Republican Gov. Rick Scott wants the Rev. Jesse Jackson to apologize for calling Florida “the Selma of our time.”
Jackson made the comments Tuesday while visiting the state’s Capitol with the protest group Dream Defenders, the Miami Herald reported.
“’Stand your ground’ laws must end,” Mr. Jackson told reporters. “The manipulation of African-Americans here is disgraceful.”
“We’ve seen Southern governors before change their minds,” he added. “Wallace said we couldn’t go to the University of Alabama. He had to change his mind.”
Alabama Gov. George Wallace, a Democrat, is greatly known for his notorious “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door,” when he physically blocked black students Vivian Malone and James Hood as they attempted to attend classes at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
“Jesse Jackson owes every Floridian an apology for his reckless and divisive comments,” Gov. Scott said in a statement Wednesday. “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. Floridians are a strong, resilient people. We are fortunate to live in a great state where all Floridians enjoy opportunities to get a great job and world-class education.”
SEE ALSO: Jesse Jackson blasts Florida as ‘apartheid state’
But Mr. Scott isn’t the only one offended by the Reverend’s comments.
Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford tweeted Tuesday night: “Rev. Jackson’s latest comments about @FLGovScott went too far. I am embarrassed for him and his irresponsible statement.”
The comment was retweeted by Lenny Curry, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, the Miami Herald reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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