bloody sunday Archives

Larry Wilmore Slams Republican Leadership for Avoiding Selma

“Even noted impressionist painter George W. Bush and his wife and muse Laura were there,” said Larry Wilmore, the Emmy Award-winning producer, actor, comedian, writer and host. “That’s what made this so special.”

He continued; “Mitch McConnell and John, look—I get you don’t support Obama, but you could’ve at least showed up to support John Lewis. Your party stood with him in 1965, so shame on you for not supporting him in 2015,” he said.

Of the hundreds of Republicans in Congress, only one Republican Congressional leader attended the 50th anniversary to acknowledge one of the most important event in this nation’s history – ‘Bloody Sunday’ in Selma Alabama, where protesters were beaten because they demanded equal voting rights. Bloody Sunday led to the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Boehner Couldn’t Make It To Selma, But He Released This 4 Sentence Statement

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!