# Congressman attacks student for daring to ask him a question **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 15, 2010, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227 "2010-06-15T00:25:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/141 "2010-06-15T15:40:40Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > So what? He didn’t do anything illegal. He acted in a threatening manner toward someone and not in self defense. That’s simple assault. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/142 "2010-06-15T15:42:02Z")
> [@Bridget\_Burke](#): > > I haven’t seen any version of the tape. But we’ll surely learn their names when they file charges. > > Surely these poor little college kids are going to make the right response to such a heinous event. “Rule of Law” and all that… Maybe they will, maybe they won’t. They can always accept the apology in whole or part, you know. And they have the right to remain anonymous - inconvenient as that may be for others, including Rep. Etheridge. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/143 "2010-06-15T15:42:51Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Not from my state, and a Democrat. Win-Win for me. > 😃 May we assume that you wouldn’t accept his apology, even if you thought it was sincere? Y’know, the difference between you and me is that I feel bad every time a congressman(Democrat _or_ Republican) does something that makes our country look bad, while you don’t give a damn how our country as a whole looks as long as, in your mind, your political party scores. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/144 "2010-06-15T15:42:55Z")
> [@](#): > > So what? He didn’t do anything illegal. Yes, he did. I could excuse his actions under certain circumstances - and given the Breitbart connection, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt over whether those circumstances existed - but he’s apologized unreservedly. Either way, it’s clear he was guilty of battery. The only question was whether he acted in self-defense, or on extreme provocation. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/145 "2010-06-15T15:43:52Z")
> [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](#): > > He was charged? I’ll be damned. With what? > > The prosecutor said he did it? Cite? It’s all in the other thread. He was arrested and investigated, whatever. The prosecutor made it clear that Ben did it, and the only reason he wasn’t going to proscute was because the victim didn’t want to have her life destroyed over it. You might have also notioced that no one on the Steelers or in the NFL exactly rushed to defnd his character or say it was something he wouldn’t do. The 6 game suspension is also a pretty big clue that the League knows what happened. That’s all a different topic, though, and there’s too much to rehash in this one. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/146 "2010-06-15T15:44:25Z")
The boys were acting like jerks, but the congressman clearly committed battery at the very least. Forcibly restraining someone by putting an arm around their neck is battery. Whether or not they “wanted it” is immaterial–we don’t blame the victim. Maybe he could plead self-defense, but I didn’t see any physical threat from the boys. With friends like this congressman, Obama doesn’t need enemies. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/147 "2010-06-15T15:44:53Z")
> [@Bosstone](#): > > He acted in a threatening manner toward someone and not in self defense. That’s simple assault. He didn’t threaten them. ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/148 "2010-06-15T15:45:56Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > It’s all in the other thread. He was arrested and investigated, whatever. Thge prosecutor made it clear that Ben did it, and the only reason he wasn’t going to proscute was because the victim didn’t want to have her life destroyed over it. You might have also notioced that no one on the Steelers or in the NFL exactly rushed to defnd his character or say it was something he wouldn’t do. The 6 game suspension is also a pretty big clue that the League knows what happened. > > That’s all a different topic, though, and there’s too much to rehash in this one. We don’t need to address the other thread. Just tell me what he was charged with. You said he was, so I expect substantiation will be forthcoming. Actually, I don’t. You’re just talking out of your ass yet again, and we all know it. Why you have any credibility here is beyond me. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/149 "2010-06-15T15:46:45Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > He didn’t threaten them. [Sure, sure, Mr. Python.](http://www.mindspring.com/~mfpatton/sketch.htm) > [@](#): > > M: An argument isn’t just contradiction. > A: It can be. > M: No it can’t. An argument is a connected series of statements intended to establish a proposition. > A: No it isn’t. > M: Yes it is! It’s not just contradiction. > A: Look, if I argue with you, I must take up a contrary position. > M: Yes, but that’s not just saying ‘No it isn’t.’ > A: Yes it is! > M: No it isn’t! ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/150 "2010-06-15T15:46:54Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Yes, he did. I could excuse his actions under certain circumstances - and given the Breitbart connection, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt over whether those circumstances existed - but he’s apologized unreservedly. Either way, it’s clear he was guilty of battery. The only question was whether he acted in self-defense, or on extreme provocation. If it’s so clear that he committed a crime, then why hasn’t he been arrested or charged with anything? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/151 "2010-06-15T15:47:09Z")
