Senator Tim Scott Turned Down Invitation to 50th Anniversary of MLK Speech

[Tx4obama]

Senator Tim Scott Turned Down Invitation to 50th Anniversary of MLK Speech

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As it turns out, though, Scott wasn’t snubbed. Roll Call reports today:

The Senate’s only black lawmaker wasn’t invited to speak at Wednesday’s 50th anniversary March on Washington, because Tim Scott’s office declined an invitation to attend the ceremony as a spectator, according to a source connected to the event.

“Much of the speaking program was created based on those who were able to confirm availability to attend the event, and thus were able to speak at the event,” the source explained.

And based on an email exchange obtained by CQ Roll Call, the South Carolina Republican did receive an invitation to attend the festivities commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s delivery of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

The invitation, sent Aug. 8 from the Coalition for the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, appears to have been a form letter to all members of Congress, with invitees listed as “Representative” rather than by name.

Within a day, Rachel Shelbourne, a staff assistant to Scott, had replied to the email with the following message:

“Thank you for extending to Senator Tim Scott the invitation to the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington on August 28th. Unfortunately, the Senator will be in South Carolina during this time, so he will be unable to attend the event. Please do, however, keep him in mind for future events you may be hosting."

http://www.mediaite.com/online/senator-tim-scott-turned-down-invitation-to-50th-anniversary-of-mlk-speech/

[moondust]

2. Michael Steele was on Hardball today.

Defensively maintaining that the only current black member of the United States Senate was not invited to speak (because he's a Republican).

Maybe somebody should send this Roll Call clarification to him and Chris Matthews.

[Tx4obama]

3. And James Carville too...

... when he was on O'Reily's show he wasn't able to state the facts either.

DU OP with video here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017142007

[moondust]

4. In Steele's defense,

he was generally disappointed/disgusted by the absence of Republicans at the event.