Black congressmen skip civil rights museum opening over Trump's attendance

(CNN)Two black congressmen say they will not attend the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on Saturday because President Donald Trump is set to attend.

In a joint statement released Thursday, Democratic Reps. John Lewis and Bennie G. Thompson said that after "conversations with church leaders, elected officials, civil right activists and many citizens of our congressional districts," they have decided not to attend the opening.

"President Trump's attendance and his hurtful policies are an insult to the people portrayed in this civil rights museum," the two congressmen said in a statement. "The struggles represented in this museum exemplify the truth of what really happened in Mississippi. President Trump's disparaging comments about women, the disabled, immigrants and National Football League players disrespect the efforts of Fannie Lou Hamer, Aaron Henry, Medgar Evers, Robert Clark, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner and countless others who have given their all for Mississippi to be a better place."


White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee responded:

"We think it's unfortunate that these members of Congress wouldn't join the President in honoring the incredible sacrifice civil rights leaders made to right the injustices in our history," 

http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/07/politics/john-lewis-donald-trump-civil-rights-mississippi/index.html


I got news for you, Sarah. John Lewis IS a "Civil Rights Leader" who made "Incredible sacrifices".
In 1960, Lewis became one of the 13 original Freedom Riders.
In 1965 Lewis had a prominent role in the Selma to Montgomery marches when, on March 7, 1965 – a day that would become known as "Bloody Sunday"  Lewis and fellow activists  led over 600 marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. At the end of the bridge, they were met by Alabama State Troopers who ordered them to disperse. When the marchers stopped to pray, the police discharged tear gas and mounted troopers charged the demonstrators, beating them with night sticks. Lewis's skull was fractured, 
Lewis bears scars from the incident on his head that are still visible today.

Sarah, instead of pompously lecturing people, you should reflect on why an icon of the civil rights movement, and american hero won't share the stage with your President.
Think, reflect. Seek healing.

Last edited by Goose (12/08/2017 10:34 am)