Lawrence: Historic ousting of Black TN Dems demands nation's full attention
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- Опубликовано: 5 апр 2023
- The Tennessee Republican legislature has a lot to be ashamed for, including expelling Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, two Black members of the Tennessee House of Representatives. MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell explains why the people being attacked are winning even when it looks like they are losing.
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#MSNBC #Tennessee #Republicans
My daughter is 14. Between school shootings, Roe V Wade, and anti-[fill in the blank] legislation... the conservatives have made a lifelong Liberal out of her, far more than anything my wife and I could possibly have said. There is a whole generation rising with her.
Sigh, MAGAs are raising kids. A generation of people not allowed to grow mentally.
🎯🎯🎯🎯💯
Liberal means being open to the opinions of others.
@@chuckemeade - The "liberals' stopped being liberal a long time ago!!!
@@chuckemeade Opinions are personally held beliefs, they are not to be legislated into law for others.
I am a 67 year old Tennessean. I retired with 32 years service in TN government. I am so ashamed of what these maga grunts are doing to our state and our people.
I am a fifth generation Floridian and former Republican, who was also a member of the first wave of feminists fighting for equality and what the MAGA GOP have done to my state and country is sickening and appalling. There is no depth of depravity that their greed will not drive them.
@@czgator9000 come to California, we have all you could ask for here. Piles of diarrhea outside restaurant doors, used drug needles in all the parks, thousands and thousands of homeless. It a true utopia. Leave that horrible florida, come move to Oakland that truly looks like the worst third world country you can imagine. Police dont even respond to stores being robbed in Oakland, its great. You can steal up to 900 dollars worth of goods and it is not a crime in San fransisco. Please leave Florida, we have really high home prices too, oh, and no power often, especially when it is super hot out.
@@czgator9000 I fear all red states (here in Tx) will do this as desantis has already talked of doing this.
@@ld3511 can't afford NY
get involved, tell anybody you know to stop voting for these Nazis!
I’m from the south (Louisiana) when I was listening to the republican talk. All I could hear him say was “Sit down and shut up boy, we decide how you behave, and We decided you and your friends are a problem. Also more guns”
I visited TN with a teacher group on a Civil Rights Tour. Alabama and Tennessee. It's heartbreaking that the modern Bull Connors feel comfortable talking to black men like that.
“Sit down and shut up boy, we decide how you behave, and We decided you and your friends are a problem.”
Just how the Biden non colored house and media are.
So quit the whining.
They picked on the right ones at the right time. And this time history won’t be so kind to white supremacy. Not anymore. You decided to wake up the sleeping giant of the young people movement.
Yes, that was about it.
YEP! THAT’S WHAT I HEARD.
YAMMER, YAMMER, SIT DOWN! YAMMER SHUT IT! YAMMER WE KNOW BEST YAMMER WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOU YAMMER.
YAMMER OVER.
We are living in the middle of history...well stated, Lawrence. The South is still marred in confederation.
The biblebelt nourishes willful ignorance.
Fake Christians! I have zero respect for the south.
The confederacy lasted 5 years. It was never a sovereign government. Tennessee is caught in racial supremacy of white men upon its masses of Black citizens.
@@suezbell1 America nourishes ignorance! What a garbage country!
Notice *the excuse for leaving Gorge Santos in the House of Representatives is it would disenfranchise the people who elected him-* apparently disenfranchising voters in Tennessee, doesn’t present such a problem for the Republican Party.
This statement should be displayed throughout the country.
Republikkkans: party of hypocrites, racists, misogynists
Perfect comparison Neal.
The accusation is always a confession
The only thing republicans stand for is hypocrisy.
Those two black representatives won the day and won an honorable place in history.
There was a white female also kicked out . She’s a strong person too.
No they didn't. Do it to trump and this happens
Stay proud white boys
Again, know the facts She was the only one that didn’t get kicked off. And she is not strong if she allowed this and didn’t say anything.
@@michellemedrano-garcia9927 white power
WOW. Justin J. Pearson. Remember that name. I bet that we will see him elected to much bigger and better things. He spoke so well. Very impressive.
Holy crap! Justin Pearson is a force of nature. That was amazing.
A real distress happening in TN. Expelling elected officials for addressing critical concerns of their constituents. Ridiculous.
The WORLD watched. My stomach churned, my heart broke, I was stunned and angered and scared.
Thank you for setting context, Lawrence. This is the history the book banners are preventing youth from learning.
It’s better than little kids being groomed by twisted individuals on the left.
EXACTLY
Exactly
Well said
The guns&bibles crowd is also the willfully ignorant crowd.
Don’t understand how George Santos is still in office when these two aren’t.
Umm he's white what's there to understand
Santos didn't breach a congressional building with insurrectionists?
