I thought photo-ops were bad? I was assured photo-ops are bad.

Congressional Democrats took a nine minute knee today as some kind of show of solidarity with the current protests going on. This was led by Nancy Pelosi, who probably should think twice before attempting this again (as we’ll see). Afterwards, they announced that they are working on a framework for police reforms.

What was really weird, though, is the blatant cultural appropriation that took place. I’m not talking something silly like wearing a sombrero on Cinco de Mayo or enjoying General Tso’s Chicken. They all dawned Kente Cloth to do their little presentation for the cameras.

Congressional Democrats take a knee as they observe a nearly nine minute moment of silence for George Floyd at Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol. https://t.co/sIuXyTKqKs pic.twitter.com/fYf2GATvLT

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) June 8, 2020

I’m not sure what a Ghanaian textile, which is very specific to that African culture, has to do with George Floyd, but here we are.

I’m sure🤔someone told them that fabric represents black people but in truth a Nigerian like me cannot lay claim to this significant fabric which is very much a part of Ghanaian identity.

Dear democrats,these colors & patterns belong to ancient tribes and mean something to us. pic.twitter.com/nuB1RPBtQA

— Obianuju Ekeocha (@obianuju) June 8, 2020

But even if there is some connection, it’s certainly not one Nancy Pelosi, nor her mostly white cohorts in this video should be using. I find the entire thing fairly weird, as if black people can’t be valued by their worth as Americans in this case. That doesn’t mean their African lineage isn’t important and isn’t something they should celebrate themselves, but what’s that got to do with Nancy Pelosi? What is the message these Democrats are even trying to send? It’d be like everyone dawning Jewish Kippahs after an anti-Semitic shooting. It’s just not something you do.

Eventually, the nine minutes was up, and Nancy Pelosi couldn’t manage to get back up again.

Man Pelosi can't get up. Did anyone else hear a cough?? pic.twitter.com/TKKrr8iQbT

— Comfortably Smug (@ComfortablySmug) June 8, 2020

I guess this level of pandering works for some people?

Regardless, the more important topic here is what this bill they are pushing will have in it. Apparently, it won’t just be about policing but stopping “systematic racism” in all parts of government. That’s pretty much a sign that it’ll be far-reaching and objectionable to Republicans. Democrats have never met a crisis they weren’t willing to take advantage of, as we saw during the coronavirus relief bill drama.

I suspect they’ll overplay their hand, that they won’t agree to common sense reforms everyone supports, and that whatever they propose will go nowhere. Par for the course.