> [@Bosstone](#): > > Even if they were expecting it, he acted of his own free will and without sufficient apparent provocation. > > The fact that they clearly set him up is probably what will get him out of actually being prosecuted or even charged. But in the court of public opinion, he’s screwed. The video just looks too bad on the face of it, and that’s what’s going to get played over and over. 1. Does it matter to you at all if this was a set-up? 2. Do you accept the apology? ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/152 "2010-06-15T15:47:26Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Doesn’t look like much of a reach to me. But either way it contradicts what you said about the guys being able to get away at any time. And you’re embarrassing yourself here. Even if Etheridge was being provoked or if they were bothering him, he acted like a complete jerk and he knows it. Congressmen actually do have to put up with crap from the public sometimes. I believe it was a total setup. Did he slap the cammera because instead of staying a reasonable distance away they stuck it right in his face? Were they touching him before he grabbed a wrist? I agree he made a mistake to not just walk away. They provoked him and he got sucked in. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/153 "2010-06-15T15:51:38Z")
With some effort, this pissy little incident might be inflated to a big deal. Depending on the level of desperation. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/154 "2010-06-15T15:51:59Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > The boys were acting like jerks, but the congressman clearly committed battery **at the very least**. (bolding mine) And the exaggeration begins. We’ve gone from might even be battery, to clearly battery, to battery at the very least. At the very least _what_? What do you think the charges might lead to? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/155 "2010-06-15T15:52:17Z")
> [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](#): > > We don’t need to address the other thread. Just tell me what he was charged with. You said he was, so I expect substantiation will be forthcoming. > > Actually, I don’t. You’re just talking out of your ass yet again, and we all know it. Why you have any credibility here is beyond me. I made a mistake. He was arrested and _investigated_. Whatever. It’s still more than anything that’s going to happen to Etheridge. By the way, the two stories are not exactly comparable because the Roethlishberger case is about what can be proven, not an interpretation of the law. The etheridge incident is on tape, so there’s no question about what he did, only about whether it was illegal. Since he hasn’t been arrested, I’m not seeing anything to support interpretations that what he did was illegal. In any case, enjoy watching Ben Cancerberger after he gets back from his suspension. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/156 "2010-06-15T15:53:01Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > If it’s so clear that he committed a crime, then why hasn’t he been arrested or charged with anything? Probably because the “college kids” haven’t filed a police report. I suspect the DC cops are disinclined to arrest a sitting Congressman in the absence of anyone asking them to. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/157 "2010-06-15T15:55:19Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > The boys were acting like jerks, but the congressman clearly committed battery at the very least. “Battery at the very least?” What is it at the _most_? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/158 "2010-06-15T15:56:23Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Probably because the “college kids” haven’t filed a police report. I suspect the DC cops are disinclined to arrest a sitting Congressman in the absence of anyone asking them to. What do they need the kids for? They have the video. If people are saying that it’s “clear” from the video alone that he committed a crime, then why isn’t the video alone enough to arrest him? If the video alone is NOT enough to support any cdriminal charges, then it’s not enough to say it’s “clear” that he committed a crime. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/159 "2010-06-15T16:00:59Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > “Battery at the very least?” What is it at the _most_? Conspiracy to commit noogies? ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227/160 "2010-06-15T16:01:43Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > (bolding mine) > And the exaggeration begins. We’ve gone from might even be battery, to clearly battery, to battery at the very least. At the very least _what_? What do you think the charges might lead to? I don’t know the details of battery vs assault vs aggravated versions of those in whatever jurisdiction the encounter took place. The video clearly shows the congressman forcibly restraining the boy by placing an arm around his neck. That’s at least battery (forced restraint). It may be other crimes, too. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressman-attacks-student-for-daring-to-ask-him-a-question/543227.md?page=9)