Jackson Refuses To Apologize For Critical Remarks About Florida
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – The Reverend Jesse Jackson is standing by critical comments he made about Florida and has refused to offer an apology demanded by Gov. Rick Scott.
It all stems from a demonstration on Tuesday in Tallahassee. Jackson joined members of the Dream Defenders at the capitol to call on Scott to convene a special session on the state's so called "Stand Your Ground" law in the wake of the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin.
Jackson called Florida the "Selma of our time" and compared Scott to former Alabama Governor George Wallace. Jackson has also referred to Florida as the "Apartheid State."
"If he (Scott) would just come and talk with us, rather than hiding, we could have a civil, civil conversation," said Jackson. "Change the stand you ground laws, stop racial profiling and end these huge gaps between blacks and whites in the state."
Scott has stood firm on his stance on the state's "Stand Your Ground" law. Scott has said that a special bipartisan task force he convened to review the law in the past found nothing wrong with it.
Scott blasted Jackson's comments as "reckless" and "divisive." He said that Jackson should apologize for his remarks, which he called "divisive" and "insulting."
"It is unfortunate that he would come to Florida to insult Floridians and divide our state at a time when we are striving for unity and healing," said Scott in the statement. "Floridians are a strong, resilient people. We are fortunate to live in a great state where all Floridians enjoy opportunities to get a great job and a world-class education."
