Thread by @jbendery

Morning!

Remember how 147 Republicans tried to reject a democratically elected president right after an insurrection at the Capitol?

Nearly all spent MLK Day associating themselves with MLK's legacy of peace, justice + sacrifice for the greater good. 🇺🇸
huffpost.com/entry/republic…

A little sampling of the messages of "unity" and "justice" that Republican lawmakers advocated on MLK Day to honor Martin Luther King -- despite the fact that they *all* oppose voting rights legislation + dozens voted to overturn the presidential election based on a lie:

"I believe that unarmed truth & unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant."

-Sen. John Kennedy*, quoting MLK

*He's blocking voting rights bills + tried to overturn the presidential election

It is "critical" to honor MLK's "lessons that emphasize ways to treat our peers...with respect...in order to make a dream of a better, and more unified tomorrow possible.”

--*Sen. Roger Marshall

*He's blocking voting rights bills + tried to overturn the presidential election

“Today, we can honor his legacy by finding ways to give back and serve others, united in the purpose to make this country better for all. #MLKDay”

--Sen. Tommy Tuberville*

*He's blocking voting rights bills + tried to overturn the presidential election based on a lie

"MLK took the road less traveled by using peace & non-violence to champion justice & civil rights for ALL Americans."

--Rep. Jodey Arrington*

*He opposed voting rights bills + tried to overturn the presidential election based on a lie that fueled a deadly attack at the Capitol

“Today, as we reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, may we be reminded of his example and his commitment to loving his fellow man.”

--Rep. Jim Baird*

*He opposed voting rights bills + tried to overturn the presidential election based on a big lie

“Today, we honor and remember Dr. MLK and his vision and perseverance that still inspires us to this day. ‘The time is always right to do what is right.'"

-Rep. Andy Biggs*

*He opposed voting rights bills + tried to overturn the presidential election based on a big lie.

“I join North Carolinians in honoring his legacy that should resonate with us today more than ever. #MLKDay”

--Rep. Dan Bishop*

*He opposed voting rights bills + tried to overturn the presidential election based on a lie that fueled a deadly Capitol attack.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

--Rep. Mo Brooks*, quoting MLK

*He opposed voting rights bills + tried to overturn the presidential election based on a lie

You just have to laugh at some of the principled statements by these people given what they did on Jan. 6, 2021 -- they'd like you to forget that -- and given that they ALL oppose voting rights legislation.

Like this:

MLK was "a true principled leader for the betterment of our nation. We must continue to embody his spirit every day, especially in a time of tense political division."
--Rep. Cammack

Ya done rejected democracy itself + voted against bills to strengthen voting rights!

Or this:

“Today we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. May we all strive to embody his passion for peace, justice, and kindness today, and everyday.”
--Rep. John Carter

You voted against a bill to strengthen a landmark civil rights law + that whole Jan. 6 mess.

“We are the nation we are today because of men like MLK, and we must keep his dream alive.”

--Rep. Byron Donalds*

*He voted against voting rights legislation + voted to reject as democratically elected president based on a lie that fueled a deadly attack at the Capitol.

It's particularly rich seeing ppl like House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy celebrate MLK's legacy.

“His words and example inspire us today as we celebrate a great American on #MLKDay.”

He lied *for months* about nonexistent voter fraud + tried to overturn the presidential election.

Exhibit A:

huffpost.com/entry/trump-fr…

Or House GOP Conf Chair Elise Stefanik:

"Today we celebrate the life of Dr. King and remember what he courageously stood for."

Okay but did he courageously stand for trying to sink voting rights bills and also try to reject a democratically elected president based on a lie?

I could go on (and I have!) but I'll just leave this here so you can see all the GOP lawmakers associating themselves with MLK's legacy of peace, justice and sacrifice -- despite what they did on Jan. 6 + their united opposition to voting rights bills. huffpost.com/entry/republic…