Friends,  

People sometimes say that tough times build character – but I believe that tough times reveal character. And these are certainly tough times.

Like so many Americans, I cried two weeks ago as I watched white policemen murder George Floyd in broad daylight in front of witnesses. And I wept as I watched a President of the United States forcibly reject every plea for empathy and unifying leadership.

There is so much work to do to ensure that every American is equal under the law and has the opportunity for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

As citizens, our highest loyalty must be to our nation, our Constitution, and to each other. Let us fill our hearts with empathy for others, commit to living by our principles, and find the courage to change the order of things for the better. Let us hold ourselves and our political representatives accountable for empathetic, principled, courageous leadership.

I hope you all are staying safe during these difficult times.

Sincerely,