This weekend marks the 50th commemoration of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma and across the nation, for it was 50 years ago when peaceful protesters were beaten to a pulp because they had the nerve to demand equal voting rights.
Bloody Sunday solidified the importance of voting for all Americans, and ultimately led to the 1965 Congress approving a Voting Rights bill, but today’s Republican leaders apparently had better things to do this weekend.
Failing to have any of their leaders attend the commemoration, Republican House Speaker John Boehner released this statement, a statement fitting for Twitter!
“Today, 50 years after the Selma to Montgomery marches began, the House honors the brave foot soldiers who risked their lives to secure the blessings of liberty for all Americans. The harrowing images of that day – the unspeakable violence perpetrated against those who marched – summoned us to live up to our founding principles. Their actions commanded change, and today we live in a better America because they fought and died to make it so. Guided by their determination, inspired by their courage, and moved by their call for justice, let us honor their sacrifice by rededicating ourselves to the cause of freedom and equal opportunity for every American.”
Thanks Leader Boehner for at least acknowledging that something important is happening this weekend. But your absence and the absence of all your party leaders, speak volume!
Then there’s this just now: Republican Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-California, will be attending events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the civil rights march in Selma, according to CBS News’ Alicia Amling. CBS News had reported earlier Friday that House GOP leadership would not be represented at Selma.
And I’ll be that NOBODY in his lilly white rich section of West Chester, Ohio gives a rat’s ass either. (But they have an IKEA..)