The most exciting thing to happen on C-SPAN in years took place today.
Representative Bobby Rush, a democrat from Illinois, was thrown off the floor of the House today after slowly stripping off his suit jacket to reveal a cozy, form-fitting sweatshirt (fleece, maybe?), flipping up its hood and then putting on a pair of sunglasses, as reported by The Hill. However, hats (or hoods, apparently) are not permitted on the House floor.
Rush’s act was an effort to draw attention to the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, an incident that has captivated the nation for the past week. Martin was wearing a hooded sweatshirt (but not sunglasses, someone should have explained that to Rush) on his way back home from a convenience store when a neighborhood watch captain shot and killed him.
“Racial profiling has to stop, Mr. Speaker,” Rush said as he slid off his coat, revealing his hooded sweatshirt.” Just because someone wears a hoodie, does not make them a hoodlum.”
Rush went on to quote a Bible passage while presiding officer Representative Gregg Harper banged his gavel and tried to interrupt him. Chaos ensued.
“The gentleman will suspend!” demanded Harper, but Rush continued. “The member is no longer recognized,” Harper stated.
Eventually Rush’s voice trailed off and we assume he was escorted off the floor. Harper then addressed the House, explaining that hats are prohibited in the chamber while the House is in session according to Clause 5 of Rule 17. Duh, everyone knows that…
If C-SPAN starts seeing more action like this, we might actually tune in! …. Nevermind, we probably won’t.
