Whereas since the morning by thousands of people gathered outside the entrance to the bridge Edmund PITTUS where the fighting took place, accompanied by his wife and two daughters, surrounded by a hundred congressmen and personalities, including former president George W. Bush and his wife, the President paid tribute to the 1,965 walkers for his nonviolent action "had opened not only for African Americans, but all Americans." Thanks to them "fairer more inclusive society more generous, triumphed."
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| In Selma, Obama celebrates the struggle for rights and freedoms beyond the black cause |
Selma to Maidan
"There are few places and times in the United States, who has played the fate of the nation, Selma is one of those places," he began, suggesting the younger generation to be a model of citizenship and patriotism. Selma, who, according to him, was a step "on a long road to freedom" could even be an example for all people looking for a change, "Tunisia Maidan in Ukraine." "The non-violent change [...] can cause leaders to extend the frontiers of freedom," said Obama, referring to the Voting Rights Act (the law that has definitely opened the vote to the black population) approved in August 1965, following protests.
Referring rights-won, the US president was outraged that the states are now trying to make voting "more difficult" for minorities, an allusion to some Republican officials accused by Democrats to introduce additional restrictions on their states. It also regretted that given this particular story, the United States remains a democracy where citizens participate less in elections.
Racial tensions are not "endemic"
Apparently not want to limit the commemoration of the Selma to the issue of discrimination against African Americans, Obama also referred repeatedly to the rights "of women, homosexuals (le) so immigrants," pointing to all these questions "progress" which in recent decades have helped make "better America", although there is still work to do.
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| Racial tensions are not "endemic" |
But the racial question remains pregnant and the first black president of the United States has recognized that "racism has not disappeared." Rejecting the idea that "the racial divide was inherent to America", however you enjoyed this anniversary to discuss tensions in recent months have shaken the country, after the death of many African Americans murdered white cops. A few hours before the president's speech, the death of a young Black died in the state of Wisconsin by a police officer has provoked demonstrations of dozens of people. While a survey in Ferguson (Missouri) city became a symbol of these tensions has confirmed racism on the part of the authorities towards African Americans, Obama said: "This happened Ferguson is perhaps not unique but is a situation endemic
President discreet about their origins
Before Selma, Obama did was rarely expressed on this subject. Recently, said in a meeting with active militants in the 60s on the voting rights of blacks that his presidency was his "legacy".
In July 2013, after the acquittal of white vigilante responsible for the death of Trayvon Martin an American of 17 African States, the president has acknowledged that despite progress, America had not become a post-racial society and admitted "racial disparities in law enforcement." "Trayvon Martin could have been my son. Or me there 35 years," he also said in this drama. But his great speech on race in March 2008 in Philadelphia, where, during his election campaign he had at length about their origins, "his white grandmother" who raised but "could make racist" and deplored the persistent discrimination against black population. This relatively discreet about their origins did not prevent his popularity ratings remain at 80% among African Americans.
KEYWORDS: Selma, Obama celebrates
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