Are white folks that afraid of black people...generations are growing up and are entitled to have a voice... Listen, and a bull horn won't have to be brought in.
Santos is a republican in the Republican majority congress. These are the only three democrats in a supermajority Republican legislature. It’s despicable
Santos lack of integrity is what is needed to be a valued and protected Republican.
I’m so glad you chose to focus your attention on this very serious issue. You are right a sick feeling came over me when I saw this happening in Tennessee! Some people have such ugly hearts and don’t see racism as a curse! Not one person had anything to do with being born white, black, Asian etc. not a one of us should ever feel superior over another. Andrew Farmer and his lot ought to be ashamed of themselves they have such disgusting attitudes. Poor excuse for a human beings! That young African man spoke calmly and eloquently! Refreshing to see that he has values and is not afraid to stand up for what is right! He has a heart for humanity and I admire him. Of these men who challenge one gun over an other , I bet would feel very differently if they were facing an AR-15. The path we are heading down is scary!
Well said, Ms Lucy !! 💙👍💙
Justin Pearson is a stunning oratorical talent, I’m not surprised he’s been censured already. Regardless of whether or not he keeps his seat, he will be back.
I am a 63 year old white guy and if I lived in Tennessee I know who would get my vote. In a contest between the eloquent, passionate young black politician arguing that the issue of gun control should be taken seriously, versus the middle aged, smug, complacent and dismissive white politicians, the young black guy gets my vote every time. He is the sort of politician America really needs.
He is the face of the future, and most of those white politicians are the face of the past, thank God.
You can clearly tell who wants to rule and who wants to lead. Republicans have abandoned democracy.
Well said.
Ask yourself after 63 years how new gun laws or gun control is going to stop a bad guy from killing someone? I'll give you the answer right now, it's not!
Well said
I live in TN and am completely appalled at what happened to those two Dems. It feels like our voices are being silenced. What happened to freedom of speech? All over the US, our rights are being stripped away - freedom of speech, the right to make our own choices for our bodies, the rights of our LGBTQ . It's horrible. It's time for ALL 18 yr olds to stand up and vote to let those in politics see what REALLY matters, and it's time that a very large number of politicians loose their seats.
Yes! And yet the R. party says rights are being stripped by the D. gov't now
ABSOLUTELY!! 💙
Don't ever vote for another republican.
Amen, true words all.
I think those 2 reps have a lawsuit against the other members and they should act on it.
We are literally watching history repeat itself. Amazing the amount of people still willing to be on the wrong side of the same fight.
One of his best commentaries. For those of us old enough to remember the USA in the 1960s, a heartfelt thank you!
I'd like to quote the school kids chant while protesting at the Tennessee capitol: "You ban books, you ban drag, we still end up in body bags." This is what Republicans offer you. Are you going to take it or leave it?
Do democrat ran areas ever have people “end up in body bags?”
Dr Seuss books getting banned a R thing? Where has drag been banned?
I say do drag all u want.
But never in a school.
It should be optional.
Some will love it. Some will hate it.
@@duramaxdad My god... you are dense.
@@duramaxdad Dr. Seuss? Tell me who was the ones who stopped the publishing of some of Dr. Seuss's work. Who actually did it?
@@britishrocklovingyank3491 idk. It’s an open ended question. Got an answer?
@Duramax Dad Dr. Suess's family. No one asked them to. No laws were past. They just stopped publishing books you never heard of or read.
I am a white senior woman. I started to fight for Civil Rights when I was in high school, over 60 years ago. Then I worked for women's rights and the rights of everyone else. Things got gradually better, too slowly, but still there was improvement. The GOP has erased almost all of the progress we made over 60 years. We need to renew the Voting Rights Act, Civil Rights Act, pass the ERA, and ban assault rifles. These are not radical ideas. They are common sense measures to make people's lives better.
As someone else suggested, I'd love to see a nationwide walk-out. Every woman, every POC, every LGBTQ person, & everyone else who supports us, needs to stay home from work & not spend a cent until this cruel nonsense stops. Expelling duly elected legislators for fighting for children's lives? Inspectiing children's genitals? Banning books? Not providing health care for trans children? Calling for the death penalty for abortionists and trans people? While at the same time not caring one iota about the corruption of Clarence & Ginni Thomas & especially the former president? Not disturbed at all by the stupidity & racism of at least half of GOP legislators?
Pure evil in the disguise of Christianity.
I'm exhausted. But i will persist.
Do you think USA will ever remove portraits of slavers from US National currency?
What’s an assault rifle?
Do criminals follow bans?
Is murder illegal?
Gun free zones working?
Does Gov ever fix anything?
YOU SAID IT ALL!!!!!!! I Will PROTEST TOO!!!!!!! FOR BABIES WHO WON'T HAVE TO DIE!!!!!!!
