by emptywheel
I'm trying to limit myself to Plame related blogging (which has really helped me focus in the last several days). And this is only tangentially related to the Plame Affair. But it's close enough and delicious enough, I've just got to post it.
You see, Valerie Wilson's classmate at the CIA, Jim Marcinkowski, got so enraged that the Bush Administration would put politics over the security of our country, he decided to run for Congress. He's running in MI-08, a pretty tough district for a Democrat. But given his strong security background and his roots in the district,Marcinkowski stands a chance--if his opponent, Mike Rogers, does anything stupid.
Well, via Michigan Liberal, I see his opponent may just have done something stupid. Credit to the Livingston Daily Press & Argus for the photo.
Apparently, this was a skit for a local Rotary Club event. Perhaps within the confines of the event, it was well-received. But taken out of context, I can't imagine it'll help Rogers retain his seat. Either he's making fun of law enforcement (you know, everything changed after 9/11!). Or he's providing an apt metaphor for the abuse of civil rights and privacy perpetrated by this Administration. Or, he's engaging in behavior that might be construed as homoerotic. This is a conservative district. I can't imagine any of these messages playing well within the district, particularly not since Marcinkowski can match Rogers on security experience.
Congressman Mike Rogers and the Bush Administration. Proudly imposing body cavity searches on Americans everywhere!
BZP at MI Lib has the best caption so far:
Posted by: emptywheel | September 18, 2006 at 13:38
Is he holding up a flashlight? I can't quite make it out. The picture is accompanied by this caption:
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, acts like airport security and prepares for a cavity search on a traveler during a skit that went along with "Leavin' on a Jet Plane."
Posted by: QuickSilver | September 18, 2006 at 13:40
I thought it was forceps or something. Or a big teaspoon?
In any case, not good, mocking airport security.
Posted by: emptywheel | September 18, 2006 at 13:44
The concert was referred to in this Livingston Daily caption as the "Brighton Rotary Club's Lip Stync[sic] show." It took place Saturday night, September 16, at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts, with all proceeds going to very good causes. Some of the guys really got into their roles, and I can only applaud them for that. (What can I say? I love Rotarians and what Rotary does in this world.)
Here's a pic of the backup singers for the "Leavin' on a Jet Plane" stripsearch, before Bill Rogers bent the guy over the desk. I guess it could be worse -- at least this isn't on YouTube!
Posted by: QuickSilver | September 18, 2006 at 16:25
...yet.
Posted by: emptypockets | September 18, 2006 at 17:34