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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsOriginal Selma Organizer Refused To Join March Alongside George W. Bush
A civil rights leader who helped organize the 1965 "Bloody Sunday" procession in Selma, Alabama, refused to participate in a 50th-anniversary commemoration march this weekend because former President George W. Bush was involved, she said in an interview Saturday.
I refused to march because George Bush marched," Diane Nash, a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, told "NewsOne Now" host Roland Martin. I think the Selma movement was about nonviolence and peace and democracy, and George Bush stands for just the opposite for violence and war and stolen elections."
Nash said that Bush's legacy was at odds with that of the Selma movement, saying that the commemoration "should have been a celebration of nonviolence.
The former President's attendance was "an insult to me and people who really do believe in nonviolence," she added.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/diane-nash-selma-george-w-bush
blm
(112,919 posts)He knew exactly what he was doing.
DonViejo
(60,536 posts)I do think he did what he was told and then told why.
DhhD
(4,695 posts)still had a Western culture west of Dallas and a culture of hate to the East. What is in the middle? Business and banking interest.
ND-Dem
(4,571 posts)Diane Judith Nash (born May 15, 1938) was a leader and strategist of the student wing of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. A historian described her as: bright, focused, utterly fearless, with an unerring instinct for the correct tactical move at each increment of the crisis; as a leader, her instincts had been flawless, and she was the kind of person who pushed those around her to be at their bestthat, or be gone from the movement.[1]
Nashs campaigns were among the most successful of the era. Her efforts included the first successful civil rights campaign to de-segregate lunch counters (Nashville);[2] the Freedom riders, who de-segregated interstate travel;[3] founding the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC); and the Selma Voting Rights Movement campaign, which resulted in African Americans getting the vote and political power throughout the South.[4]
Early life
Once upon a time, Nash was born and raised in Chicago. Born to Leon Nash and Dorothy Bolton Nash, her father served in World War II. Her mother, Dorothy, worked as a keypunch operator during the war, leaving Nash in the care of her grandmother, Carrie Bolton. Bolton was a cultured woman, known for her refinement and manners.[4]
After the war the marriage broke up, and Dorothy went on to marry John Baker, a Pullman waiter. Being a Pullman waiter meant Baker belonged to one of the most powerful black unions in the nation. Dianes mother no longer had to work, although Carrie Bolton remained an influence in Nashs life.[4]
Nash first went to Howard University in Washington, D.C., then transferred south to Fisk University, a small predominantly African-American college similar to Howard, in Nashville, TN.[4] Although Nash had experienced discrimination in Chicago,[4] she was shocked by her first experience with widespread segregation. She attended many workshops at Fisk University with John Lewis.[6] A turning point for Nash came during a visit to the State Fair, when she saw bathrooms marked White or Colored. Nash couldnt believe it, coming from a desegregated city in the north; she was determined to see a change.[2] Looking back at this important time in her life, Nash said to Fred Powledge in an interview: My stepfather was a waiter on the railroads and he had to make trips to the South. He would tell about the segregated facilities down there. I believed him and listened to the stories, but I think it was an intellectual understanding. But when I actually got down there and saw signs, it really hit me that I wasnt, quote-un-quote, supposed to go into this restroom or use a particular facility, then I understood it emotionally as well.[7] Joining with other students in the Nashville area, she began to organize protests to fight the unacceptable racism. Around the same time, she started attending Gandhian nonviolence workshops, and after her initial skepticism, discovered that the idea of passive resistance was well-matched with her strong religious upbringing.[8]
Nashville action
After experiencing such shocking discriminatory events, Nash decided to search for a way to challenge segregation, Nash began attending non-violent civil disobedience workshops led by Rev. James Lawson.[2] James Lawson had studied Mahatma Gandhis techniques of nonviolent direct action and passive resistance while studying in India.[9] By the end of her first semester at Fisk, she had become one of Lawsons most devoted disciples. Although originally a reluctant participant in non-violence, Nash emerged as a leader due to her well-spoken, composed manner when speaking to the authorities and to the press. In 1960 at age 22, she became the leader of the Nashville sit-ins, which lasted from February to May. Unlike previous movements which were guided by older adults, this movement was led and composed primarily of students and young people.[4]
https://pennylibertygbow.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/diane-judith-nash-civil-rights-movement/
Euphoria
(448 posts)Her comments are exactly what IMHO needed to be said. She is amazed of the commemorating of that day. But also very cognizant of how people, like Bush, use it to sugar-coat their crimes and change the narrative. This (Selma and hundreds and thousands of other demonstrations) was a movement of non-violence to eliminate oppression (the oppression of violence).
