Dear John,
We face extraordinary threats to our freedoms and our liberty — a real test for us each individually and for us all as a country. I believe we can and will come through, but only if we do this together in a way that transcends all of the typical divisions (party, race, age, geography, etc).
Yesterday we met at Rice University for an open dialog about the future of this country, listening to each person who stepped up to speak, learning from them what moves them, what concerns them, what they propose to do at this great moment of truth. All were welcomed and no one was turned away. More than 500 students joined us.
From all of the speakers a common theme emerged: we’ve got to do what we can now, and not wait for someone to save the day for us… whether that’s protesting, marching, holding elected leaders responsible, registering voters for the next election, or — I think this one is the most important — finding ways to bring people together. Not as Democrats. Not as Republicans. But as Americans first and foremost.
The genius of this democracy is that we are a nation comprised of people from the world over, who — for the most part — have found a way to democratically and peacefully decide the future of our country together. Generation after generation has worked — and some have died — to realize our promise as a land where all are created equal and will be treated so under the law.
As that very idea comes under the greatest attack of our lifetimes, we have to reinforce it by living out the ideal. It means that we don’t judge those who voted differently than we do, don’t write off those who don’t hold our same beliefs, and instead work to find common ground and common cause.
This threat to our democracy, the rule of law and the Constitution will not be overcome by one party alone. We need every American who is willing to join the fight. And we should engage, listen, speak with and ultimately find a way to work with all of them.
The only way we’ll get through this is together. I am grateful to the Rice Dems for the invitation to join the student community on the Rice campus today and for our amazing Powered by People volunteers who signed up new student volunteers to help us in the work of registering and staying in touch with new voters.
Beto
