On the issue itself, this is pretty silly. It's not a 'huge law' that was broken, this happens at airports and other security barriers on a regular basis, where someone feels they are being unfairly dealt with and becomes beligerant. Generally the person faces some kind of penalty, from being restrained to being fined, missing their flight or access, etc. Penalties go up the stronger the beligerance or the longer it is maintained, but these things are hardly newsworthy nor are the ultimate legal consequences very great, provided that the person doesn't actually injure someone or cause damage or somesuch.
That said, I do hold elected reps to a higher standard, and I don't see why they need special status. Frankly, I think this leads to an attitude of entitlement that leads ultimately to bad choices as representatives. There is a sense among a lot of people that elected office is a reward, not a responsibility. I think our leaders ought to face stricter penalty for their infractions. Unfortunately, as it is now, most of the time we give a total pass to most of the corruption going on.
Without a doubt, Delay's crimes are far worse than even the worst case account of what happened with McKinney. I think it is fair and appropriate to ask why we get so focussed on what is really a pretty limited infraction in a building in which crimes harming millions of people across the nation are being committed in an atmosphere is at the least permissive and at worst encouraging of such behaviour.
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