@@duramaxdad Same old same old. By your standards....lets not do anything, Your ignorance is alarming. All you have to do is study the data from other democracies who have implements responsible gun laws DECADES ago. If you take the time, rather than posting utter nonsense here, you will discover NO SCHOOL SHOOTINGS in Canada, Scotland, England, Finland, Australia, Sweden, Italy, Ireland, France.....I could go on and on. These governments DID fix something.
Thanks carol.😊
It feels like our society has regressed so much in the last 6 years. When I was a kid in the 70s, we saw these civil rights newsreels played on TV frequently. I thought that was the past, that we were surely headed in the right direction. For decades it looked to be so, but we're basically back to the 60s again, with MAGA, with Roe v Wade. What have we all fought for?
Lawrence this is powerful 😢 thank you for talking about this. ❤
We are in need of a nationwide walk out. We as a nation need to to take this country back from the racist and corporate lead gop.
Walk out of your abuse of children and their genitals
Explain more about how this would work
Judging by the midterms,we are doing exactly that.We defeat this cult at the polls.Americans say NO to Maga
Not if these fiends keep getting voted back in!….. vote blue…. No matter who!
That is definitely something that the left extremists of the party would say!! You made my point! Thank you!
I've never seen Lawrence deliver such a touching speech! BRAVO!!!
Wow! Rep Justin Pearson’s passion! He’s incredible!
If you're in America, please share this with young people.
Lawrence gets it. He helps us understand how corruption has become widespread in Trump's post-presidency.
@@JackMeHof-cm4dshe needs help understanding…
Right. I'm so sick of what is happening in this country. FIGHT F45CISM
Notice how MSNBC folks insert the word 'black' into their headline, trying to invoke the specter of racism. But the ouster has nothing to do with the culprits being black. They participated in a protest which disrupted House proceedings.
@@doneestoner9945 FACISM : first they erase your rights.
Then they erase you. 😡
We've seen it, in Auschwitz.
The imbecile have full permission for all racist crazies to be "acceptable" ...all those alike have come out of the woodwork. But then again, the US has always has "that reputation"
Justin Pearson and Justin Jones were so very brave, smart and eloquent in what they had to say. I was very impressed with these two young, black representatives. These gentlemen have great futures ahead for them I believe. Stop trying to put black folks in what you think is their place Tennessee, you should be totally ashamed of yourselves. Reinstate these men now!
Well Easter is coming on Sunday today is Good Friday so on Monday all the voters that voted for them will have to have to preform a second coming for these to men so a common place resurrection occur.
From Pittsburgh Pennsylvania here in the house to stand with these very intelligent young men . I applaud them .
Those speeches will remain in my heart and in history, forever! Anna/farmer's wife/NC.
Not just black people, but women, people of ANY faith or political belief different from the MAGA craziness.
Your comment reminded me of something I heard more than once growing up in the south in the 1960's - basically - "I ain't got nothin' agin no n*ggers, so long as they keep to their place." Sadly, these people did not see themselves as racist.
OMG, this crystal clear, powerful analysis from Lawrence must be recognized as the most important broadcast of the year. I've never been brought to tears by a newscast before in my 60 years of life and at least 40 years of staying on top of the news. This broadcast should be required curriculum for every school in the country when covering not just civil rights but simple common decency and respect for our fellow citizens of all race color gender and creed.
Pulitzer Prize to you Lawrence, and Congressional medals of honor for the "Tennessee Three"!
America is watching. An opportunity for the people of Tennessee to show what kind of Americans they are.
The fact Tennessee Congress compared it to Jan. 6th and said it is worse than Jan.6 th is an insult on America's intelligence. They just made themselves look backwards, racist, out of touch, and not standing up for the people. I would like to see them on a debate stage and answering to a broader audience. Very sad for sure.
Tranuary 6th is a lot worse than January 6th
But I thought January 6th was a peaceful group of tourists who revere the Constitution?
@@paulcoy9060 led by 50 undercover government agent provocateurs. Who is Ray Epps?
It is just amazing to listen to a totally brainwashed liberal. You people remind me of the pods from Invasion of the Body Snatchers. People who hang on MSNBC's bigotry.
The Republican party (the party of Lincoln) fights for the security and welfare of the country and it's citizens. The Democrat party fights for the POWER of the party; country be damned. You're riots are fine, your taking over the house of reps. is just fine. What hypocrites.
@@paulcoy9060 You watched the WRONG VIEW OF THE REAL JAN 6th RESURRECTION...THE BRUTAL ATTACK ON OUR CAPITOLIO...INCITED BY REAL TRUMP SUPPORTERS!
every single reps in Tennessee that voted to expel the two members and not the white woman should be summoned to explain exactly why they did. Every single one of those who voted should be in front of a panel to explain their actions. This cannot happen!! This is so unacceptable and the people of Tennessee should stand up and do something
Fascism with racism…, it’s what this is!
