House Speaker Orders Legislator Blocked from Speaking -He Wore African Garb for Black History Day

[JPZenger]

http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/jenice_armstrong/20130220_Jenice_Armstrong__Pa__state_rep__gets_snubbed_for_violating_dress_code.html

"...a black member of the PA. House of Representatives attempted to address the body while dressed in Afro-centric attire. Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, D-Phila., had donned a kufi cap and a striking blue flowing garment with gold embroidery in anticipation of the House's annual Black History Month celebration later that day. As House protocol requires, Thomas approached the microphone and waited to be recognized by Republican Rep. Karen Boback, who was standing in for House Speaker Sam Smith. He waited and waited.

The plan had been for him to say a few words and then to yield the floor to Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown so that she could invite House members to join the PA. Black Legislative Caucus for the Black History Month proceedings and lunch in the Rotunda. But they never got the chance.

"They kept overlooking Curtis," said Brown. "He was just totally ignored with no explanation of why he was not being addressed." Thomas was left just standing there. The man has held state office for more than two decades, yet there he was getting treated like a disobedient child.

What he didn't know was that the PA. Legislative Black Caucus had told the speaker's office of their members' interest in wearing traditional African garb. Director Brandon Flood had even emailed images to Smith's office showing examples. The response that the caucus got back was that members were expected to conform to the usual House dress code, which for men means a jacket and tie."

[think]

1. Just wear the lie. The jacket and tie.

Because no one in a business suit has ever screwed me over....

[JPZenger]

2. Did they "rob you with a fountain pen"?

[think]

3. "Some rob you with a sixgun, some with a fountain pen "

The man and the fountain pen just got me again.

I'm no match for his suits and shiny shoes.

That's why I just sit here and sing the blues.....


{don't worry. no plans of quitting my day job }

[jschurchin]

4. My email to Rep. Boback

I also cc'd my Rep. Tony Deluca and Rep. Thomas.

Representative Boback,

Do you have a reason that you are such a racist? Representative Thomas was wearing a traditional African outfit and not only that, he and the rest of the African American Caucus informed the legislature previously that their intention was to dress in traditional clothing as a tribute to African American History Month.

As a Caucasian man I am embarrassed, but not surprised, that we Pennsylvanians have a racist group in the commonwealth. What does surprise me though is how blatant and non-chalent you are with your racist attitude.
Please don’t try quantify your racism with “house rules state coat and tie”. That is just a cover. House rules are suspended all the time for special circumstances. Don’t be afraid Ms. Boback, stand up and say exactly why you didn’t recognize Mr. Thomas. “I’m Karen Boback and I’m a proud racist”

By the way, my Representative is Mr. Anthony Deluca, whom I am proud to say represents me and my fellow Pennsylvanians. You, Ms. Boback, DO NOT.

I can be reached at, 412-___-____ or [e-mail] or 735 P______d Dr. Pittsburgh Pa. 15235.

Yours,

John S. Churchin

[blue neen]

5. Oh my.

Horrible, but not surprising considering the Teabaggers who are running Pennsylvania (into the ground, I might add).