There was obviously a lot to process from the first of the hearings from the January 6th Committee.
But, what I want to share first, in the America’s Next Chapter series, is this:
A white Republican woman from the Heartland, and a black Democrat man from the South.
Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson agree on virtually nothing from a policy perspective. In their political roles they will spend a lifetime shouting at the top of their voice against the policy positions of the other.
And yet here they are, leading, together.
Both of them have chosen to rise above partisan politics, chosen to uncover and accept truth rather than lies, and chosen honor and service despite personal threats and professional derision.
For me, they are the heroes of the moment. And this is an America I want.
In particular, Liz Cheney deserves our gratitude. She is breaking with her party’s position and choosing instead to be part of a process to uphold democracy and American values, and in the process, she is shoring up a foundation of U.S. leadership.
I also disagree with most of her policy platform, but I want more people like her in politics - in all parts of the political spectrum. I want leaders who care more about America and Americans than the endorsement of a political party. I want leaders who celebrate who we are at our best, and who will call us out at our worst.
I want someone who will fight for legislation and whether they win or lose or compromise, I want them to be able to turn to their political opponent and say ‘Good fight, fellow American. We made America better today, together.’
Earlier this year, Cheney won the ‘Profile in Courage’ award, given by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. I think it is richly deserved.
Read her short acceptance speech here. She describes walking back into the Capitol after the insurrection and what she saw. She recalls American leadership from both sides of the aisle. And she calls on us do our part to preserve the republic. It is a speech worth reading. Here is the end of that speech:
“I ask all of you to remember this sacred duty that has passed to us; to remember that in our republic some things have to matter. The defense of our republic, the defense of the constitutional foundations of our nation have to matter. In a republic, there are no bystanders, there are no spectators. As citizens, every one of us has a duty to set aside partisan battles and stand together to perpetuate and preserve our great republic.
Ladies and gentleman, we are engaged in a battle we must win, and with courage and clarity and grit, it is a battle we will win.”
Have a good weekend everyone.
“I want leaders who celebrate who we are at our best, and who will call us out at our worst.” <<< This. 🙌