Bob Etherdige acted badly...for five minutes
Congressman Bob Etheridge made a mistake. Suddenly confronted by two men, who without introduction or explanation asked him a provocative question, Etheridge responded badly. Within hours this episode was uploaded and downloaded widely over the Internet and even mainstream media. Some hours later a remorseful Etheridge apologized, but it was still “out there.”
I’ve known Bob Etheridge for many years. He is a good man, a sincere man who earnestly tries to serve people. While not a shining moment for him neither is this an example of who he is and how he acts. Bob is a gentleman and his record reflects that he treats people with respect. Indefensible, inexcusable, unexplainable perhaps, but Etheridge himself owned up to his lapse in proper decorum.
But what does it say about us as a people that we were so eager to see this video, to share this episode with others, to spread it far and wide? Do we take pleasure in seeing others trip up? Are we somehow comforted catching others at their worst? Is there no difference between a bad action and a bad person? From a political perspective have we stooped to such a level that we must exploit any and all missteps by others with whom we differ?
There was no real damage done other than a momentary lapse in judgment. The young man in the video wouldn’t identify himself to Etheridge and we still don’t know who he is. What does that say about this “student?” Reasonable people would conclude this was no legitimate effort to interview a public figure or even to get honest opinions about public issues but was, as Congressman Etheridge assumed, a set-up intended in some way to entrap or embarass him. This happens to public people more often than we know. We don’t want to debate substance but don’t mind playing “gotcha.”
If there was ever a doubt the message to all in public life is clear. Every moment, every action, every interaction with others is now subject to instant exposure and broadcast. No matter your profession or calling you cannot let your guard down even for a moment. We have zero tolerance for any behavior not viewed as proper. No wonder good people aren’t willing to offer themselves for public service. Is there a man or woman who has never said or done something they later regretted?
For five minutes one day Congressman Bob Etheridge acted badly, not horribly, mind you. Just improperly. This episode doesn’t make him a bad public servant nor does it make his opponent any better or worse. There is ample room in the political process to differ with people over policy, votes taken or positions articulated. If there are egregious issues of misconduct or abuse the public has a right to know of them. But such is not the case here. We’ve got serious issues, complicated problems in this country that need the best and brightest minds seeking solutions. While regrettable, Congressman Bob Etheridge’s actions with this unidentified young man don’t matter. Let’s get on with discussing some that do.
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Tags: Congressman Bob Etheridge North Carolina Government Internet
Having grown up in Harnett County, I, too, have known Bob Etheridge for many years. These are definitely not the actions of the Sunday School teacher, he has been for many of those years....bad day? Maybe! Bad actions...for sure! Bad person...probably not!
It in no way excuses him for grabbing anyone...he certainly did not seem to be intimidated by the young man. I would ask you to look a little closer at the video....is it the look of a good person having a bad day? Or is it the look of a person who does not want to be questioned on his stand on the Obama Agenda....then I ask you to think about what kind of representative of the people does not want to be questioned about his stand on issues!
I will add that he does not have the guts to grab someone in Harnett County like he grabbed that young man. So how is it that he has the arrogance to do that in Washington!
It is time for Bob to come home!
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I don't like the approach that the two young men took in asking Mr. Etheridge their question; but to see it as a "set up" designed to "catch" or "embarrass" the Congressman is giving a privilege to an elected official that they should not have or deserve. The timing, framing, and content of the question he was asked is one that many North Carolinians might have themselves. Simple, direct, and with the expectation of an answer. I give the Congressman the right to have a bad day, feel tired and stressed out; but I do not give him the right to man-handle anyone. If I have been a by-stander next to this incident I would have been tempted to intervene when I saw the much taller man swat, grab, and hold the shorter fellow. There were no caustic words or fowl language - just a simple, direct question that the Congressman should have answered or ignored - Not physically respond! I respect you Tom (you know everyone on a first name basis) but sometimes you are just too close to the people to be able to see a thick red line has been crossed. The next time I see the Congressman I will tell him I am sorry that he had the experience he did with those two young men - AND I will tell him that he was so wrong in the physical response he made that I could never vote for him.
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After 52 years in NC I moved to Texas. - Bob Etheridge is a metaphor for the state's bankruptcy, 2 failed political parties refusing to clear the manure out of the barns, thinking they can ride the gravy train of higher taxes and reduced accountability forever. Bob asked "Who are you?" The answer is "I am the future. Step aside."
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Congressman Ethreidge is a classic example of the oafish individuals we have elected in North Carolina in the past. Like Governor Easley and Representative’s Black and Wright they feel they are above reproach on all things and demand a bow from the peasants that put them in their positions. This is not an isolated incident he did the same to a High School student years ago. If the truth were known I'm sure he has treated people this way on many occasions. My hope is that this oaf will be sent home with his tail between his legs. That’s the way it usually works for bullies.
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5 min lapse? More like a 2 year lapse.
http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/05/smallbusiness/1099_health_care_tax_change/
Thought this guy was a small business owner. If you're not gonna read it, don't vote for it.
Politicians wrap a name around a 2,000+ page bill to make you think thats what you're getting. Well I'm gonna wrap a name around Novembers election as well.
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"Bob Etheridge’s actions with this unidentified young man don’t matter...." They absolutely DO matter! I didn't view the sidewalk incident as an aberration, but rather that he believed as a government official he was entitled to act that way on a public street. It fails rationality that a simple question would trigger an unnatural, foreign, uncharacteristic behavior never seen in his character before or since. Bull.
It's time for the coddled 'elite' to be recalled by those they no longer represent -- or respect.
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The young man calls the Congressman by name as he walks up (the Congressman). Not a setup? It's not like the two were walking in opposite directions and met by accident. The young man, with friend, that had camera ready, were standing on the sidewalk waiting. Maybe they weren't specifically waiting for Ethridge, but with a ready question regarding supporting "the Obama Agenda," they were politically aware enough not to acost some Republican representative. And the phrase, "Obama Agenda" is politically charged. Has anyone ever imagined that the young man was actually a Democrat? As if a young Democrat wouldn't ask Ethridge if he supported the President?
The young man had enough courage to confront the Congressman regarding his (the Congressman's) stand. But, the young man's face is always blurred. Now, blurring out a person's face while another's face is left in focus is a mild form of video editing. I don't think that actually knowing what the young man's face looked like is important. What is important is the face of the person or persons that directed the young man to stand on the sidewalk with his friend & camera.
Perhaps I just feel sorry for Ethridge. I know what it's like to be tired, at the end of a work day, and I really don't want to be acosted on my way home.
*I was a registered Republican for 35 years and only changed party affiliation for the last Presidential election. I'll change back, but... I just don't get "Sarah Palin," or a Republican Party that would offer her up as a valid Vice-Presidential candidate.
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