For far too long now, our country has been deeply and bitterly divided by politics. This division is not exclusive to so-called red states and blue states. It exists within our states, within our neighborhoods and our families, and indeed, within our union. On July 13th, this growing divide escalated to despicable violence through the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.  Fortunately, the assassin failed, but his horrifying attack still claimed the life of one of our fellow Americans and wounded two others. Today and going forward, it is our hope that this tragedy will serve as a turning point for our nation. Clearly, when it comes to politics, we as a nation will never completely agree on policy and who the best candidates are to address the many challenges we face. However, it is our hope that this tragic event will somehow lead everyone to focus more on what we have in common; to renounce acts of violence in all forms; and lead us all down a new path of  mutual love and respect – regardless of our differences.

-Executive Director Mark Bernard AFSCME Council 93