Posted on 02/06/2009 4:47:19 PM PST by Crazieman
Following Leon Panetta’s confirmation hearing Thursday, several reporters approached the CIA director-designate in the hallway outside room G-50 in the Dirksen Building.
There, CongressDaily reporter Chris Strohm — upon asking a question — was physically restrained by a man who accompanied Panetta at hearings both days.
Strohm, when reached by phone Friday, said he was unsure of the man’s role.
“I felt this hand grab my right arm and push me aside,” Strohm said.
By his account, Strohm told the man, “Please don’t touch me” more than once. Eventually, the man let him go.
Tim Starks, a reporter for Congressional Quarterly, said he witnessed Strohm approach Panetta and ask a question, just before the man began “grabbing him by the arm and moving him away.”
“I said to the guy, ‘That’s not the way you do it,’” recalled Starks.
Starks said that he’s covered the CIA for years and had never seen a reporter strong-armed that way before, adding that the agency is typically respectful of journalists.
Reflecting on the incident, Strohm played it down somewhat, saying that he’s “had worse happen” while reporting.
A staff assistant at The Panetta Institute said they are not addressing any media inquiries before Panetta’s confirmation. The White House declined to comment.
After today’s hearing, there was no similar incident: Panetta briefly answered questions from reporters.
I'm still thinking Barrie O. is more puppet on a string than Stalinesque, but I am going to copy and SAVE your post.
Did they? I don't remember any incidents offhand. Not counting Waco and Elian.
That is just one example of how things are going to be under the BO administration.
> What will stop them?
Filing a criminal assault complaint and civil lawsuit for violation of civil rights and psychological damage from assault.
The bottom feeder lawyers don’t care from whom they extract money, even fellow bottom feeders like Panetta.
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I do not care who you are. Put a hand on me or one of my family and you will get a sudden and painful response.
Remember you can’t fix stupid. No matter how hard you try.
(I don't know why she keeps looking at me when she says it though.)
All the best.
lol....
I said the legislative branch cannot let the execuive get away with this or the next thing you know they'll be roaming the precincts of Congress at will strongarming who they wish.
This was a public hearing room in the Dirkson Building ~ and the CIA has decided it has independent authority.
Someone has to stop this stuff soon ~ before you find yourself having to get the approval of a Chicago street thug to go see your own Congressman.
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