They don't have tell us why. We all know why. They are simply cowards, and I never expect better of Republicans now.
Every single one needs to be ousted from public office.
They are gaslighting. It"s an attempt to sow racial division within the progressive movement.🤷♂
We already know why, it aint rocket science.
Biden should nationalize the Tn Guard to protect democracy.
Thank you for standing up and speaking not only "Your" truth but "Our" truth!
The light shines in the darkness!
How is this legal? They were voted in by the people!
Who replaces them? 😭
@@vaniatoledo4758 Their district appoints a replacement until a special election can be held. They could appoint the Justin's right back in their seats but I think these men should take the speaker and his racist cronies to court.
Exactly! What prevents any republicans from expelling Dems from the legislatures?
Exactly as that is my question
@@hirozhen7475 I hope they appoint both lawmakers back into office
I am Canadian and am saddened everyday. I am horrified of the events that are happening daily in the United States. I have canceled my family vacation this summer. I had to explain to my 4 children why. My explanation was simple. There have been more mass shootings this year than the days of the year. I will not play Russian Roulette with my family's life 😢
As a Native american who lost her grandpa to a hate crime,when I was 3....I didnt just move 13 miles from your border for nothing
@@TheSoljaTv You sound intelligent...😂😂😂😂
@@TheSoljaTv you're full of it alright
@@TheSoljaTv
Less than 40 million in one of the largest nations on Earth is "full"?
@@TheSoljaTv just like your septic tank? I bet you don't even have passport
This is definitely Lawrence at his best!!!!
Thank you, Lawrence, for using your voice to support the good people in Tennessee’s legislature who are trying to protect our children. It is indeed an abuse of power to remove elected officials who are doing what they were elected to do.
Tennessee is disgusting. Remove all Federal Tax Dollar support from Tennessee until it decides to be a democracy and not an autocracy.
@@harley2die4 Yeah, pretending an unruly protest conducted primarily by school-age kids is the same as a bunch of grown men carrying weapons to the Capitol with the intent of 'finding Nancy' and 'hanging Mike Pence' doesn't make you sound clever, intelligent or patriotic. It makes you sound like an infantile troll.
Some of us are reasonable and do not back these GOP sobs.
Don't punish us.
Missouri or Mississippi in the early 2000s had 300k people vote to make interracial marriage illegal again. Right wingers know no limits.
@@harley2die4 simpleton
absolutely. Tennessee is a huge welfare state taking far more money from the feds than pay in.
I was horrified, watching what happened in Tennessee today, I was angry, heartbroken and . . . horrified. THIS is where the 'shedding of shame' by Trump and what is now the Republican party has brought us. Those white, Republican members of the Tennessee House have NO shame, they have NO guilt and they absolutely have NO HONOR.
This WS by these republicans is what MAGA represents
Andrew, expelling these lawmakers from the legislature was the temper tantrum.
Lawrence slices in to “the cake” with a razor sharp precision. 🥰
I'm so glad the media is planning on giving this issue lots of oxygen and reporting it needs to be repeated over and over and over again so it doesn't die out I'm so proud of the younger generation for standing up to the Republicans !!!!!!!
id really like to see some coverage on william whitworth aka lily another trans monster who was building bombs and planned to target schools and churches...hoping to see a lot more of this ...go trump lets get rid of the communist pedophile restore some decorum in America
I was watching from Ireland as that Vote was passed and all I could do was Cry. Shameful beyond words.
As an American, I am ashamed of the racist Tennessee legislators.
Our country has become possessed.
We are protesting and voting and petitioning and canvassing and writing letters and phoning Congress and marching and much more, and we will NOT STOP until we have our country back again.
Good job Lawrence. Right on, from a senior who remembers.
Thank you for your passion about this, Lawrence. It breaks my heart, too.
I have no words, just tears for this country 😢😢😢
A heart w no words is infinitely better than words w no heart.
Let your tears fall freely. Perhaps they will bring life to the seeds of hope buried deep in this barren land
Having no words is OK. Words aren’t going to change anything. Action is what is needed. Be it protesting, and rolling voters, getting people out to the polls, finding a way to get piece jokers out of power, and away from the decisions that are meant to be made with the will of the people in mind. The minority of voters have been in control of matters for way too long.
Your tears do nothing.
You said that right, it's hard to phantom, what has taken place here in this country but most of us saw this coming sad it is.
