, there are 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 Senators.  Reports indicate that McKinney did not have her Congressional identification on.  Neither was she wearing the Congressional pin that signifies the wearer is a member of Congress.  I follow the Congress very closely.  They all need keepers!  But, I doubt that I would recognize every member of Congress.  McKinney is well known but she is no Nancy Pelosi or Hillary Clinton, yet.

Of course, now McKinney's handlers are alleging that this was a racist act on the part of the police against a young (is she really that young now?) Black woman.  Given that this occurred in D. C., I think that assertion is a stretch.  More likely this is a case of McKinney, who doesn't like restraint of any kind, playing the race card.  Again, McKinney is a strong advocate of civil rights and rights for women, but she is no Rosa Parks or Coretta Scott King, and I doubt that she ever shall be.

This latest incident brings to our attention this singular question:

Why should government officials, be they elected members of the Congress, members of the Executive Branch elected or otherwise (including the President and Vice President), or appointed members of the Judiciary, be exempt from following the same procedures as the any other citizen?

As a corollary to that, where is it written that members of Congress, officials in the Executive, or members of the Judiciary are not capable of criminal actions just like anyone else?

It seems to me that we have developed an aristocracy in this country consisting of elected and appointed governmental officials, many of whom have served entirely too long, who feel that they are just a little better than the rest of the citizenry.  This ought to stop.

In my judgment, every member of Congress should be scrutinized as they enter the Capitol Building or other secured areas.  The President, when he is entering any secured area other than the White House (as that is his home during his tenure) should be scrutinized.  Members of the Supreme Court and other judicial staffers should be included in the process as well.

No one should be above the law or the processes to see that the laws are carried out. 

Now, I will concede that perhaps there should be specific checkpoints set aside for these governmental individuals.   Otherwise, the curiosity of the public might impede the punctual flow of their coming and going.

The important point is that with the possible exceptions of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, there is not one, not one, of the political characters, living or dead, who is one iota better than you and me.  If we have to submit to the indignities of security checks, these modern day “servants” of the people should have to do so as well!

Do I think we will ever achieve this status of equality of treatment of our public servants?

Sure!  Right after Cynthia McKinney introduces a House Resolution commending the Capitol Police for their sensitivity!