"Just because someone wears a hoodie, does not make them a hoodlum," Rush said.
He co-founded the Illinois chapter of the Black Panthers, arm ourselves." Rush was present when fellow Black Panther Fred Hampton was killed in a police raid and later made a official statement that the police, referred only to as "pigs" by Rush, had murdered Hampton. Rush's own apartment was raided in December 1969 where police discovered an unregistered pistol, rifle, shotgun and pistol ammunition, training manuals on explosives and booby traps, a small amount of marijuana and an assortment of communist literature.[3] Earlier that same year Rush stated the philosophy his membership in the Black Panthers saying, "Black people have been on the defensive for all these years. The trend now is not to wait to be attacked. We advocate offensive violence against the power structure."[4]
Imprisoned for six months in 1972 on a weapons charge after carrying a gun into a police station.
My question has always been, Does a tiger change his stripes? I would say NO! He just figures out a new way to attack his prey. Welcome to Illinois Democratic policies!

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/defence-rests-in-florida-british-tourists-double-murder-trial-7594704.html

Black teenager accused of murdering two British tourists in Florida.

So why is Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson not condemning the murder of these two unarmed white British tourists by a Black teenager who wanted to rob them. And killed them in cold blood as they pleaded for their lives.

OK Al and Jesse where are you ??? Are you only interested in the killing of black people by whites..

Those two whtite British people did not deserve to murdered by a black American teen ager.

Again why have you not said a damn word about that. Are you both racist hypocrites.

Does race even have to be a factor for you all to be outraged? Because this is a white on black issue does this make you less offended white America? Everyone should be equally offended and outraged over the mere fact that a 17yr old unarmed kid was gunned down by a fully armed, half drunk adult, who ignored directions of emergency personnel, followed the kid, and shot him. The kid is heard screaming for his life before he is shot, and the man shot him. Forget black/white. The issue is that this kid was murdered and no one did anything to prosecute the gunman. the why did this happen and why wasn't it prosecuted questions are so racially charged. I get that. But actual "what happened" should have any and everyone extremely upset: white, black, young, old, democrat, republican.

The fact the matter is, the black community is jumping to conclusions before all the facts are in. They are acting in an uncivil matter and turning this into a race issue. That is what has me outraged. I never saw or heard anything that Zimmerman was drunk and being a Florida resident I know what the stand your ground law is. If at my age an unarmed 17 yr old began to attack me which is one of the stories being published, I would be in fear for my life and I too would shoot him if given the chance. That's what the law is. Further this little angel was not in his own neighborhood and who in their right mind when it's in the 80s wears a hoodie unless he was trying to hide his identity and was up to no good. This could have been avoided but it wasn't so now we have to wait for all the facts to come out. The problem is the black community can't and won't act in a civil manner and ALL the so called black leaders are acting the same way as their constituents. This is typical of blacks to put ther cart before the horse. Just wait to see what happens if this shooting is found to be justifiable.

Here's the latest thing I just saw on the news in Florida. Spike Lee tweeted an address and phone number alleging it belonged to Zimmerman. Now an elderly couple who lives at this address is being harrassed and is living in fear for their lives thanks to ignorant fools like Spike Lee. Outraged, yes I'm outraged at how these ignorant fools feel like they have to make a stand. Spend more time looking for jobs and becoming productive members of society instead of radicals like good ol' Bobby.

As I said why didn't our national press, and Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, and Pres Obama, go off the deep end , when 2 white unarmed British men visiting Florida were both murdered in cold blood by a teenage black American. Who tried to rob them

Give me one logical why the press . Jesse, Al, and Barack said or did nothing about that murder of two white men by a teen black man.

Do I detect hypocrisy and or racism here.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/defence-rests-in-florida-british-tourists-double-murder-trial-7594704.html

Galactic,the teenager you mentioned was charged for murdering those British men.
Zimmerman is free .The lead investigator for the Martin murder case wanted to charge Zimmerman.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/28/trayvon-martin-case-polic_n_1384301.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl25|sec1_lnk3%26pL
That is why people are upset.
The black community has been protesting in a civil manner.Why shouldn't they?