Yeah its been that way since the Biden administration has taken over
I am going on 79 years and this is very painful. I have ancestors buried there who grew tobacco for the ancestors of these men obstructing justice. I lived through the 50s and 60 s, segregation here in Detroit. This movement in this country makes me sick and angry. Black people cannot fix this, it is time for the so called whites to stand up and make structural changes. I am also a retired nurse, I have seen what a gunshot can do to an adult, I hurt for those parents who could only identify their babies by the remaining clothing they wore to school that day. Every person who agrees with these actions has blood on their hands, if you live by the sword, you will die by the sword. Perhaps not today, the curse is passed to next generations….
I hate to say this, it's horrific, but we need the parents of one of these murdered to children to have the courage of Emmitt Till's mother...to let them *see* what an assault rifle does to the body of a child...a child who could be identified only by her *shoes*...Emmitt's poor battered body, and the screaming naked Vietnamese girl burning from napalm, put those horrors in everyone's faces, and they could not look away and gloss over reality.
@@retriever19golden55 great idea! Seeing is believing. It wud be compelling.
💯💯💯💯
This is so disgusting that I can barely stand it. I am 72 and just lost my husband. I now believe that he was the lucky one. Those rethuglicans have just proven yet again that they no longer have a soul.
Not sure what you mean by "curse", but the curse I see today is: people of good conscience being forced to endure the subhuman bigotries and prejudices of bass-ackwards GOPigs with no recourse available. THAT'S a curse!
The barbarians are storming the gate of civilization, and we must not allow it!
This is by far the most powerful take on this issue. Thank you Mr. Lawrence.
This is why we need courageous journalism-- to speak the truth, no matter whom it makes uncomfortable.
Tennessee legislators are covered with shame.
Thanks for educating people on how disgraceful Tennessee is. I was born in Tennessee and have lived in the state for over fifty years. You're spot on - and getting much worse very quickly. These are people who largely believe that raising children involves authoritarian training and indoctrination. There are many ignorant and prejudiced people - fearful people whose fears and prejudices are amplified and exploited by Tennessee Republican politicians.
The People of Tennessee must be more careful in their elections. Ask for guidance but don't repeat our nation's cruel history.
You must be a school board member
I was stationed at Millington Navy base in 1963-1964. Putting all the racism aside I thought the state was scenic, and the people very friendly. There are just too many ignorant people there now.
"these are people who largely believe raising children involves authoritarian training and indoctrination". Really weird statement coming from the community grooming their kids to be trans, and push progressive values on society via authority(Public schools and institutions forcing people of different genders to use the same facilities, for example).
But who am I, I'm just a guy who reads comments and thinks about them.
Looks to me like the toothless TN goons in the 1972 movie "Deliverance" have been fruitful and multiplied, and are now serving in that state's legislature.
I see good things ahead for the two Justin's... Really proud of them for standing up for what's right. 💙🇺🇸
Those republicans are so arrogant that they think those kids (that will be be voters in 2, 4, 6 years) will not remember what theyve done. They are pretty smart even though the republicans think banning books will keep them dumb as their voters are now and those kids will put their x's in a different box.
Fjb
@@blacksmokematters4521 The more I hear and see a comment like yours, the more it looks stupid and uneducated.
@@blacksmokematters4521 fU
Show boats..
I’m one of those people whole lived through the sixties and seventies,I saw what happened in Tennessee I think it’s disturbing, history is repeating it self.
I remember and I will not FORGET. I will not let my children or grandchildren FORGET this happened. We must post these scenes on social media to let the younger generation know the truth of the past
Dear Lawrence, I remember as a 10 year old living in the U.K. how the lights seemed to go out in the world when Dr King was killed. I didn't understand much, but I felt much, and as a child I knew what was good and what was evil. Lawrence your eloquence and moral clarity is never more needed than now. In Europe we cannot comprehend how America can watch the murder of their children and still support the purchase of so many lethal weapons. It is like watching a collective insanity. Please continue to use your fine mind, and your noble heart to speak truth to power Lawrence. Evil must be vanquished. And collective insanity must be confronted.
Can't imagine being a child in school these days. It must be terrifying. That legislature should be ashamed of themselves.
They have no shame, Rethuglicans will stoop to any level to retain power.
If only they were capable of feeling shame. Sociopaths don't feel shame.
Republicans that think guns are more important than children's live should be ashamed of themselves.
My heart is broken just thinking about how little children are afraid to go to school.
Not just THAT legislature! Every, single legislature that absolutely refuses to do a single thing about innocents being murdered in the most brutal way, in places where they ought to be SAFE!
GOPers are out and out telling we, the American people, that the few dollars some sleaze can put into their campaign, is more important to them than the lives & well-being of ANYONE! Children at church, children at school, children at church school. NONE of them make a bit of difference to rePugnantcans when put up against the contributions from the gun Lobby.😢🤬
Lawrence is a national treasure
As a child in Louisville Kentucky in 1974 we had ARMED National Guards on our school busses because of desegregation. You are right Lawrence. I have NEVER forgotten those images out of my head😞😞. I never will. I will NEVER FORGET how far we have come. Now, I am seeing unrest that I thought we were way beyond!! TN is disgusting and yes, should be ASHAMED of themselves!!😡😡😡
Wow! 1974! I didnt know that was so close, but yes it was.
