Progress, but pride is a tough nut to crack
The weirdest thing happened today. after not hearing back from Senator Cornyn’s office, I went to swear out a charge against him at teh Capitol Police headquarters. I wasn’t able to do that; evidently when Congress is in session, the Senate Sergeant at Arms is the only law enforcement officer Constitutionally authorized to arrest members on Capitol grounds. So I was given the Sgt at Arms’ phone number and turned away.
I stepped out of the Police Headquarters, and guess who was across the street…
It appears as if Senator Cornyn realizes that slapping a camera out of a journalist’s hand may not be the right way to approach things. Still… I can think of no other reason aside from a misplaced and inflated sense of pride for the Senator to turn down my offer.
I told him – in this video and in private communications with his staff – that I would not file a complaint if the Senator privately apologized to me and made a public statement about the critical need for a vigorous Fourth Estate.
The backstory for those that may have missed it:
Earlier in the week I attempted to ask the Senator why he voted against the Franken Amendment – an amendment that would ban corporations from contracting with the government if they force their employees to sign binding arbitration agreements for Title VII claims. The bill was designed to protect a rape victim’s right to sue employers that did not protect them from their rapists co-workers. Before I could ask my question, Senator Cornyn tried to slap the camera out of my hand. Seconds later, he tried to take my camera from me. I wasn’t physically hurt, but there is no doubt: if I had put my hands on the Senator in a similar fashion, I’d have been arrested and charged. If we are a nation of laws, not men, the Senator should be held to the same standards any other citizen is held to.
This story does not pass the laugh test. You, my friend, have a misplaced and inflated sense of purpose. In an effort to present yourself as a victim, you end up looking more like a fool. I don’t think you’re going to convince anyone of your assault case, but best of luck in your efforts. This is a very admirable cause.
Andrew
23 Oct 09 at 5:59 pm
So he can slap at my hand and try to take my camera away from me, but if I were to act in a substantially similar aggressive manner toward him, I’d be arrested.
And you are ok with that?
Something sounds wrong here…
Mike Stark
23 Oct 09 at 6:29 pm
Hey,
I’ve been a fan of yours since “Calling All Wingnuts.”
Couple of points of advice:
Stick with just one website name. Otherwise it’s confusing, people lose track of where you’re updating, and your “brand” diminishes. Second, consider putting up some advertising for revenue purposes. Just a couple of ideas.
Now, as to this particular post: Cornyn is my Senator and fancies himself as a bit of a tough guy (Google the “Big John” video for proof). Therefore, I doubt he’s going to give in. On the other hand, you may have a tough time proving battery from that video…it’s hard to tell how close the camera was to him. If it appears you shoved it in his face, they are going to side with him. If you can prove you didn’t enter his personal space, you have a shot.
Sorry for the long post. Again, I’m a fan and appreciate what you are doing.
Holdek
23 Oct 09 at 9:54 pm
Hey Holdek,
Glad to have you around. Agreed on sticking with one name. StarkReports.com is the final destination. Had to change it from TheCrookedDope though; too many people agreed that it diminished my credibility.
Advertising will come, I’m sure of it. Have to get the traffic numbers up first, then join the ad network. But unless this site succeeds beyond my wildest expectations, ad revenue will never be enough to sustain my work.
Re: Cornyn… No doubt about it – I respected the man’s personal space. He invaded mine. Which is precisely the point… If I had done what he did, I’da been arrested. He should suffer the same consequences.
Evidently, the process isn’t simple. It turns out that a Senator cannot be arrested for actions taken while in session – or at least that is what I am led to believe by the Senate Sgt. at Arms office. I need to file a written complaint and they will diret it to the proper committee – maybe rules or ethics. Interesting stuff. Especially since I was told at the time that if I had done what the Senator did, Capitol Police would have arrested me. But they are Constitutionally prohibited from arresting the Senator.
Mike Stark
23 Oct 09 at 10:20 pm
So Senators have legal carte blanche to do whatever they want as long as they’re in session? That’s kind of scary. What if a Senator takes a bribe? Sounds a little fishy.
Holdek
23 Oct 09 at 10:37 pm
The speech and debate clause was never meant to include simple assault while not on the Senate floor, but that’s what Big John will try to get a committee of his oligarch peers to believe.
Good luck, Mike, keep up the great work.
Teddy Partridge
23 Oct 09 at 11:05 pm
no, it’s not that they have arte blanh, it’s who enforces the law and what law applies. Definitely weird legal terrain.
Mike Stark
23 Oct 09 at 11:16 pm
If I was Cornyn, I would have kicked your ass. Your obsession with him borders on sexually deviant behavior, so maybe the Sargeant of Arms should issue a restraining order on you.
boris
24 Oct 09 at 10:15 am