Presidents Bush say America must reject anti-Semitism
Former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush say in joint statement that 'America must always reject racial bigotry, anti-Semitism and hatred in all forms'; comments come a day after Pres. Donald Trump says counterprotesters shared the blame with the white nationalists for the violence that erupted last weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Former US presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush said in a joint statement on Wednesday that "America must always reject racial bigotry, anti-Semitism and hatred in all forms."
Their comments come a day after current US President Donald Trump gave weight to the complaints of white nationalists by once again declaring at a press conference that counterprotesters shared the blame for the violence that erupted last weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Referring to Thomas Jefferson, the Bushes—both of them Republican—said that as they pray for Charlottesville, they're reminded of "that city's most prominent citizen in the Declaration of Independence: We are all created equal and endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights."
Trump says the 32-year-old Heyer was "beautiful and incredible" and a "truly special young woman." He says "she will be long remembered by all!"
A memorial service is taking place Wednesday in Charlottesville for Heyer, who was killed Saturday during violent clashes between white supremacists and counterdemonstrators. Heyer had aligned with those protesting the white supremacists.
Trump told reporters Tuesday that he planned to reach out to Heyer's family. The White House did not respond to questions Wednesday about whether Trump has contacted Heyer's family.
Trump told Fox News in an interview earlier this week that he may pardon Joe Arpaio, the former Phoenix-area sheriff who recently was convicted in federal court of racially profiling Latinos. Critics say a pardon would amount to an endorsement of racism.
President Rivlin reaches out to US Jewish leadership
President Reuven Rivlin issued a public letter to Executive Vice Chairperson of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Malcolm I. Hoenlein on Wednesday, in light of the weekend's violent and deadly clashes led by US neo-Nazis and white supremacists.
"At this difficult time, I want to express my support and solidarity, and that of all the Israeli people with you and your communities, and ask that you kindly convey this message on my behalf to the Jewish communities across the US," wrote Rivlin.
"The very idea that in our time we would see a Nazi flag—perhaps the most vicious symbol of anti-Semitism—paraded in the streets of the world's greatest democracy, and Israel's most cherished and greatest ally is almost beyond belief.
"We have seen manifestations of anti-Semitism again and again arise across the world; in Europe and the Middle East. In the face of such evil, we stand now as we did then. With faith. With faith in humanity, with faith in democracy, and with faith in justice. I know that the great nation of the United States of America and its leaders will know how to face this difficult challenge, and prove to the world the robustness and strength of democracy and freedom."
Rivlin concluded his letter by writing, "As we say Chazak, Chazak, ve’Nitchazek. Be strong, be strong, and we will be strong."
Trump doubles down in defending white nationalists
Combative and insistent, President Trump declared anew Tuesday "there is blame on both sides" for the deadly violence last weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, appearing to once again equate the actions of white supremacist groups and those protesting them. He showed sympathy for the fringe groups' efforts to preserve Confederate monuments.
The president's comments effectively wiped away the more conventional statement he delivered at the White House a day earlier when he branded members of the KKK, neo-Nazis and white supremacists who take part in violence as "criminals and thugs."
Trump's advisers had hoped those remarks might quell a crush of criticism from Republicans, Democrats and business leaders. But the president's retorts Tuesday suggested he had been a reluctant participant in that cleanup effort and renewed questions about why he seems to struggle to unequivocally condemn white nationalists.
The blowback was swift, including from fellow Republicans. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said Trump should not allow white supremacists "to share only part of the blame." House Speaker Paul Ryan declared in a tweet that "white supremacy is repulsive" and there should be "no moral ambiguity," though he did not specifically address the president.
Trump's remarks were welcomed by former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, who tweeted, "Thank you President Trump for your honesty & courage to tell the truth.".
Trump spoke Tuesday in New York and showed sympathy for the fringe groups' efforts to preserve Confederate monuments.
His words amounted to a rejection of the Republicans, business leaders and White House advisers who'd pushed the president to more forcefully and specifically condemn the KKK members, neo-Nazis and white supremacists who took to the streets of Charlottesville.