Grew up in Louisville, as well. I thought it was getting better, but the Klan..er...I mean GOP didn't let that happen. I'm sickened by this.
I believe that part of the colonization of this country in 1700’s has everything to do with the actions of these people in your state. These people cannot let go of that “winning” behavior. It runs in their blood and to turn their backs on this evil is turning back on their ancestors. Many have moved in and seen that their humanity is more important, such as yourself. I believe that the ones who have the power to change anything is other whites and young people. I’m so sorry you have those I ages and that these depraved individuals want to do the same to more children. I’m really disgusted. So sorry about that in your state. I was born and raised in California and there are some divisions here but goodness overpowers hate. We would shut it down here. I’m praying for those racists to go away.
USA has come so far that both parties support portraits of slavers on US National currency.
Sad to say but they are not ashame.
Lawrence…thank you for another brilliant response to a most horrific event that occurred in Tennessee today. I could not be more proud of the brilliance of the two true patriots expelled from the Tennessee legislature. American Heroes. Fantastic delivery Lawrence ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏👍👍👍👍
He’s lying to you. The attackers in the 60s where the Democrat party.
Hey a white woman also stop race baiting
Because they illegally stormed a government building while it was supposed to be closed for a live session and occupied the chamber floor while a political body was trying to do its job.
You know, just like what they did on J6.
This is a powerful message. We need to stand up and speak out against this opression and racism. This obvious attempt to denigrate and punish the black members who spoke out is sickening. I had hoped we would continue to move forward but instead we have fallen back into the mire of the past. I'm going to keep fighting this, and I hope every other good and just person will do the same.
Thank you Lawrence...the passion in your voice is speaking for most Americans who feel the same way you do...shame on you Tennessee law makers...absolutely disgusting...I have 3 young grandchildren who I worry so much about even going to school these days...
These good old boys are terrified of the intelligence of this young man.
It not just America watching, it's the whole world.
🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦👋
A MASTERFUL call to PAY ATTENTION, to expose yourself and your children to the feelings you feel watching the abuse of our black fellow countrymen. It made a difference in the 60s, now, perhaps we can awake enough people to take the journey to equality and dignity much, much further. Thank you Lawrence O'Donnel.
These are people who have no fear whatsoever of any consequences for their evil acts. They are more and more emboldened each day. They simply don’t care as long as their households aren’t being affected.
Lawrence don't forget that three adults were also lost in that shooting as well. I was born and raised in Tennessee and for the first time in my life (I'm 60 years old), I'm embarrassed to be called a Tennessean. George Santos didn't get expelled. MTG didn't get expelled. Donald Trump didn't get expelled. Yet Tennessee GOP thought that these two representatives did something so heinous that it warranted a penalty greater than being stripped from their committee assignments or being censured. IN the TN GOP's mind what they did was far worse than what George Santos, MTG or even Trump did. Being outspoken AND being Black is not good in Tennessee and must be eradicated. This is another dark day in Tennessee.
We're glad you left
@@crystalpride5041 It's a backwards state kept floating by federal dollars from blue states. We should isolate it and watch it rot.
@@crystalpride5041 Moron
KKK Alert
@@crystalpride5041 ???
That was my first reaction, from the first sentence, Farmer was incredibly demeaning. HE is unaware of his conduct. These young men are so lovely and intelligent and strong. We need them! And yes, children in every school in the U. S. are afraid. Keep shouting as loud as you can for them.
Children in every US school should be afraid if these clowns want to take the guns away from armed security.
@11:13 this speech is so eloquent and powerful I got goosebumps
Thank you for your words and reminder. I was a part of the student and farmers march in California. My brother was sentenced to 2 yr in prison because he refused to be drafted, to be send to Vietnam where we all knew he would be sent to the front lines for his activism and leadership at SFSU (the real reason for his imprisonment). His being drafted was illegal. He checked all five excuses to be legally deferred but it didn’t matter.
Thank you Lawrence. If it can happen in Tennessee,it could happen anywhere in our nation. I am fired up! Shame on Tennessee! ~ Anna/NC
Exactly. You know other republican led state legislatures are licking their lips at TN doing this and thinking how they can do it too. The decent Americans need to take appropriate action at the ballot box and through contacting our state representatives and senators to let them know this sort of behavior will not stand in our democratic republic.
I'm ashamed to say I live in Tn. The republican law makers in this state are as backward and as mean as you can get ! Makes me sick to my stomach .
So, VOTE THEM OUT!!
