Bush Presidents Condemn Racist Bigotry

KENNEBUNKPORT, ME — Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush released a joint statement Wednesday condemning racism in the wake of recent white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"America must always reject racial bigotry, anti-Semitism, and hatred in all forms," the father and son wrote. "As we pray for Charlottesville, we are reminded of the fundamental truths recorded by that city's most prominent citizen in the Declaration of Independence: we are all created equal and endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights."

They continued: "We know these truths to be everlasting because we have seen the decency and greatness of our country."

President Trump has faced widespread criticism for his response to the events in Charlottesville. His original statement called out hatred and bigotry "on many sides." which many interpreted to cast the white supremacist protesters as equivalent to the counter-protesters. On Monday, Trump specifically condemned neo-Nazis, the KKK and other white supremacists but then spent the majority of a question-and-answer period with the press on Tuesday blasting the so-called "alt-left."

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Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images