John,

This is a moment when we are being tested as a country and a Commonwealth. Let’s be clear: our country is not what you see on the steps of the Capitol Building today. The heart of this country can be found in our hospitals, as nurses and doctors care for people dying of COVID-19. The heart of this country can be found in our schools, as teachers work hard to virtually educate our kids. It can be found in our grocery stores, as people sacrifice their safety so we can all survive. It can be found in our small businesses, our neighborhoods, our houses of worship, our first responders still responding to every emergency and every call. It is found where people work together -- despite their divisions -- to make a difference.

Virginians are stepping up to do their part to push back against the hate we see, and I salute them. Our National Guard, our transit workers, our frontline workers, and so many more are doing what Virginians do -- hike up their sleeves, roll their shoulders back, and serve our country. Governor Northam’s decisive action to help defend our nation in her time of need is exactly what this moment calls for, and I salute his leadership.

At a time when we should be uniting to move this country forward, we see hate try to push its way to victory. But I know this to be true: Hate will not win today, or ever. The heart of America will.

Jennifer Carroll Foy