Russ:
Neither you nor I, know the facts of this tragic event. Neither does Al, Jesse , Barack or the national. press. So i do have a problem with Al Jesse , Barack etc protesting.

If it is proven that Zimmerman was not defending himself per Florida law. and he shot and killed Trayvon for no good reason.
Then I would be the first one to vote for Zimmerman's execution.

Our country is scandalously racist and that is very evil.
There is only one planet earth, its a beautiful place and we are all here for a very short time.
Sadly it seems where there are homosapiens (humans), they will always be trouble and violence. The wild animals behave better . they kill to survive in nature. We kill for hate , greed, power etc.

Galactic,
these people are stating the obvious.If you listened to what they are saying .All they are asking for is justice.I think justice is what we all want.
I just saw an ABC video of Zimmerman exiting a police car at the police station in handcuffs.I was able to freeze frame the pictures and didn't see any evidence of a broken nose,bashed in head or any grass stains on his jacket.

If this guy lived in my neighborhood and self appointed himself neighborhood watch and was walking around with a loaded gun, I'd be out there in his face every night telling him to go home! The only thing that's going to happen with a non police officer carrying a gun pretending he's the police is a kid getting killed.

Zimmerman was arrested for domestic violence and twice resisting arrest. The lead homicide investigator wanted to arrest him and was overruled by the state attorney. Zimmerman's daddy is a judge. Interesting, isn't it?

Carin ...
You do rant on ...But i must say you are logical in your comments, and you refrain from name calling.
You are in the minority on these links.

Facts are
A black teenager murdered two white unarmed British tourists visiting Florida. And the teenager wanted to rob them.
So its a robbery and a murder.
Not a peep from Al, Jesse, Barack, or our propaganda media.

Then a near white (Peruvian decent ) Zimmerman (and ugly to boot)..murders an unarmed black American teenager .And he is protected by a "self defense law" in Florida. 'Self defense based on his word...
Then Al , Jesse, Barack and our propaganda media go crazy . They are all over it.
Are we all Americans or not . I can't stand this crap of African American and February as African American month.

What about Irish American,, Russian American,,,, German American ...French American ..Iraq American.. Iran American etc.
Is there a country known as Africa-America..

Racism in our country the U.S. will be its downfall.

What about Chinese American..and the tens thousands of Chinese laborers who built our canals and rail roads.

How about Japanese Americans who we locked up in WWII

Fact: The black teenagers you mention I again say They have been arrested. Zimmerman has not even been brought into custody (except protective, cause he's a Mook)

Zimmerman's Mother is Hispanic. US Census says you are what your mother is, therefore, he's Hispanic. Not white.

No one is forcing you to call African Americans anything. Call them whatever you feel like.

February should NOT be Black History month because American History IS Black History. It should be every month.

The state's attorney would need to issue a warrant for his arrest. If they didn't have enough evidence, or had reasonable doubt that he commited the crime in question, or needed more information to obtain a grand jury go ahead, they could not charge him. He is claiming self defense, and as the facts are entered, the grand jury will make a desicion on whether or not to enter a warrant. In the meantime, I am sure he isn't running amuck looking for someone else to shoot. The state's attorney is not going to jump to conclusions like Jesse and his gang of thugs and the racist media, and they are not gonna jump the gun and charge him if there is a chance he will walk. They want to win cases, especially with an election coming up. He can still be charged at any time.
Carin, you seem to want to blame whitey for eveything. Get off of it! Zimmerman is not white, you're right about that.....And if you are claiming that you would confront a guy walking around your neighborhoos with a gun, you are not very bright, now are you? Let the adults talk now!!!

Bobby Rush Former Black Panther A real Idiot but he did beat Obama Once Terrible rep to the White Areas he represents....

When did a person become guilty without a trial?

No one is saying that. He should be held in custody until the facts are in. He was not.

Bobby Rush's antics are about Bobby Rush, nothing more. Embarrassing.

People regardless of who they are have their right to free speech. In regard to professionalism, I would have prefered that Mr. Rush did not wear a sweatshirt with a hood on the floor in a governmental forum and would have wished he voiced his support possibly in the atrium of the building. Nothing else should be discussed on the issue of Mr. Rush wearing a sweatshirt with a hood in March 2012.

