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Democratic Rep. Bobby Rush, ofIllinoiswas escorted off of the House floor today after donning a hoodie and sunglasses in honor of slain teenager Trayvon Martin.

Rush, who took the podium in a suit jacket and glasses, spoke about the 17-year-old’s tragic death last month at the hands of George Zimmerman, who has not been charged. Martin was unarmed and wearing a hoodie at the time of his death.

“Too often, this violent act that resulted in the murder of Trayvon Martin is repeated in the streets of our nation,” Rush said in his statement. “I applaud the young people all across the land who are making a statement about hoodies, about the hoodlums in this nation, particularly those who tread on our laws wearing official or quasi-official clothes.”

At this point in his remarks, Rush shed his jacket to reveal that he was wearing a hoodie underneath it. He then covered his head with the hood, violating a rule in Congress that prohibits wearing hats on the House floor.

“Racial profiling has to stop, Mr. Speaker. Just because someone wears a hoodie does not make them a hoodlum,” Rush added, swapping his glasses for a pair of shades.

At this point, Rep. Gregg Harper, a Republican congressman fromMississippiwho was serving as the presiding speaker of the chamber, called Rush out of order. Rush continued reading a passage from the Bible before being escorted out of the chamber.

 

source:  eurweb.com