Video: John Lewis Vows at March on Washington to Defend Right to Vote

From ThinkProgress:

Almost 50 years ago, I gave a little blood on that bridge in Selma, Alabama for the right to vote. I am not going to stand by and let the Supreme Court take the right to vote away from us. You cannot stand by. You cannot sit down. You have to stand up, speak up, speak out and get in the way. Make some noise. The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It’s the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society and we’ve got to use it.

Back in 1963 we hadn’t heard of the internet, we didn’t have a cellular telephone, iPad, iPod, but we used what we had to bring about a non-violent revolution. And I said to all of the young people, you must get out there and push and pull and make America what America should be for all of us. We must say to the Congress, “Fix the Voting Rights Act”…pass comprehensive immigration reform…

So hang in there, keep your faith. I got arrested 40 times during the ’60s, beaten and left bloody and unconscious. But I’m not tired. I’m not weary. I’m not prepared to sit down and give up. I’m read to fight and continue to fight and you must fight. Thank you very much.