Thank you Carin for assisting me in making my point. I never wrote that you said a racist shot a black youth. It was part of my example of a possible headline that you could find acceptable according to your stated opinions. So someone that makes racist comments is not actually a racist? They just make racist statements, so they're okay otherwise? You make no sense at all. Sure you're not judging people by their race. That's been the basis of your commentary. Your response to my comments supports my statement. Those who can't debate hide behind code words, such as racist and big hugs. You dove into this pool, so now swim or get out. Oh darn, that's what you did, climbed out of the pool on the ladder made of big hugs. Be honest to yourself, your piling on this issue of Bobby the Hood Rush by resorting to the old school tactic of "if I Insinuate that they are racists they will back down". Not this time. I've had enough of society backing down because someone is empowered by a few words. Today we start anew. This incident of Black Panther Bobby will now shift the power of language to those that have tolerated this idiosy for much too long. The "R Word", "Racist" will no longer be tolerated in public. Unless, of course, you are a racist. As everyone knows it's okay to call someone a racist if you are a racist. Just like the "N Word".

Jessie - you really need to calm down. Only one person called someone a racist and that my friend, is You. You called me one. Which still explain it to me who I am racist against? My saying someone made a racist comment is not calling someone a racist. Yes, maybe it will give someone pause to think about what they wrote. (sometimes when people get emotional they tend to not see it as others do) Everyone has their panties in a wad over a former black panther taking a stand on an issue. The point is (as I pointed out) no matter the cause, you respect the Rules of the House. He's been a member of the House for almost 20 years. He is making Laws which seems ok for a former black panther but not taking a stand on an issue??? No one can be the N word.

I really have no idea what you think I meant by Big Hugs to you. I told you have a wonderful day (which I meant it!) it's sunny and rather lovely day for walk wouldn't you agree? And big hugs, cause you seem like you need one.

Carin, York words, "Do you need a history lesson of what this country was like for African Americans in the 1960's? I don't and I wasn't be alive then."

Sure, give me that lesson. What was this country like for African Americans in the 1960s? I was around for it. I would love to read your rendition. Careful now, that water is deep.

Fabulous! Then you remember Segregation and Blacks only allowed to use back doors, not being given equal human rights. etc. If you'd like me to list everything, I don't have the time but will be happy to link multiple sites for you if your memory fads. I can tell you, If I was alive and an African American then, I'd be in the civil rights movement as well.

Bobby Rush is a modern day thug from 1969.. Its pot stirrers like him Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton that pose no purpose to modern society.. I'm sure nobody wants to here that either

Well, that wasn't quite true in Chicago back then. There was public housing available but African Americans weren't forced to live there. You may be confusing some things that happened in the South at that time. Why there is even an entire suburb called Robbins, Illnois that's been around over 100 years founded by African Americans who chose to live there of their own free will. Famous people like Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura of Star Trek fame is from Robbins. That was in the 1960s. The famed Tuskegee Airmen had members from Robbins, Illinois. That was in the 1940s. There has been at least two movies and countless documentaries made about them. Former Chicago mayor Harold Washington made his name in politics in the 1960s. You can look it up on the Internet. Would you like me to list some web sites?

I did say America which does equal the South and every part of it. Saying a lone black name of Harold Washington made a name for himself, makes it a life to have. America is what we are talking about, not just Chicago. I remember when Harold Washington won as Mayor. I remember the day well, I do not need a link, cause I watch the election results. You cannot sit there and say the black community had it so well in this country because a small amount lived in Robbins.

