Friend, I know it's late, but as Citizenship Day comes to a close, I have to get this off my chest:

The Republican Party has tried to corrupt what it means to be a patriot.

According to Merriam-Webster, a patriot is simply one who "loves and supports" their country.

But if you took it from people like Trump, JD Vance, or Rick Scott, you'd think it was meant to label GOP loyalists as true Americans deserving of the benefits of our democracy and exclude all the others — liberals, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and most of all, immigrants.

The way I see it, there's nothing patriotic about denying the core protections and principles of our nation to anyone who doesn't look or think like you. If you agree, then please, help me keep up the fight in the U.S. Senate for everyone who calls Florida home by chipping in now.

To me, a real patriot acts selflessly to benefit their entire community, regardless of race, national origin, who they vote for, or who they love.

A patriot should ensure everyone has access to crucial goods and services — not enrich themselves off the funds meant to help working families access quality health care and our elders retire with dignity.

A patriot should fight for the workers in their community to build a better life for themselves and their families — not roll back their right to demand better wages and working conditions from profit-obsessed employers.

A patriot should protect the beauty, biodiversity, and resilience of their local environment — not dismantle conservation and public health measures that protect nature and neighborhoods from the worst impacts of climate change.

A patriot should trust their community to make the best choices for their own bodies and futures — not revoke their right to do so.

To me, Rick Scott, his policies, and his party embody the exact opposite of what a patriot is supposed to be.

That's why I'm running to unseat him: because all Floridians, and all Americans, deserve a senator who will love, support, and fight for them, no matter who they are or which party they endorse. 

But against the fraudulent personal fortune he uses to fund his campaign, I can't follow through without the help of patriots like you who make up this movement to reach my $150,000 goal before the clock strikes midnight.

Please, friend, will you chip in $5, $25, or anything right now to help me keep fighting for the state and country I love in the U.S. Senate by flipping Florida blue?

Let's form a more perfect union, together.

Debbie