I hated that he was there. I hate that he walked around pretending that he was in agreement.
I am trying to see that perhaps he was there as a reminder of all that is counter/opposite to non-violence, that is of true peace and real, real courage.
calimary
(80,693 posts)There's backbone for ya! Even taking a risk of not joining a very worthy public action. I agree with her. It was tainted by that war criminal's presence. I wish he'd stayed away. It's his policies, his negligence, and all his little pals from from his side of the aisle - that makes demonstrations like the Edmund Pettus Bridge event necessary.
I too hate that he was there. AND that he walked around pretending he was in agreement. His presence was a blight on an otherwise beautiful and noble event. I tried to ignore that he was there.
bigbrother05
(5,995 posts)former9thward
(31,801 posts)He was invited by the march organizers who know what the big picture is. If he had not come he would have been blasted by the same people now criticizing him for being there. I know people like to have things both ways but hard to do in real life.
jobycom
(49,038 posts)The march symbolizes human rights and changing the world through non-violent action. The event should be a reminder that Bush is a horrific human being and a worse national leader, whether he is there or not. Neither his presence nor absence deserves praise, and I have nothing but admiration for those taking either situation to remind the world that Selma means everything the opposite of what Bush is and did.
adieu
(1,009 posts)We could invite him to attend there, then he can get arrested for international war crimes and we'll all be happy he's gone.
former9thward
(31,801 posts)Please be specific -- if you can.
Major Nikon
(36,814 posts)former9thward
(31,801 posts)And certainly none in your link. No one is going to arrest a president of the U.S. No one. People like to fantasize about it, and that's cool, but it is not the real world.
Major Nikon
(36,814 posts)You really think it's because of the reason he gave?
Bush has to first set foot in the country, then he can be investigated, arrested, and charged. I'm sure that there's several countries which are well prepared for that event.
former9thward
(31,801 posts)Silence. You really think Switzerland was going to do that? lol I don't know why he canceled but I accept the reason given until someone has actual evidence it is not true.
Major Nikon
(36,814 posts)CCR has two pending criminal complaints against Bush which under Swiss law can't be acted on until Bush sets foot in Switzerland.
http://ccrjustice.org/files/FINAL%207%20Feb%20BUSH%20INDICTMENT.pdf
former9thward
(31,801 posts)CCR is no more a organization that can issue warrants than you or I. Anyone can proclaim they want someone arrested. I want Putin arrested. You think if Putin comes to the U.S. he will be arrested? How come Switzerland or any other fantasy country does not ask for extradition?
Major Nikon
(36,814 posts)I'm not going to entertain this strawman idiocy.
bullwinkle428
(20,626 posts)Elmer S. E. Dump
(5,751 posts)if he wasn't there. He shouldn't have been there. It makes a mockery of the whole thing. The bastid should be in prison or 6 feet under.
mountain grammy
(26,568 posts)unlike the many Republican leaders who were invited and didn't accept.
While I can't argue with anyone who wouldn't march with Bush, I just feel like the whole event was above it all. I believe in my heart, Martin Luther King would have marched with whomever showed up, and I wish with all my being he was still alive for this.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)All living former presidents were invited.
madokie
(51,076 posts)I can't recall one instance about Clinton or Carter in the negative. In fact I couldn't find one instance in a search just now of a mention of either
former9thward
(31,801 posts)And I don't know what Clinton's reason was. Republicans were criticized for not being there. Your search should have found that out. Do you really think Bush should have rejected the invitation?
madokie
(51,076 posts)should be in lock up somewhere right now. As far as Selma is concerned I think it done no one any good for him to show his evil face there.
former9thward
(31,801 posts)They see the big picture and I am with them. People who want to turn everything into something hyper-partisan will fail.
madokie
(51,076 posts)maybe to stone but nothing else. Got anything for me there? The little diddy about how previous presidents don't participate unless invited doesn't carry much weight with me either.
former9thward
(31,801 posts)As of Thursday, George W. Bush is the only living former American president to travel to Selma this weekend for the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery march anniversary. All living former presidents have been invited to participate in Saturday's activities.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/selma50/2015/03/05/george-bush-former-president-confirmed-join-obama-selma-saturday/24438567/
I suppose you will have some complaint about that story. Maybe they made it up...
Nevernose
(13,081 posts)That both Carter and Clinton had the good sense to know that the day wasn't about them and didn't feel the need to take the spotlight away. Obama should not only have been there (as the sitting president), but deserved to be there. In fact, Obama wouldn't have been in the White House if those six hundred people hadn't been on that bridge fifty years ago.
Bush was there for his brother' selection campaign; he could have declined the invitation.
