John,

On September 13, 2001, I drove a 15-passenger van with the seats removed through the George Washington Tunnel into Manhattan. Where the seats had been were cases and cases of bottled water - over a ton of water in fact. I had done the math while driving across the country from a small town in Michigan where I lived at the time.

In the hours after the tragic attacks on September 11th, my farm-town community had rallied to help in some tangible way. Community members bought bottled water and dropped it off at a local church so it could be taken to those working at Ground Zero. I had lived in New York City for a few years after college, so I was more than happy to transport a ton of water to its destination.

In the grand scheme of things, what the people of Ithaca and Alma, Michigan did for first responders and rescue workers in New York was a small gesture that didn’t gain publicity or make the news, but, I believe it was important nonetheless. All of the things that typically divide us as a people - race, income level, political party, population density of our communities -  were stripped away in that small and spontaneous act of compassion.

I’ll never forget seeing the New York City skyline without the World Trade Center for the first time. But I’ll also never forget the love in the eyes of those Michiganders who just wanted to do something to help.

In the days, weeks, months, and even years after September 11th, the tragedy became politicized. It became the excuse for endless wars that are still ongoing today. It became the reason why people’s civil liberties were stripped away bit by bit. 

It became the catalyst for more publicly-accepted racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. The tragedy of that day has been tragically compounded ever since. It is very easy now to think back on September 11th as a pivotal day that sent our nation into greater division and crisis.

But that’s not what I remember most. I remember the welders from all across the country I saw gathering near the Javits Center so they could head to Ground Zero together to get to work. I remember the first responders whose exhaustion and compassion was written all over their faces. I remember the people I saw at a candlelight vigil in Washington Square Park, simply hugging each other in desperation and grief.

And I remember the good people of central Michigan who sent their love in the form of a van full of bottled water.

I believe America is at its best when we the people rise up to do what needs to be done for each other in times of need. We’re in another one of those times of need right now. That’s why those of us at Brand New Congress are working so hard to help elect leaders who will fight for universal healthcare, the climate, a living wage, and a whole host of other necessary reforms. 

It is love for one another and compassion for neighbors we’ll probably never meet that motivates us. I hope that - motivated by this same love and compassion - you’ll join us.

In solidarity,

Robb Ryerse
Executive Director
Brand New Congress