From Braver Angels’ President, David Blankenhorn, on the events of January 06, 2021:
I’m writing to ask you to join me in helping our country in its time of need.
As I watched Congress reconvene last night to do its work, despite the damage and disruption, and as I listened to leaders from both parties reaffirm their reverence for the People’s Chamber and their determination to do their duty come what may, my eyes filled with tears of relief and gratefulness.
Since then, I’ve heard from many Braver Angels members across the country. Some supported President Trump in the election and some supported Vice-President Biden. Their personal stories, each from its own political vantage point but each rooted in a commitment to one another and to America at her best, have touched me deeply.
This is not a moment for despair. It’s a moment for hope and for citizenship.
So this is my plea to you: Please join me next Tuesday, January 12, at 8pm ET, for a national, action-oriented town hall meeting to “Hold America Together” in light of yesterday’s events in Washington and of the upcoming Inauguration.
We’ll gather strength from one another. We’ll listen to people who voted differently. We’ll find ways forward together. Most of all, we’ll leave with action steps that each of us can take to serve and heal our country.
We will defeat fear with patriotic empathy.
We will defeat despair with active citizenship.
We will defeat violence with the power of love.
Please join us on January 12. And between now and then, please do all that you can to invite others to attend – friends, family, all those in your network. This meeting is for America.
With respect and gratitude –
David Blankenhorn
