The McKinney Assault Rap

So, Rep. Cynthia McKinney appears to have assaulted a Capitol Police officer and the police have issued an arrest warrant. Democrats are making excuses and Republicans are making fodder out of it.

I have a slightly different take.

I can recall a situation in New York City not too long ago involving a metal detector, a city councilman, and a murder - all caught on tape. Councilman James Davis was murdered shortly after entering City Hall with his assailant in tow. Neither man was required to go through metal detectors; councilmembers were not required, and they were able to waive through associates, friends, and others. It was a courtesy back then.

Davis's assassin struck just as a full Council meeting was about to begin; the chambers were filled with the Council's members, as well as scores of spectators and guests, including many small children. When the gunfire erupted, an understandably chaotic situation ensued. In the midst of that turbulence, Officer Burt, a nine-year veteran, calmly and heroically put himself in harm's way. He fired his gun from the Council floor-a distance of some 45 feet -mortally wounding the councilman's assailant without harming anyone else. Although Councilman Davis's killer had discharged the entire magazine of his gun, it was later discovered that he had brought more bullets with him, so Officer Burt almost surely prevented further bloodshed on that terrible day. For his quick and courageous action, and because we're confident he'll continue to distinguish himself in protecting our city, he has received a well-deserved promotion to the rank of detective.

Unaware that his killer had marked him for death, Councilman Davis actually escorted him into City Hall as a guest, and neither man passed through the metal detectors that are posted outside the building. For many years, we have extended that courtesy to all elected officials, but from now on and without exception, everyone who works at or visits City Hall, including me, will go through the metal detectors.

So, here's what I think. Rep. McKinney should be arrested, tried, and if found guilty, should be forced to do the time.

More importantly, the courtesy extended to members of Congress for avoiding searches through the metal detectors should be eliminated. There's no reason to take any chances, and it eliminates the problems that McKinney claims were at the heart of the disputed events yesterday.

UPDATE:
Others blogging McKinney's cop assault and attendant issues: Wizbang, Ankle Biting Pundits, Decision '08, Wonkette, and Florida Cracker.

UPDATE:
So, her excuse is going to be "Member of Congress while Black"?

A lawyer for Rep. Cynthia McKinney, the Georgia congresswoman who had an altercation with a Capitol Police officer, says she was "just a victim of being in Congress while black."

McKinney awaited word Friday on whether she would be charged for apparently striking the officer after she entered a House office building this week unrecognized and did not stop when asked.

Two law enforcement officials said it was unlikely a warrant would be issued this week. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Her lawyer, James W. Myart Jr., said, "Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, like thousands of average Americans across this country, is, too, a victim of the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials because of how she looks and the color of her skin."

Forgotten in all this is the fact that McKinney struck the officer. Oh, and Councilman James Davis, who I refer to above, was black. So was his assailant. Not that it matters, but race is not the issue here either. It's about McKinney's actions and those of the police officer who had the temerity to not recognize McKinney.