Carin, this is what you're not understanding. You can't support statements about segregation and throw a blanket over all African Americans. My grandparents came to this country, didn't have any money and didn't speak the language. They were stereotyped and had a rough time of it but worked hard and made it. That doesn't mean everyone from their country suffered the same fate in America. They didn't blame society for the problems. Just like African Americans, some did better than others. They were segregated and had to deal with prejudices also. No one stood in the Senate with a hoodie on to protest. What you don't seem to realize is that African Americans overcame their problems by addressing them in the courts and utilizing the Constitution of the Unted States as the vehicle of change where it was needed. Not all African Americans or others that emigrated to the U.S. faced the same hurdles or overcame them in the same way. Those emigrants didn't have a magic word to use like the "R Word" when they felt they were being mistreated. African Americans that solve their dilemmas without resorting to that word are much more respected than others that either use it or suggest it because they believe it to be a tool of leverage. The bottom ls that Bobby Rush tried to grandstand because he has a tough election coming up and he still thinks racism is a strategy for succes in politics.

It was unprofessional and wrong. There is a time and place for making stands like this. Its not appropriate to do it while at work. Any of us who work in places where there is a dress code, would have been told to go home and change if we weren't adhering to the dress code.

If he felt that strongly, he should have done it on his own time, and not when he was being paid to act on a official capacity, where he's representing the people of Illinois. He's my representative and I'm not sure where I stand yet. Waiting for all evidence to come out and the investigation to be completed before I decided who is right. He did a huge misservice to Illinois by taking a stand before all the facts were known. And if is turns out that there it wasn't self-defense, and racial profiling, Mr. Rush still has a responsibility to represent Illinois in a professional manner upholding all the rules of congress.

Plus, if you listen to him during this, and the interview on WGN, he actually sounds like he's slurring his words. Maybe Mr. Rush needs to have physical to see if there is something wrong with him that would make him act so irrationally. Not trying to be mean, he really didn't sound right.

Carin, you just don't get it. You have been inferring racism on this forum all day. Just because you didn't use the word doesn't mean you weren't accusatory. I'm not sure what "R Word" you are referring to, maybe "Republican", but I can assure you that "Racism" is the "R Word" that will be the center of attention in this country.

For the record, I am not an "Old Coon". Do you kiss your kids with that mouth? Bobby Rush is a punk and has leaned on his "don't trust whitey" philosophy for his entire life. That is going to end in November. He disrespected an entire nation with his stunt and got what he wanted, publicity. I was once headstrong and unreasonable like you, then I had a birthday and turned 11.

No. It's not Republican either. It's an actual offense word and there is a movement to stop the use of it. Maybe you should look that up.

I didn't say Old Coon, I wrote Old COOT. You're an old raccoon? Is that what you thought I wrote? What the heck would that even mean? Seriously, you are cracking me up here! Thanks so much for this delightful entertainment of your hatred.

I don't have children, I prefer 4 legged kids. And I kiss them everyday cause I love them oh so much. In fact, one of my 4 legged children is black. And the other Asian.

Again, who exactly am I racist against???

Facts are, a 17 year old unarmed young man was shot and killed. He was followed by an armed man who is not a police officer. Fact is the killer was not arrested. Fact is the young man was black and wearing a hoodie. He was followed by someone who did not know him because he looked suspicious not for anything he did. It took public outrage to get this out in the open. I know a young man (white) that got into a fight with his sister's boyfriend and went to the police station to report it. He was arrested. No one was shot, no one went to the hospital and they were both arrested. Let the courts settle it. If Zimmerman was arrested and released on an I bond, we would not be having this discussion. Other injustices or perceived injustices are a different matter entirely and have nothing to do with this incident.

Okay Carin, I think I've found something you and I can agree on. Megan M James should mind her own business!

No, I don't agree with that. I think she has a point. Thanks Megan. Keep up the good work !

Carin, hope your still following the comments. Your statement about the U.S. Census Bureau policy, the one that states you are the race that your mother is. Remember that? You leaned on that rule to say Zimmerman was Hispanic. Well my young friend, you've just changed history in America. According to your beliefs then we've never had an African American President in this country. Waiting to see how your going to wiggle out of this one. Don't mess with the old raccoon.

Jessie - I actually spent my even doing other more productive things than to have people sick of me defending against hatred. I did realize that you were calling me racist and someone else said I was "Anti-Whitey" because you think I am a person of color. I am not. I just believe in treating everyone with basic human rights.

Carin and Jessie .... we appreciate your points of view. And each of you has raised interesting discussion points. However, please refrain from mocking each other. It's possible to disagree without being disagreeable. Otherwise, the comments will be removed.

