A group from the feminist grassroots organization CODEPINK repeatedly interrupted a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing this morning, calling for the arrest of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who was a witness at the hearing.
“Arrest Henry Kissinger for war crimes!” the group shouted.
A woman chanted: “in the name of the people of Chile, in the name of the people of Vietnam, in the name of the people of east Timor, in the name of the people of Cambodia, in the name of the people of Laos.”
Committee Chairman John McCain did not tolerate the disruption -- and his response prompted applause from the audience.
“You’re going to have to shut up or I’ll have you arrested,” he said as capitol police escorted the protesters from the room. “Get out of here you low-life scum.”
He also apologized profusely for the group’s insults to Kissinger:
“I’ve been a member of this committee for many years, and I have never seen anything as disgraceful and outrageous and as despicable as the last demonstration that just took place.”
When Kissinger began his testimony, two women climbed up on their chairs and began to shout accusations against the secretary and his policies on Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Chile in the 60s and 70s. They were removed immediately by capitol police.
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In response, 94-year-old former Secretary of State George P. Shultz said, “I salute Henry Kissinger for his many contributions to peace and security.”
According to their website, CODEPINK claims to be dedicated to “end all U.S. wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect our tax dollars into healthcare, education, green jobs, and other life-affirming programs.”
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