Start marching…..
Just so you know, it's just as bad here in a democrat controlled state. Just different bad, but bad. That said, if they kicked out 2 people but not a third that actually did the same thing... that's biased and everyone who voted that way should be held accountable.
Most people in this country are reasonable centrists with an issue or two that leans them right/left. The hyper publicized far left/right controls all of the media attention & that's our biggest problem.
Hope you have a great day 👍
Like the Dark Ages.
Tennessee is probably ashamed of you
I think it has always been widespread, but as Representative Pearson said... people are "comfortable" to come out in the open and no longer hide.
It’s so shocking and so sad heartbreaking actually. It’s time for a change you can’t be this disconnected from who we are as a nation and represent the people
“A member of this body, peed on another’s chair, in this chamber. He was not expelled. He is now in leadership of the Governor.”
Let us not pretend that this is about decorum.
Wait.. he did what? 😂
Keep it real Lawrence. Much love & respect.
I would not have believed this could happen in present day. It's like modern Republicans are trying to take us back to the 1950s.
60 years ago,I lost my grandpa to a hate crime.These are NOT Republicans and judging by black men still being hunted down and killed while jogging by Maga,Id say,its working
They want us to go back to the 1850's. This is humiliating to the few decent people living here who always vote blue.
That is their idea of "making America great again"
Yes. The 1850s. Or 1930s Germany.
1920's more like.
Thank you Lawrence. I may not live to see it but I would be proud to have either of these two young men become the president of the U.S. someday. They are a breath of fresh air and give us hope. It is disgusting to realize how racist and condescending some of the Republican representatives blatantly dismiss these two who have more integrity in their little finger than all of them put together.
As always Lawrence, appreciate the clarity and insight you bring to these issues.
this is just going to far! What in gods name were they thinking in Tennessee? this is unacceptable!
It’s called fascism!
White privileged racist men!!
Racists don't think, their emotions offset their logic..the color of BLACK..stops brain activity..
No one is above the rules
Boycott Tennessee!
Justin Pearson. Wow! very impressed with how he handled himself in this situation. Much respect
Very classy! I could not be so calm. I'm incensed!
May God protect these young men from harm as they progress onward in their political careers. This is only the beginning. Those white racist fascist don't know what they've blessed. God is all knowing and these young men will rise!🙌🏾🙏🏾
As deplorable as the situation is, hearing and seeing this remarkable advocacy gives me hope for the future.
Thank you, Lawrence. I watched the Republicans walk out of that room and I’ll never forget their white evil faces. I was in tears watching those young people fight for their lives. Fourteen year olds marching and protesting and leading us. Children! How could these Republicans look at that fourteen year old and tell her that her life doesn’t matter? Their money and power are more important than her children.
They won't look at or acknowledge the children. Children mean nothing to the GOP.
First off, how is describing republicans as "white" and "evil" not racist? What if I described democrats as "black" and "evil"? Does that sound ok to you? Second off, EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE besides the shooters themselves, don't want to see kids die. The problem is not that we don't care about our children, the problem is that the solution of simply "banning guns" is horribly unrealistic and overly optimistic. There are simply too many guns in America. So what if we just banned AR-15s? Well all a shooter needs is a handgun.
I also think people are too willing to give up an amendment. If we give up the 2nd amendment, that sets a precedent. Which amendment will we get rid of next?
It's not their children is it? It is other people children. It never happened to them, so they don't care. They children are in private schools, so no gun can reach them. The world is watching.
The money they receive from the folks that arm the killers and the power they gain. Are far more important to them than childten
The young ones learned what the republicans stand for. The love of guns more than life.
The whole nation needs to hear this
I didn’t know Lawrence was from Boston, I am even more proud of him for speaking honestly about our racial divides.
They were voted in.That is the key phrase being ignored.Voters won't forget!
Lawrence is the conscience of our Nation. His anger, his outrage, his sounding the alarm, is our wake up call.
It's sad that TN lawmakers think that expelling lawmakers is much more important than people's lives. It's time to move out
Well... only the BLACK ones.
@@pdoylemi Whole world just saw that. They're not even subtle about it anymore.
How is it acceptable to protest while your at work? How is this different than Jan 6th? If members of Congress were taking part in Jan 6th do you think they would have a job still? No, they would be in prison. Enjoy your propaganda that makes you stupid. You prove it with every comment.
Yes, that's what I'd do. I'd leave Tennessee.
Fight and protest!!! Hold your ground!!! This is horrible!!! You can't let it keep happening!!! Vote them out!!! Petition to hold a new election for all of them!!!!
Andrew Farmer should be ashamed of himself, but I'm sure he will never agree with that. To try to infantilize someone the way he did speaks volumes about his own lack of character. But Mr. Justin Pearson proved that he's the bigger man. Smarter, more decent, and much more reasonable.
