Yesterday, on the Senate floor, Mitch McConnell stopped Elizabeth Warren from reading a letter written by Coretta Scott King, the widow of Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1986 concerning Jeff Sessions, the man nominated by Donald Trump for the office of United States Attorney General. From 1981 to 1993, Sessions was an assistant state's attorney in Alabama. He failed to get confirmed as a federal judge in 1986 because of his consistent racist remarks, and unjust prosecution of blacks for voter fraud. The 1985 prosecution of three black men for tampering with fourteen ballots is one such case; all the defendants were acquitted. Coretta Scott King's letter outlined the problems Jeff Sessions has with minority races, and opposed his appointment to an office where equality and fairness are required. Her words are just as relevant today as they were in 1986. The only reasons Mitch McConnell would not want to hear them are a lack of interest in American citizens, and racism.
Here is Mrs. King's letter, that Mitch McConnell did not want read:
"I write to express my sincere opposition to the confirmation of Jefferson B. Sessions as a federal district court judge for the Southern District of Alabama. My professional and personal roots in Alabama are deep and lasting. Anyone who has used the power of his office as United States Attorney to intimidate and chill the free exercise of the ballot by citizens should not be elevated to our courts. Mr. Sessions has used the awesome powers of his office in a shabby attempt to intimidate and frighten elderly black voters. For this reprehensible conduct, he should not be rewarded with a federal judgeship.
I regret that a long-standing commitment prevents me from appearing in person to testify against this nominee. However, I have attached a copy of my statement opposing Mr. Sessions’ confirmation and I request that my statement as well as this be made a part of the hearing record.
I do sincerely urge you to oppose the confirmation of Mr. Sessions."
Here is Mrs. King's letter, that Mitch McConnell did not want read:
"I write to express my sincere opposition to the confirmation of Jefferson B. Sessions as a federal district court judge for the Southern District of Alabama. My professional and personal roots in Alabama are deep and lasting. Anyone who has used the power of his office as United States Attorney to intimidate and chill the free exercise of the ballot by citizens should not be elevated to our courts. Mr. Sessions has used the awesome powers of his office in a shabby attempt to intimidate and frighten elderly black voters. For this reprehensible conduct, he should not be rewarded with a federal judgeship.
I regret that a long-standing commitment prevents me from appearing in person to testify against this nominee. However, I have attached a copy of my statement opposing Mr. Sessions’ confirmation and I request that my statement as well as this be made a part of the hearing record.
I do sincerely urge you to oppose the confirmation of Mr. Sessions."
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