WH: Statement by President Obama on the Passing of Civil Rights Leader Fred Shuttlesworth

[Tx4obama]

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 05, 2011
Statement by the President on the Passing of Civil Rights Leader Fred Shuttlesworth

Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth today. As one of the founders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Reverend Shuttlesworth dedicated his life to advancing the cause of justice for all Americans. He was a testament to the strength of the human spirit. And today we stand on his shoulders, and the shoulders of all those who marched and sat and lifted their voices to help perfect our union.

I will never forget having the opportunity several years ago to push Reverend Shuttlesworth in his wheelchair across the Edmund Pettus Bridge – a symbol of the sacrifices that he and so many others made in the name of equality. America owes Reverend Shuttlesworth a debt of gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sephira, and their family, friends and loved ones.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/10/05/statement-president-passing-civil-rights-leader-fred-shuttlesworth

[Supersedeas]

1. We will never forget, we will always gratefully remember

[Overseas]

2. K&R.

[Tarheel_Dem]

3. K & R

:kick:

[Hutzpa]

4. I know this is not the place for that but

Herman Cain needs to show some form of gratification to scholars such as this
great man.

Listening to him last night being interviewed by LO trying to disrespect the
civil rights movements makes me wanna jump through the screen and smack him
behind his ignorant head.

[ruggerson]

5. Part of Obama's statement is completely untrue

Unlike many other civil rights leaders of his era. Shuttlesworth decided to voluntarily come out publicly in opposition to marriage equality. Injecting his prejudiced views into a fractious public debate over gay rights gave unfortunate cover and comfort to anti-gay bigots.

“...I personally strongly oppose same sex marriages,” continued Shuttlesworth, “I recognize that the SCLC is not just a civil rights organization, or human rights organization. We are also a church-based organization!"

http://blackcincinnati.blogspot.com/2004/08/sclcs-rev-fred-shuttlesworth-opposes.html

Shuttlesworth did good things and bad things in his life, but Obama's statement that
"Reverend Shuttlesworth dedicated his life to advancing the cause of justice for all Americans." is clearly untrue.