Thanks everyone.

Dennis Robaugh
senior regional editor, Patch.com

Dennis - Thank you for removing the offense post of Jessie's using the N word. Just because it's in quotes doesn't mean it's not offense. It's a way for people to use offense words by saying it without saying but still getting away with saying it.

As the saying goes Bigotry wrapped in a Prayer is still Bigotry.

Seems like a nerve got touched. I asked a legitimate question about Carin's interpretation of U.S. Census Bureau policies. She used that to support her argument. It's fair game to challenge her as she represented those policies as factual and binding. I see that a great deal of my commentary has been removed. I'm surprised that the Patch so easily indulged in censorship. Carin had discussions and debates taking place with several people at the same time, not just me. No matter if it's the N word or R word or "C for censorship" as long as no one was addressed specifically then it should be open for discussion. Shall I complain next time I see a word that's offensive to me and demand you remove it, even though the context was not mean spirited? The N word is in the dictionary. Its spoken all over this country, ever day by all races, nationalities and creeds. It's used in songs, movies and churches. Spelling it out one time out of sixty comments is certainly not malicious. I feel the Patch got cold feet and demonstrated much cowardice in their censorship in regards to the comments for this article. The comments are here to encourage debate and enlightenment. If you run scared when someone has an opinion on a sensitive subject it may be time to stick to volleyball games and soccer scores. True journalism inspires debate. It doesn't conspire against it. It's your bat and ball, you can take it home anytime you want. As you did.

Our terms of use are clear in the use of profanity (literal and veiled) and offensive language. And we encourage debate on our sites. And while some exchanges can be spirited and feisty and tempers can get short, we discourage people from letting their exchanges devolve into name-calling and mocking. Some discussions get more latitude than others depending on who's doing the moderating. Every debate involves a community of users, and sometimes multiple members of the audience will suggest that a commenter has gone too far. Such is the case today. An informed user of the south suburban Patch network would know that our editors don't run scared.

bummed1, Galactic Cannibal, Michael Chambers Jr., Russ Petrick, nick, Patsy Bonar, Opinion1. These are all readers that commented on the article and were challenged by Carin, by varying degrees of decorum. Most gave up and went away. I chose to take a stand. Carin made some inflammatory remarks and accusations to some of the other posters on this forum. She took on any and all that had a different opinion. Saying that someone made racist remarks is no different than calling them a racist. What would be the difference? Go ahead and review all of Carin's remarks, in context. You might be surprised. Now it's time to wish all a nice weekend. Carin's rule, Zimmerman is Hispanic and Obama is white, because that is what their mothers are. You just have to live the irony. Good night and good luck. The Patch rules!

Here is a story of a man with a similar experience as Zimmerman with a different outcome.
http://www.nationofchange.org/i-was-george-zimmerman-1333115153

This article was about Bobby Rush and his defiance on the floor. He along with Jesse, Al and the rest of the racists are going to bring riots to the streets. They are planning on a march in Florida and have cited a call for unrest and civil disobedience in the streets if Zimmerman isn't arrested. I don't know who made them judge and jury or gave them the right to incite violence and unrest. There were 49 shootings in Chicago on the same weekend as the trayvon Martin killing, one resulting in the death of a 6 year old white girl who was cut down on her porch in a drive by shooting by black gang members. No arrests were made. 10 people died from those shootings and not one arrest.

You need to look beyond the issue and wonder what the bigger picture is. Why make suck a big deal about one murder? There are hundreds a day, black on white, white on black, mexican, chinese, japanese.... What is the big deal about this one? What are they trying to make out of this situation? Ask yourself, what is it going to lead to? Is this another way to push anti gun laws? Are they gonna take away our right to bear arms? Who cares about one 17 year old black kid dying, they die every day.... Read between the lines people!!!!!

Wow. Well, I care about kids dying, no matter what age or color.

No one wants to take away your right to bear arms. It's unfortunate that a person who had a prior arrest for domestic violence was able to attain a firearm. (Personally, I think if someone is charged with domestic violence they should never be allowed to carry) It is unfortunate that there wasn't someone in that neighborhood that stood up to Zimmerman or called the police to report a man with a gun "patroling" their streets. Maybe no one knew he had a gun.

