You probably heard about Michele Bachmann's "Whites of their eyes" event last week, where she urged reporters to arrive en masse at the US Capitol, to swarm the halls and glare at their congresspersons in the eyes until the blinked. Or voted against health care insurance reform. Or something.
The rally, which consisted of Bachmann and a number of other wingnuts displaying absurd theatrics and civic stupidity was technically called a press conference, and apparently members of congress can do that ... they can simply go out to the public space and have even rather elaborate press conferences ... without a permit. But the press was not explicitly invited to a press conference and no questions were taken at this event, and it was clearly in every way imaginable a rally.
With no permit.
Bachmann's official congressional web site was also used to promote and manage the event. That is also a violation, as a rally is a political event. Her political campaign is not supposed to be funded by the taxpayers.
Politics
Comments
Well, opening a probe against Bachman help the House Ethics Committee with their rather embarassing race problem, so it would be a win/win. For more details see http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29055.html.
Posted by: katydid13 | November 18, 2009 6:24 PM
I've been to hundreds of unpermitted peaceful assemblies in public spaces. I've never been maced or clubbed or arrested before. Is this a new thing?
Posted by: John | November 18, 2009 9:59 PM
What a crock. There was no funding involved and the press was there. Nice try but no cigar.
Posted by: NH | November 19, 2009 4:02 AM
This title is libelous in that it is not proven true. You'd better remove it right away before you get sued.
Bachmann Violated Rules with Tea Party Event
Posted by: NH | November 19, 2009 4:11 AM
the internet lawyers are here
Posted by: bob | November 19, 2009 8:49 AM
NH,
Did you get your law degree from the same place Orly Taitz did? Clearly you haven't mastered American rules about defamation.
Posted by: freelunch | November 19, 2009 10:09 AM
In other news: pope catholic; bear shits in woods
Posted by: Lorax | November 19, 2009 10:19 AM
NH: The press were not allowed to ask questions. That is the definition of a press conference. The press also shows up a train wrecks.
Posted by: Greg Laden | November 19, 2009 10:25 AM
was there actually any teabagging going on at this tea party event? if so, that could explain why they weren't able to answer any questions for the press.
Posted by: rob | November 19, 2009 10:38 AM
You mean, like bagging the questions?
Posted by: Rrr | November 19, 2009 11:55 AM
"You mean, like bagging the questions?"
***groan*** Very punny!
Posted by: Tomato Addict | November 19, 2009 3:03 PM
You can go here and get the story that is no longer on Politico. http://dumpbachmann.blogspot.com/2009/11/crew-calls-for-investigation-of-michele.html
Posted by: DPSisler | November 19, 2009 4:59 PM