Congressional Democrats Commemorate British Politician Jo Cox
U.S. pols praise late parliamentarian's commitment to tolerance, diversity
Dozens of Democrats in the House and Senate Wednesday joined the chorus of voices celebrating the life of slain British Labour Party politician Jo Cox on what would have been her 42nd birthday.
The life-affirming tribute coincided with a congressional sit-in staged by gun control advocates — including Cox supporters Reps. John Yarmuth of Kentucky and David Cicilline of Rhode Island — intended to force GOP leaders to allow votes on limiting the sale of weapons.
Proud to sit with @RepJoeCourtney and others demanding action. #GoodTrouble #NoBillNoBreak pic.twitter.com/SNMWlQ0ZfZ
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) June 22, 2016
Not going anywhere. #NOMORESILENCE #WheresTheBill pic.twitter.com/OAoVUNoqak
— ((David Cicilline)) (@RepCicilline) June 22, 2016
Cox was stabbed and killed June 16 in Birstall, a village in West Yorkshire, England, following a public meeting with constituents — an unprovoked attack eerily reminiscent of the mass shooting former Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords experienced in Tucson, Arizona, in 2011.
Cox’s alleged assailant, Thomas Mair, 52, has been charged with murder.
“Beyond politics and parties, we must as societies stand together to stem the poisonous rising tide of fear and hate that breeds division and extremism,” expressed 82 members of Congress in a joint statement. “We stand united for tolerance and diversity and the shared values and ideals that bolster our respective democracies.”
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