Politico is reporting this morning that Representative Andy Harris of Maryland’s 1st Congressional District said Tuesday on WMAL’s “Mornings on the Mall” radio show in Washington, DC that the country needs to “get over” the Zimmerman verdict from last week. He is quoted as saying, “..we’re hung up on this one case where this one fellow was in fact found not guilty by a jury. That’s the way the American law system works. Get over it.”
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Ben Ford says
“They are doing things they shouldn’t be doing and not doing things they should be doing.”
Really? I believe it was the great rock and roll sage Bo Diddley who said “Before you accuse me (take a look at yourself)”.
The hypocrisy is almost tangible.
Mike Hunt says
If it were a black man accused of killing a white boy, then white violence in the streets after the jury verdict would be described as vigilantism.
Ben Ford says
No, I’m pretty sure it would be described as “illegal”, just like all the other violence.
Chuck Engstrom says
The verdict is distressing to many precisely because “the way the American law system works” seemed to compel that result, against the plain common sense that George Zimmerman ought to be held responsible for a death that should never have happened. He damned well should have stayed in his truck, or at least said, “I’m with the Neighborhood Watch; could you please tell me why you’re here?”
Lawyers can parse this case six ways from Sunday, and, as with NSA data collection programs, proclaim it to be all wonderfully legal, but much of the public is not entirely sure that this is the way we want these laws to work. That’s why folks are upset. Mr. Harris needs to get his pale white Republican butt out onto the street to learn up close about the many incredibly bad things that happen, death too often included, to people whose lives are less fortunate, insulated, and detached than his own.
Joe Lill says
Well said! Honky Harris should spend a little more time out in fresh air.
jenifer emley says
Right you are, Chuck.
I’d also say, Harris should, nay, MUST, go.
Ed Plaisance says
Just read “High Price” by Dr Carl Hart…what a story he tells. Andy Harris, and every American, would do well to read it.
https://www.booktv.org/Watch/14629/After+Words+Dr+Carl+Hart+High+Price+A+Neuroscientists+Journey+of+SelfDiscovery+That+Challenges+Everything+You+Know+about+Drugs+and+Society+hosted+by+Juan+Williams+The+Hill+and+Fox+News.aspx
jenifer emley says
Right you are, Chuck.
Mike Hunt says
Yeah, “pale white Republican butt”: good for you and everyone who agreed with you in the paper. Way to argue, way to prove your argument.
Ginger Schaible says
Andy Harris doesn’t seem to be connected to his constituency. Many of his votes including the latest “King” show how out of touch he is.
Janice Dickson says
Once again he has sublimely proven himself to be a thoughtless, mean-spirited, ignorant pea-brain.
It’s shocking that this person thinks he represents (worse speaks for) decent thoughtful people.
The first district desparately needs a change, and there is a very qualified person waiting to challenge Harris.
Miki Smith says
I guess Harris only represents a very few people who have never seen prejudice for real. Maybe we need someone who is not only color blind but also open minded, thoughtful, and representative of ALL his constituents.
Bob T says
I wonder what Mr. Harris would have said on the verdict on the OJ Simpson trial?
Dr. Mary Wilson Leventhal says
Congressman Harris has missed the essential and salient issue. What the public discussion has done is reopen dialogue on one of the most critical issues for social justice in American society.
Joe Diamond says
Exactly,
This event went far beyond the guilt or innocence of the participants. Early on it became a morality play. Factions with all sorts of backgrounds took sides. Harris missed this. His is arrogance of power and privilege was not missed by the people he will have to report to in the next election.
Then he can get over it.
Joe
Ed Plaisance says
What a wonderful bedside manner the Doctor has!
“Lab report says you have colon cancer…get over it! Biopsy came back positive for lung cancer…get over it!”
I am sure all of The Good Doctor’s constituents (at least the ones who voted for him) wish that he were their personal physician.
D Lamotte says
Oh my, Mr. Harris, you really are full of yourself.
Jay Yerkes says
Even if he thinks there are people that would agree with him (which I am sure there are) – there is a such thing as sensitivity to how people might feel.
He clearly doesn’t care about that.
I bet he would feel different if it were his son.
Jerk.
RGarson says
Harris is an embarrassment to Maryland. How the H… did he get elected?
Kathi Donegan says
Well, Mr Harris, since we are being so pragmatic and all why don’t you tell your cronies that you all need to ‘get over’ how the American election system works and start doing something for a change. So out of touch and dismissive. Not what I look for in a public servant.
Norm Dulak says
I can only hope that the continuing inane comments by Mr. Harris will finally lead to his removal from office by the voters.
Jeanette Sherbondy says
Harris is wrong not only on this issue of social justice but he has managed to vote consistently against our interests.His behavior in Congress merits an F! Let’s elect someone who gets it!
joe diamond says
Jeanette,
You present a fundamental question regarding the role of a representative to Congress. Is a senator or congressman our pipeline to the goodies? Should it be his job to protect us from unfavorable legislation while sending national treasure home? OR do we just send someone with good judgment and intellect to Washington to add our regional voice to a discussion of what is best for the country?
It is hard to sort out what goes on in Congress but we should, I think, define what we expect.
Joe