Of course, in a perfect world, Bush would have spent the weekend checking himself in for a nice, long stay in the Hotel Guantanano.
madokie
(51,076 posts)Elected to the Presidency by a good margin twice too. Yes it was right for Obama to be there on more than just being the sitting President. He is the guy who spend 3/4ths of his 8 years in the oval office trying to get the 'CONs to the table to even talk. Trying to break the stalemate. They wouldn't even do that. I'm happy to see the President change his tone towards them now. I look forward to seeing him spend the rest of his time in the oval office kicking 'CON asses up one side of the country and down the other one.
*'CONs= republicon assholes in case you didn't know my meaning
Hekate
(90,189 posts)She's right: Bush had no right to be there at all.
zentrum
(9,865 posts)Bush is a murdering war criminal and cares about civil rights about as much a flea does.
Such images allow the Republicans to claim support of civil rights when in fact they do everything they can to gut them.
I find it horrifying that Bush, the idiot bathroom painter, was there.
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)Martin Luther King.
Dems to Win
(2,161 posts)Bush marching in Selma can be a powerful message to HIS supporters. Maybe one or two could see that Bush is willing to publicly support civil rights, so maybe they need to rethink their racism.
Bush would not have been there without Obama's invitation or at least his OK. Past presidents don't show up at events held by the current president unless they are invited. I respect President Obama for wanting the event to show the entire country united in this important commemoration.
I despise Bush, yet I'm kinda glad he showed up in Selma.
mountain grammy
(26,568 posts)I keep thinking, what would Dr. King do?
madokie
(51,076 posts)fuck bush
Theres a good picture of FLOTUS giving him the stink eye that is an awesome photo if ever there is one. I wish I'd saved it but didn't, maybe someone will post it again for me.
BrotherIvan
(9,126 posts)And a bonus for laughs
840high
(17,196 posts)radicalliberal
(907 posts). . . behind closed doors when reporters aren't around.
As President, Bush appointed two of the Supreme Court Justices who eviscerated the Voting Rights Act. Was he supporting civil rights by appointing those two? No, he hammered the final nail into the coffin, so to speak. ALL of the Republican Justices voted to eviscerate this vital act. (That race traitor Clarence Thomas would have ruled against the Voting Rights Act in its entirety. He said so himself.) I'm sure Bush knew he was just making an insincere, empty gesture that did not fool any of his anti-civil rights supporters. I certainly wasn't happy to see him there. He should have stayed in Texas. His appearance was nothing but a display of hypocrisy and deceit.
deutsey
(20,166 posts)I'm unable to see what video is in the OP (security filters), so please forgive if this is a duplicate. I assumed the OP video is the one at the Talking Points Memo link.
Response to DonViejo (Original post)
Name removed Message auto-removed
Duval
(4,280 posts)right to her opinion. I applaud her for standing up for what she believes. Bush was there, but many Republicans refused to attend. IMHO, he is a hypocrite.
GummyBearz
(2,931 posts)But he did accept an invitation to show up for something that he easily could have passed up for a cow tipping event or whatever Texans do. Hell, he supported one good thing in the last decade... I won't forget about all the other crap he supported/caused, but I wont join in on bashing him over this
Just my opinion
blm
(112,919 posts)as if he had no part in it.
Photo ops like this are for revising history, not respecting it or preserving it.
Raster
(20,996 posts)I think the Selma movement was about nonviolence and peace and democracy, and George Bush stands for just the opposite for violence and war and stolen elections."
Tell it, Sister. Tell it!
The former President's attendance was "an insult to me and people who really do believe in nonviolence," she added.
geomon666
(7,512 posts)We're marching against evil, not with it.
Dont call me Shirley
(10,998 posts)Cha
(295,899 posts)Mahalo Don
NYC Liberal
(20,132 posts)This was at the unveiling of a portrait of MLK at the White House in 2002.
Skip to 1:30, where Bush thanks Coretta Scott King for the portrait and says I cant wait to hang it with a pause and a smirk as the audience laughs.
ND-Dem
(4,571 posts)Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)Lint Head
(15,064 posts)can go to hell. He is single handedly responsible for destroying our rights along with frigging murder.
roody
(10,849 posts)Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)panader0
(25,816 posts)Kwame Touré, once known as Stokely Carmichael (June 29, 1941 November 15, 1998), was a Trinidadian-American activist active in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, and later, the global Pan-African movement. Growing up in the United States from the age of eleven, he graduated from Howard University. He rose to prominence in the civil rights and Black Power movements, first as a leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), later as the "Honorary Prime Minister" of the Black Panther Party, and finally as a leader of the All-African Peoples Revolutionary Party.[1