Friends and Neighbors,
We need to talk about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, but not just to find someone or something to blame, but to deeply think about what just happened. This is not normal.
One thing that has been missed is genuinely thinking about the consequences if the assassination were successful. I don't believe many people have comprehended the gravity of what an assassination would mean. The festering wound of division in our country would have erupted in horrifying fashion. I don't think anyone can really understand how bad it would be, but we should dwell on it as a country. Even if you believe Donald Trump is pure evil, everyone in our country is lucky he survived.
We are so lucky to be in this country. We live in the most prosperous country the world has ever known by a significant margin. America has brought more peace, wealth, and prosperity to more people than any country at any other time in history. We have the longest-standing constitution in the world. We should reject those who say our country will be destroyed if the other side wins a particular election. America is much stronger than that.
It has become more clear to me than ever that it is up to each individual to do their part to make their home, state, and country a better place. What makes a place great is never its leaders, it is the people.
Now, I am sure plenty of people will roll their eyes at this sentiment. I felt somewhat strange writing it because I generally keep things to hard facts and numbers, but we live in far too interesting times.
As we move closer to November, let's be reasonable. Let's extend grace to those who may not even deserve it. Let's have a debate about policy and ideas, not personality.
It's what our state and country needs and, to be honest, I think it is more fun that way.
Best,
Nolan