John R. Lewis
John R. Lewis (1940-) is a Democratic U.S. Representative for the 5th Congressional District of Georgia, which is centered on the city of Atlanta. He is a progressive member of the current Democratic leadership, Senior Chief Deputy Whip, and has been highly visible in the health care reform process. An African-American, he was active in the Civil Rights Movement.
Political rhetoric
In his book, Why Courage Matters: The Way to a Braver Life, John McCain said "John Lewis was as courageous as anyone could ever hope to be."[1] During the 2008 United States presidential campaign, however, Lewis accused McCain and Palin "sowing the seeds of hatred and division," invoking the memory of segregationist Governor George Wallace. McCain was reported to be genuinely shocked. [2]
During the March 2008 health care reform debate, Lewis reported receiving a facsimile with a noose on it, and being threatened by protesters when walking with Nancy Pelosi. [3]
International relations
He opposed the Authorization for the Use of Military Force for the Iraq War, and, in March 2010, spoke in favor of ending the Afghanistan War (2001-2021).
Civil Rights Movement
He began his involvement in civil rights while a student at Fisk University, and became president of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (1963-1966). At the August 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave the "I have a dream" speech, he gave the keynote address. During a March 1965 protest, he had his skull fractured by police.
After leaving SNCC in 1966, he continued his commitment to the Civil Rights Movement as Associate Director of the Field Foundation and through his participation in the Southern Regional Council's voter registration programs. Lewis went on to become the Director of the Voter Education Project (VEP).[4]
Committees
Caucuses and groups
- Co-Founder, Out of Iraq Caucus
- Bipartisan Taskforce on Nonproliferation
- House Nursing Caucus
- Congressional Humanities Caucus
- Cystic Fibrosis Caucus
- Congressional Kidney Caucus
- Caucus on Hellenic Issues
- Diabetes caucus
- Congressional Vision Caucus
- Tri-Caucus
- Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus
- Congressional Arts Caucus
- Global Road Safety Caucus
- Congressional Coalition on Adoption
- Green Schools Caucus
- The Out of Poverty Caucus
- Congressional Urban Caucus
- Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans
- Historic Preservation Caucus
- Friends of New Zealand Congressional Caucus
- Congressional Victims Rights Caucus
- Congressional Soccer Caucus
- Honorary president, Americans for Democratic Action
References
- ↑ John McCain with Mark Salter, Why Courage Matters: The Way to a Braver Life
- ↑ Diane McWhorter (17 October 2008), "Are McCain and Palin Wallace's heirs?", Slate
- ↑ Anya Sostek (26 March 2010), "Threats, violence common reaction to political change", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ↑ Meet John Lewis, John Lewis for Congress