[When a politician–a Congressman–calls for justice for a victim of racial profiling, he has stepped over the line of acceptable conduct for bourgeois politicians. Bobby Rush, who is the only politician who defeated Barack Obama in an election, has moved a long way from his Black Panther roots–but felt the need to make a call for justice over the outrageous murder of Trayvon Martin. Yet, he was removed from the floor of Congress for wearing a symbolic hoodie while making this call. — Frontlines ed.]
Illinois Rep. Removed From House Floor After Donning Hoodie for Trayvon Martin
March 28, 2012
Video of Congressman Bobby Rush wearing hoodie on House Floor 3/28/2012
Members of the New York City Council have worn them. Players on the Miami Heat were photographed wearing them. Numerous celebrities have donned them. And on Wednesday, Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., was escorted from the House floor for wearing one while addressing members of Congress over the killing of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed Florida teenager who was gunned down last month.
We’re of course talking about hooded sweatshirts. A hoodie is the article of clothing that Geraldo Rivera claimed was as much responsible for Martin’s death—he was wearing one at the time he was shot—as George Zimmerman, the man holding the gun that claimed Martin’s young life.
Rush took to the House floor to call for a full investigation into the shooting death of 17-year-old Martin.
“I applaud the young people all across the land who are making a statement about hoodies, about the real hoodlums in this nation, specifically those who tread on our law wearing official or quasi-official cloaks,” Rush said, taking off his suit jacket to reveal a hoodie underneath. “Racial profiling has got to stop. Just because someone wears a hoodie does not make them a hoodlum.”
He was gaveled almost immediately by Rep. Gregg Harper, R-Miss., who was presiding over the floor while Rush delivered his remarks. Rush continued to speak until he was eventually removed from the House floor. —TEB
Frontlines of Revolutionary Struggle 