First of all, here is the youtube video that basically started the whole "Congressman Etheridge Assault" fiasco:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v60oNUoHBYM

Now, I think that it's pretty clear that Etheridge assaulted the student. I mean, grabbing a student's arm and the back of his neck, while asking a question that clearly violated personal information, claiming that he "had a right," (Even though they were, as the student said, on a public walkway) is pretty much physical assault.

I didn't see any real, substantiative reason to assault the student. It was merely a question that requested his viewpoint, although a lot more broad than most questions of that form. Maybe the presentation was a bit more blunt than I would like. I will give the good congressman that. BUT, did that give him justification to grab his arm and neck?

Ummmm..... common sense would dictate a resounding "NO."

Of course, you will always have people defending a failing position, such as these people here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bOEL8Hbh8Q (MSNBC)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/06/16/1503378/sorry-congressman-an-apology-just.html (Mark Washburne)

Perhaps it was a set-up by the Republicans. Okay.... no. If the GOP had actually set up a trap for Etheridge, how did the Republicans know that Etheridge would act that way, in that manner? And even more ridiculous, some are saying that the GOP struck a deal with Etheridge!!!! (Need I explain the logic behind that?)

Now, as Washburne asserts, some view the student's interview as "menacing." Menacing!!!! It may have been blunt, but watch the first video again, and tell me honestly that you think the students were "menacing." Did they reveal any knives or guns? No. Did they threaten the congressman? No. Did they verbally abuse the congressman? No. So, how can you call the interview menacing?

Now, the students blurred out their faces. Granted. Now, WHY did they do it?

One of two possible reasons: First, they wanted to hide their identity to go along with the huge conspiracy planned by the GOP to bring down one minor member of congress. Second, they hid their identity TO PROTECT THEIR PRIVACY.

Common sense would dictate the second option. I mean, wouldn't it make sense to conceal who you are so the national media doesn't start banging at your door while you're taking a shower? Seriously.

Anyone know what Occam's Razor is? Anyone? Good.

Occam's Razor is basically a logic deduction tool, which states that if you are presented with two scenarios to try and explain a situation, more often than not, the simpler one is the real explanation.

So, what are the two situations?

First, Etheridge isn't to blame, because the two students assaulted him to play along with a massive conspiracy by the GOP.

Second, two students needed to do a political science report project, and they happened to see Congressman Etheridge. They asked a blunt question, and he lost his temper?

Which one is more likely?

You decide.