“But McKinney’s trumped-up charge of racism merely cheapens the term, so that it’s less effective when it’s needed to discuss genuine discrimination,” Tucker said.
Merle Black, a political science professor at Emory University, told The Washington Post: “She has always been a very polarizing figure. For most politicians, this would be a one-day event — you would want to have a photo op with the officer and kiss and make up. But this is going the opposite way.”
The grand jury investigation into whether to seek assault or other charges was continuing. It was unclear what impact McKinney’s apology might have.
Although she had the support of activists and actors Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte, the March 29 incident has embarrassed Democrats, including fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus, none of whom have publicly defended her behavior.
The night before the apology, members of the Congressional Black Caucus urged McKinney in a private meeting to find a way to put the matter to rest, says a person familiar with the session.
— Associated Press and staff reports
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
