Today's Snapshot of Chicago Politics

Think that's farfetched? Here's an actual photograph taken today of a U.S. Congressman speaking on the floor of the House on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.:

Hood in Congress

That's Chicago Democrat Rep. Bobby Rush.

Rush was interrupted by the presiding officer, Mississippi Republican Gregg Harper, who reminded him that the wearing of hats was not allowed and “members need to remove their hoods or leave the floor.”  

Rush is founder and former "Deputy Minister of Defense" of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panthers. He holds the distinction of having defeated Barack Obama in the 2000 primary for Illinois' 1st District congressional seat. During that campaign, Rush's son Huey, named for Black Panther founder Huey P. Newton, was shot to death by a felon, apparently "over a drug debt".

Addendum (3/30/12): Meanwhile, back in the hooded congressman's district, at about 6:00 p.m. yesterday, another appearance by hooded men made news (Thursday, 3/29/12):

[T]wo men in hooded sweatshirts opened fire inside a convenience store in the 1400 block of West 79th Street in the Gresham neighborhood, police said.

One man was killed and five others were wounded. The victims ranged in age from 16 to 24. 

Don't hold your breath waiting for the national outrage.
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