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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBarack Obama Beautifully Remembers Rep. John Lewis
BY JASON EASLEY at Politicus USA
Barack Obama Beautifully Remembers Rep. John Lewis
https://www.politicususa.com/2020/07/18/john-lewis-obama.html
(I put up the whole thing)
"SNIP......
Former President Barack Obama remembered the late Rep. John Lewis and perfectly summed up the enormous impact that Lewis had on the United States.
In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, Obama said:
America is a constant work in progress. What gives each new generation purpose is to take up the unfinished work of the last and carry it further to speak out for whats right, to challenge an unjust status quo, and to imagine a better world.
John Lewis one of the original Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the youngest speaker at the March on Washington, leader of the march from Selma to Montgomery, Member of Congress representing the people of Georgia for 33 years not only assumed that responsibility, he made it his lifes work. He loved this country so much that he risked his life and his blood so that it might live up to its promise. And through the decades, he not only gave all of himself to the cause of freedom and justice, but inspired generations that followed to try to live up to his example.
Considering his enormous impact on the history of this country, what always struck those who met John was his gentleness and humility. Born into modest means in the heart of the Jim Crow South, he understood that he was just one of a long line of heroes in the struggle for racial justice. Early on, he embraced the principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as the means to bring about real change in this country, understanding that such tactics had the power not only to change laws, but to change hearts and minds as well.
In so many ways, Johns life was exceptional. But he never believed that what he did was more than any citizen of this country might do. He believed that in all of us, there exists the capacity for great courage, a longing to do whats right, a willingness to love all people, and to extend to them their God-given rights to dignity and respect. And its because he saw the best in all of us that he will continue, even in his passing, to serve as a beacon in that long journey towards a more perfect union.
I first met John when I was in law school, and I told him then that he was one of my heroes. Years later, when I was elected a U.S. Senator, I told him that I stood on his shoulders. When I was elected President of the United States, I hugged him on the inauguration stand before I was sworn in and told him I was only there because of the sacrifices he made. And through all those years, he never stopped providing wisdom and encouragement to me and Michelle and our family. We will miss him dearly.
Its fitting that the last time John and I shared a public forum was at a virtual town hall with a gathering of young activists who were helping to lead this summers demonstrations in the wake of George Floyds death. Afterwards, I spoke to him privately, and he could not have been prouder of their efforts of a new generation standing up for freedom and equality, a new generation intent on voting and protecting the right to vote, a new generation running for political office. I told him that all those young people of every race, from every background and gender and sexual orientation they were his children. They had learned from his example, even if they didnt know it. They had understood through him what American citizenship requires, even if they had heard of his courage only through history books.
Not many of us get to live to see our own legacy play out in such a meaningful, remarkable way. John Lewis did. And thanks to him, we now all have our marching orders to keep believing in the possibility of remaking this country we love until it lives up to its full promise.
Every American owes a debt to John Lewis. Every person who takes to the streets to fight for justice and equality follows in the footsteps of Rep. Lewis. America has lost many giants over the last few years, but even among those who left their mark on the nation, John Lewis stands alone.
....SNIP"
LakeArenal
(28,817 posts)ProfessorGAC
(64,995 posts)Because, of course...
Cha
(297,142 posts)Mahalo, apple.
Beautifully said
July
(4,750 posts)Donald Trump, a pygmy.
stillcool
(32,626 posts)malaise
(268,930 posts)Thank you