If you watch or read the news you probably heard that Senator Elizabeth Warren was silenced on the senate floor last night when she simply tried to read a letter written by Coretta Scott King, civil rights activist from the 1960’s, and widow of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Senator Warren was not yelling, she was not being rude, she wasn’t saying any “bad” words, she simply tried to read this 1986 letter written by Coretta Scott King expressing why she did NOT support the appointing of Jeff Sessions then.
Here is text of the letter:
“Dear Senator Thurmond:
I write to express my sincere opposition to the confirmation of Jefferson B. Sessions as a federal district court judge for the Southern District of Alabama. My professional and personal roots in Alabama are deep and lasting.
Anyone who has used the power of his office as United States Attorney to intimidate and chill the free exercise of the ballot by citizens should not be elevated to our courts.
Mr. Sessions has used the awesome powers of his office in a shabby attempt to intimidate and frighten elderly black voters.
For this reprehensible conduct, he should not be rewarded with a federal judgeship.
I regret that a long-standing commitment prevents me from appearing in person to testify against this nominee. However, I have attached a copy of my statement opposing Mr. Sessions’ confirmation and I request that my statement as well as this letter ‘be made a part of the’ hearing record.
I do sincerely urge you to oppose the confirmation of Mr. Sessions.
Sincerely,
Coretta Scott King”
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell decided this 1986 letter violated a Senate rule against impugning other senators. I’m sorry. What? You can’t argue against a senator up for the job of Attorney General because he is a senator? That sounds like a poor reason to shut someone up. You can watch the exchange and the final reading of the letter by Bernie Sanders here: http://www.salon.com/2017/02/08/nevertheless-she-persisted-democrats-rally-behind-elizabeth-warren-after-gop-silencing/
Women are all too familiar with these silencing techniques from men. It wont stop us, just like it never stopped Coretta.
It’s Black History Month, let’s highlight Coretta and her words and raise our voices over the greedy and the racist who are still trying to silence her in 2017.
This sketch, based on a photo, is in my redbubble shop on shirts, mugs, posters and more. http://www.redbubble.com/people/surlyamy/works/25201808-nevertheless-she-persisted
Any profits I make off the design will be donated to the NAACP.
This was originally posted on my Patreon. If you like the work I do please support me there.
