John,

Last night, President Trump addressed the nation. Instead of using his platform to call for unity and support the peaceful protestors demonstrating against police brutality, he called the protestors “thugs” and said he wanted the military and national guard to “dominate the streets.”

While he claimed to be a friend to the peaceful protesters, federal police officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets into a group of peaceful protestors by the White House, so they could clear the street for a photo-op for President Trump.

Instead of protecting our freedoms as Americans, he’s declared war on us, using military tactics with helicopters as if protesters were insurgents.

It is a disgrace that the fates of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breona Taylor -- and too many others -- are a frequent and frightening reality for African Americans throughout this nation. These protestors are speaking out against a failed system. Protest leads to change, and change is long overdue.

I stand with the peaceful demonstrators across the country. I served my country for almost thirty years in order to protect their right to protest peacefully, and anyone who has taken an oath to uphold the constitution should support them as well.

In a crisis like this, we look to our leaders for guidance, and right now, the White House is devoid of leadership.

Let’s change that in the most American way possible: Let’s vote to take our country back.

In solidarity,

Kim Olson