John Lewis stands his ground


John_Lewis_facing_police_in_Selma

(Spider Martin/Courtesy Steven Kasher Gallery, New York)

In this photo from Sunday, March 7, 1965, the young man in the trenchcoat on the right is leading a group of 600 people, marching two by two. He is unarmed, having nothing but his faith and the heart of a lion, plus an apple and a Bible in his knapsack. A few moments later he is nearly beaten to death by the gentlemen on the left. He experienced something similar four years earlier during the Freedom Rides. Contrary to the current president-elect, this is not a picture of someone who is “all talk,” but a picture of immense courage.

Imagine facing that armed phalanx and standing your ground while feeling responsible for those behind you. After suffering severe head trauma, he refused to go to the hospital until he had checked on his brutalized comrades. This is young John Lewis, fighting for the right to vote. Anyone who refuses to respect such a hero is beneath contempt. Mr. Trump, you are not legitimate for the reason given by the gentleman from Georgia, and you will not be my president. Thank you, Congressman Lewis.

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