I want the next Dem controlled Congress to pass a law whereby Federal taxpayers can allocate which states can and cannot receive their hard earned dollars.
Outstanding overview of the problem. Brought tears but anger as well. THANK YOU for your efforts in promoting democracy and equality while bringing to mind our terrible past.
They were elected by the people of Tennessee and these republicans can decide if they are part of legislature… People of Tennessee should rise up!! Show the rest of the US who you are!!
Yeah the vast majority of people don't support the mutation of children. So good luck there.
@@melonlab80 half of these white supremacists don't have any clue what white supremacists like DeSantis and the Tennessee Republicans are angry about. It's just white victimhood and white fear mongering. Isn't that correct?
@@melonlab80Talk like that is why Republicans are on track to lose elections for the rest of America's history.
U know the racist are satan people
@@MelodyKayYoungalways been racist
*_SMH_* - - How does he, *_do 'they',_* actually believe they can get away with that. It's outrageous, egregious and unbelievable !!! AND "In Their Own Words"...
Rep Pearson nailed it when he said would you want to be spoken to like that. The best practice of the TN legislature at it’s finest
I love the way Lawrence connects the present moment events to obscure or forgotten historical moments. Thanks to Lawrence for keeping our eye on the ball. The GOP has been slowly dying since they put Trump in the White House. We are witnessing the remaining evil clinging to the little life it has left. It's a slow suicide with actions like this.
What’s gonna replace them?
As I listen to Lawrence, I hear in his voice the sadness he feels. I see in his eye the tears he's holding back. He’s right you know, many of us are sad, many of us are holding back the tears because we are all so tired of the people who don't care about who dies from guns. I'm tired of saying it, I'm tired of hearing the excuses and I'm tire of see people get away with the violence. So, I'm going to do the only thing I have power to do, and that to stop this from continuing with my remaining days. I pledge today NEVER to give my vote to a Republican again. I pledge today to give what I can afford to those that will fight for change, fight for the living, and fight to knock down any Republican legislation that doesn't protect Americans. I promise with my remaining days to walk in protest against those that push their religious beliefs onto others. I promise to stand up against fascism and the intolerance behavior. I promise to stand against dictators, here and abroad. I promise with all my remaining days to never be silent on violence and hate. I promise to you America, to always be there now and forever. I promise never to waiver even in my dying days, the moments I have to help make the change where all mankind walks equally among each other, not in fear but in the reverence for one another. I will now and forever be that change that brings us together.
That is a beautiful and powerful statement of intent. Thank you
No one is above the law. No black privilege. Follow the rules or get out
@SMS thank you for this beautiful, powerful, astounding analogy ❤❤❤
With you.
The people of TN, need to stand up against this unacceptable expel of the two representatives who they chose to represent them. STOP ✋️ with letting these things pass without marching, and expelling the true law brakers of that STATE. DONT LET THESE LEGISLATATERS SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT. KEEP THEM AWAKE. AND DEMAND THOSE EVIL MEN BE EXPELLED ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONES MAKING THE LAWS IN YOUR STATE!
Sir Rep. Justin Pearson thank you for your courage.
I’ve been saying that, they need to see history to really get it. We must never forget the wrongs in order to avoid them.
Thank you Lawrence for your reporting, your teaching, and your heart.
I may not be from Tennessee, but I watched that whole thing unfold on RUclips live. Those men have incredible futures ahead of them. They speak for the ones who cry out because they have lost, they speak for the ones whom yearn to end what is plaguing our children's mental health, and most importantly they speak up for those to have a voice. This was something done by the Republicans to silence them and cut the voice of the constituents. It was about sending a message that Republicans don't care about our youth. This nation needs to wake up and make Republicans a small party while voting in people whom actually care about us. We need politicians whom will pass legislation that will empower this nation rather than fight to divide it even further.
The young men who were expelled because they TRULY REPRESENT the people they were elected to represent! Too bad the others there don’t get that this is about taking care of their constituents and not their own political coffers being filled by NRA.
@@chericline211 Truth!
The only power we have is at the ballot box. Let your voice be heard and VOTE.💙
These are the sort of men to lead us into the future, not the tired, racist bully politics of the GOP! It is a dying party. It is time we take our country back from the people who are doing everything they can to hold us back.
Well said…the arrogant people who voted them out just elevated them to great HEIGHTS!
I've always admired and respected Lawrence, even more so now!❤️
“Decorum allows it.” Well said. 👍🏽
This piece by Lawrence O’Donnell should be awarded a Noble Prize.
Or a Pulitzer.
Nobel. Yes, I agree!
I was thinking the same thing! His coverage of the story brought tears to my eyes. It's so exhausting having to fight the same fight decade after decade after decade.......
Agree!
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