Fall 2024

This year has been an extraordinary test of democracy, with 50 countries representing nearly five billion people holding elections. In each, including our own, Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran have run covert and overt disinformation campaigns aimed at manipulating elections, sowing internal division, and straining international relationships. As we rapidly approach our own presidential election, resilience and unity are more essential than ever. We must remain vigilant and resolute in ensuring that our information is coming only from trusted and verified sources. We also must recognize and respect points of view that are different from our own. Disinformation and lack of open communication will take a serious and potentially fatal toll on our democracy if we are not cautious. This darkness can be successfully illuminated only by transparent, honest, and respectful discourse. Darkness has always existed. Sometimes, it’s confronted; other times, it’s enabled, but it never quite disappears. This weekend’s Trump event — a chilling echo of the pro-Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden on the eve of World War Two — is a powerful reminder of the dangers of complacency in the face of evil. I often reflect on German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller’s poem; Its message feels more relevant today than ever.

First, they came for the Communists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

No matter your party, race, religion, gender, or ethnicity, it is essential to participate in the electoral process. For more than 250 years, the strength of this great nation has been built on an incredibly diverse population that is united in its commitment to protect and defend the Constitution. My personal commitment was deeply reinvigorated when I visited Normandy’s D-Day beaches and cemeteries for the first time this past August. After decades of studying and examining the events that unfolded here, setting foot on this hallowed ground brought a profound sense of connection and responsibility. It reminded me of the legacy of those who sacrificed so much lives on in our actions today, urging us to uphold the values they fought to defend. We toured the museum in Reims, where the Germans officially surrendered at 0241CET on 07MAY45 — not in Berlin, as is often believed. We also visited the American Aisne-Marne Memorial, honoring the American and French sacrifices and achievements during the Aisne-Marne and Oise-Aisne offensives and the origins of the 3ID’s nickname, “Rock of the Marne”. We then walked through Belleau Wood, where one of the US Marine Corps legends was made. Our family paid our respects at the cemetery, the same cemetery that a former president refused to visit. We reflected on what President Lincoln called “their last full measure of devotion” – a sacrifice made so that we might enjoy freedoms, however imperfect. To honor those who came before us and to protect those who follow, we must preserve our democracy. These heroes were never, are not now, and should never be called “suckers or losers” by anyone, especially by the commander-in-chief. Yes, we face darkness, but the eternal and youthful optimist in me believes that united, we can illuminate the path forward through these complex times. I urge you to join me in safeguarding one of our nation’s greatest strengths: a free, transparent, and fair electoral process. Please feel free to pass this content along to your colleagues, friends, and family. I also encourage you to send me your content suggestions as well. In the meantime, I hope the rest of the year brings you and your loved ones all the health and happiness you desire.

No matter your party, race, religion, gender, or ethnicity, it is essential to participate in the electoral process. For more than 250 years, the strength of this great nation has been built on an incredibly diverse population that is united in its commitment to protect and defend the Constitution. My personal commitment was deeply reinvigorated when I visited Normandy’s D-Day beaches and cemeteries for the first time this past August. After decades of studying and examining the events that unfolded here, setting foot on this hallowed ground brought a profound sense of connection and responsibility. It reminded me of the legacy of those who sacrificed so much lives on in our actions today, urging us to uphold the values they fought to defend. We toured the museum in Reims, where the Germans officially surrendered at 0241CET on 07MAY45 — not in Berlin, as is often believed. We also visited the American Aisne-Marne Memorial, honoring the American and French sacrifices and achievements during the Aisne-Marne and Oise-Aisne offensives and the origins of the 3ID’s nickname, “Rock of the Marne”. We then walked through Belleau Wood, where one of the US Marine Corps legends was made. Our family paid our respects at the cemetery, the same cemetery that a former president refused to visit. We reflected on what President Lincoln called “their last full measure of devotion” – a sacrifice made so that we might enjoy freedoms, however imperfect. To honor those who came before us and to protect those who follow, we must preserve our democracy. These heroes were never, are not now, and should never be called “suckers or losers” by anyone, especially by the commander-in-chief. Yes, we face darkness, but the eternal and youthful optimist in me believes that united, we can illuminate the path forward through these complex times. I urge you to join me in safeguarding one of our nation’s greatest strengths: a free, transparent, and fair electoral process. Please feel free to pass this content along to your colleagues, friends, and family. I also encourage you to send me your content suggestions as well. In the meantime, I hope the rest of the year brings you and your loved ones all the health and happiness you desire.