Congressman Assaults Student

[Timothy W.]

This was just posted this morning. Wonder how much news play this is going to get.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v60oNUoHBYM&feature=player_embedded

[J Scott]

Originally posted by Jon Holdman:

Originally posted by Tim Wieneke:

Originally posted by Jon Holdman:

Why would the kids just not identify themselves? He's reacting badly, but they look bad, too.

If someone grabbed you by the arm, then the neck, then body hugged you....would you let them know who you are and how to find you next?

Sorry, but I don't agree. He asks "who are you" before he ever touches them. They refuse to answer. They're a couple of random people, who refuse to identify themselves, pointing something in your face. I don't agree with how he reacted, but put yourself in his shoes. How would you have reacted?

I agree with Tim on this one...

Those kids had no responsibility to identify themselves. It was a public location, and they were filming an elected official who had no expectation of privacy while walking down a public street.

As for what happened before this was filmed, I don't care if the kids were insulting the guy's mother, assault is not a legally permitted response (based on my small knowledge of the law). Unless this guy was protecting himself from these kids (and there is no reason to believe he was), I can't imagine any defense for his behavior.

Unless additional details come out that support this guy's actions, I honestly hope they press charges. And if he's found guilty of assault, they should kick him out of office.

Just my $.02...