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Folks,

I wanted to take a moment this Fourth of July to talk about the historic moment we’re in, and what we can do individually to set our country on the path every American deserves.

This weekend will look and feel very different than we’re used to. Normally we would gather outside at BBQs, parades, and fireworks shows – but for the safety of ourselves and our families we will mostly be staying home. It’s an unfortunate reality, but the severity of the impacts of this pandemic could have been prevented with the right leadership in the White House.

I know that for me, this Independence Day also feels different in the context of the millions of Americans who are standing up against racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd’s murder

The racism deeply embedded in many of our American institutions and the history of racial division in our country could not be more clear.

We urgently need to eradicate those divisions if we want to make good on the promise our Founders made on July 4, 1776.

As you celebrate the Fourth in the safest way possible, I hope you will join me in taking time to reflect on what it means to be an American in these challenging times. I’m more committed than ever to making sure every voice is heard in our democracy this year – I hope you’ll do the same.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July,

Ed