All of that is here nor there. The fact is a child is dead. The fact is they know who the killer was.

If you've seen the News, you should have seen all the marches done in the Chicago neighborhoods in protest to the violence. The problem with the majority is that they are drive - by or gang related and witnesses do not want to come out against the gangs in fear. It is unfortunate that we live in a society where such senseless killings happen.

I find it sad you do not feel empathy for a child dying because they are black.

Bobby Rush tried to make a statement about a terrible killing that occurred in Florida.
Sharpton and Jackson are activists representing parents that asked them for help.I am missing the racist connection and accusation.
The 49 shootings are a right wing talking point to minimize the injustice done to Trayvon.Arrests will be made if and when suspects are found.
There have been 194 deaths,murders in Chicago alone since January of this year up 35% from last year.
I hate senseless killing every time I hear of an innocent being killed I feel sick inside. I think of the gift that God gave me with my 4 children and I can feel the loss that all those parents,brothers ,sisters,and relatives must feel.
There are people who have taken to the streets in Chicago; Father Pfleger
http://www.saintsabina.org/
;Jesse Jackson and probably Al Sharpton too.The communities of these gunshot incidents have been taking to the streets with peaceful demonstrations to take back their communities.Where is the right wing report on that.
To dismiss all the pain and suffering and loss for these families as SOP is callous at the least and in my opinion makes anyone that speaks that way seem like a monster.

Sara we both agree thank you!

Everyone has been commenting on Bobby Rush being hated. No one said they dislike him due to the positions he votes on, or the bills he sponsors or co-sponsors. Since 1993 he's been a Congressman. Maybe he should be judged on the job he's doing.

Everyone is entitled to not like someone, but I haven't seen one person claim they disagree with his voting record or anything he's done as a public servant, just things he's done prior to his taking office and stances of violence in this country and his community.

I wonder if anyone knows his voting record?

I don't agree with many of Bobby Rush's votes; He voted no on HJ Res 2: balanced budget amendment. He voted no on HR 3408: oil shale. He voted no on HR 3835: extending the pay freeze for congress and federal workers. I could go on and on listing things that Bobby and I don't agree on.

Bobby Rush missed 13% of roll call votes, the median is only 2.4%

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/bobby_rush/400350

Big list of Bobby Rush voting record:

http://www.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/26831/bobby-rush

Gee, what ever happened to Carin? Heard she was applying for a spot on Rush's campaign staff?

Nick, I can tell you are very astute. It's darn funny that Carin was called out about her census bureau FACTS then disappeared when she got tripped up about President Obama. And thank you for the website links. I'm sure she signed up for email notification since it seemed she would respond very quickly whenever someone responded to any of her comments. Rush cares about no one. The hoodie was a pure publicity stunt to help his election campaign. He can't even spell Trayvon Williams.

Why does the Media keep posting old outdated pictures of Trayvon when he was about 12 years old? When in fact Trayvon was a couple months shy of his 18th birthday and was 6'2"

Robby Bush (real creative) - It's Trayvon Martin.

Nick - 6' 2" and 140 pounds.

Here is some more info on the Trayvon murder:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/31/trayvon-martin-shooting-911-call-screams_n_1394224.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl2|se
Voice experts say the voice heard screaming on one of the 911 calls was definitely Trayvon's

This no good piece of garbage is exactly that. Rush has always been a racist advocate. If membership in the new black panthers were feasible, Rush would be the first in line. He has only peddled his racism in a different mode.
He was elected as a U.S.Representative because of the constituency of blacks residing in his district. They did not care of any issues he may or may not have aspired to. All that was needed was that he be of black linage. He was never an educated person. Did not even hold a high-school diploma. But he is black, and that is all that mattered. His racist stripes were shown when he pulled this fiasco. A tiger never changes it's stripes. He is still a racist at heart. He was a black panther then, served time in prison, and still a racist. But, does his constituency care? Not at all.
Why?
Because he is black, that's why.

Semper Fi1