Dear John,

Three years ago today, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol to overturn the results of a democratic election.

Thinking back to that cold January day in 2021, I'm reminded that our country cannot move forward unless we do it together. Democracy isn't easy. It requires people with opposing views to overcome their differences and craft a consensus that represents a diverse body of people.

Through the Democratic process, we remember that we are Americans first. We're neighbors, not enemies, and anyone who tries to convince us otherwise does not have our best interests at heart.

So today, we remember and honor the police officers that were injured and died in protection of the process of our democracy. I'm thinking about their sacrifice, the sacrifice of their families, the folded flags that were handed to their families, the last moments with each other they wish they had back.

I'm thinking about this country that they loved more than their own safety, more than their own lives – and how we can honor their sacrifice to protect our sacred democracy.

Because of them, I know America has more to give. We aren't done yet. Not with our democracy, our care for one another, our ability to lead the world into a new tomorrow. As they laid down the torch - we pick it up. And we do it together.

Tuebor,

Callie

Callie Barr
Candidate for Congress in Michigan's First District