Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday denounced comments made by Rev. Jesse Jackson, saying they were insulting and divisive, when the Civil Rights leader spoke out about the “stand your ground” law and the current state of affairs in the Sunshine state in the aftermath of the George Zimmerman acquittal.
Jackson, who visited with the Dream Defenders camped out at the Capitol Tuesday, talked about efforts to repeal the law and used the phrase “Selma of our time.” He described Florida’s political environment as “toxic” and likened Scott to the late segregationist George Wallace.
“Jesse Jackson owes every Floridian an apology for his reckless and divisive comments,” Scott said in a statement Wednesday. “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. 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 world-class education.”
But Jackson, 71, said he would not apologize. “These guys are looking for a diversion from the horrendous laws that are separating people,” he said. “I will not respond in kind.”
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