What happened on Saturday in Minnesota is indefensible. Our democracy is decided by voting,
not violence.
Online echo chambers only benefit social media moguls and extremists. It's why I decided to create Path to Progress: it matters to me, personally, that my generation does not become so divided that we live in different realities.
CNN Breaking News: Mike Lee, prominent Republicans leap to baseless claims about political violence – again
Since Saturday's violence, however, Senator Lee has used his online platform to spread conspiracy theories and turn Americans against each other for his own political gain. It's the same thing he did when he called January 6th a false flag.
Before the suspect's name was even public, Senator Lee said he "wasn't MAGA". He blamed the violence on "leftism". Then on "Marxism".
It got so bad that Senator Tina Smith confronted him on his bullshit. I want to share with you what she said afterward:
"I needed him to hear from me directly, what impact I think his cruel statement had on me, his colleague."
Politicians like Senator Mike Lee are endangering the next generation, not just in policy but personality. (Utahns agree: his support dropped 15%-points in his last election) When we reach out to young voters online, peer-to-peer, we interrupt the narratives and falsehoods that people like Senator Mike Lee are pushing. That's how we create meaningful progress. Can you contribute today to support that mission? ➪
Sam Weinberg,
Executive Director of Path to Progress
P.S. We are collecting messages of support to send to our team in Minnesota. Please add your name and take this small act of kindness today before we send the card this Saturday. ➪
