JOHN,

Tonight’s result wasn’t the outcome we hoped for and worked for, but as proud Americans, we respect the results of elections.

There’s a lot of fear and concern about the future of our city, state, and country. For many, the past few elections have taken on life-or-death stakes with our rights, our well being, and our democracy being at risk in a way they haven’t been for a very long time. So when we fall short, I understand it can be heartbreaking and even frightening. But this is not the time to give up or back down. One election alone does not define the trajectory of this country.

As long as we’ve been a country, there were politicians building their power on vitriol and division. And so long as they’ve existed, so too have there been people just like you - who rejected that kind of politics; who believed in America’s fundamental promise and potential. Let’s not kid ourselves: Democracy’s messy. Every inch of progress in this great nation has been preceded by false-starts, failures, and loss. If reaching what Dr. King called the Mountaintop was easy, we’d already be there.

The truth is, believing in and fighting for what America can and must be is not for the faint of heart. Yet, you’ve stepped up and fought alongside me every step of the way. Through the highs and lows, your support and faith in me has never wavered. I can never repay you for your trust in me.

Look - times are tough, but understand this: We will get through this economic crisis; crime will go down; we will find a way to repair the breach that exists between our fellow Americans. Those who say we haven’t been here before should pick up a textbook. The forces who would shackle us to our past; who would tear America apart if it meant holding on to power have won elections before and there will be times when they do so again.

But it is in those moments when the best of America reasserts itself. Because of people like you - the ones who love this country - get back up off the ground, fight and put us back on the path to building the America we all know is possible: One where we are neighbors, not political combatants; where if you work hard; anything is possible; where our diversity is our strength, not a weakness.

A just America; a safe America. Our America.

And I’ll always be right alongside you fighting for it.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Max Rose

Paid for by Max Rose for Congress

Max Rose for Congress
PO Box 100496
Staten Island, NY 10310
United States

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Max Rose is a retired member of the US Army. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the US Army or the Department of Defense.