FL Gov. Rick Scott Demands Jesse Jackson Apologize For Linking Zimmerman Trial To ’60s-era Selma, AL
In an appearance in Tallahassee this week, Rev. Jesse Jackson ignited controversy when he said that the outcome in the trail of George Zimmerman for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin was a threat to African-American civil rights on a scale unseen since the federal government forcibly integrated public universities in Selma, Alabama, in the 1960s. On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott demanded that Jackson apologize for his “divisive” comments.
Jackson spent Tuesday night in the Sunshine State’s capitol demanding the governor call a special session of the legislature to amend the state’s laws relating to self-defense. Jackson called Florida the “Selma of our time,” and linked the acquittal of Zimmerman to an infamous episode in which Alabama Gov. George Wallace stood in the doorway of the University of Alabama to prevent racial integration.
“It is unfortunate that he would come to Florida to insult Floridians and divide our state at a time when we are striving for unity and healing,” Scott said of Jackson. Calling the reverend’s comments “divisive” and “reckless,” Scott insisted that Jackson issue an apology.
Jackson left Florida on Wednesday and has not yet responded to calls for comment.
h/t POLITICO
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