David Wilson Brown for Congress

To hear the leader of our great nation, Donald Trump, yet again defend the worst of our nation; unapologetic white supremacists, is disgusting. It completely underscores the fact that he once again proves that he is wholly unfit to serve as President of the United States. There can be no equivocation when it comes to white supremacy. It is evil and the real leaders of this nation have always understood this. From Lyndon Johnson to Barack Obama, our presidents, democrat and republican, have made very clear that hate and bigotry have no place at the table in this country. 

I implore Republican leaders, including my opponent Patrick McHenry, to not merely speak pious, generalities about racism and hate, but wholly condemn Donald Trump for his inablitity to disavow white supremacy.  I believe some things are beyond party and allowing Donald Trump to continue with his hateful agenda whether because of party loyalty or political expediency is completely unacceptable. I know there are people of good will in both parties who truly want what is best for this country. But any respect I have for the other party is rapidly fading as they refuse to stand up and say enough is enough. To defend this man at this point will prove to be the downfall to a once great party.  While I have largely disagreed with republican policies and how they define what the American dream is, I have, until now never thought they were anything but honorable and ready to defend the basic tenets American democracy. But that is currently in doubt. Now is an opportunity for my opponent and his colleagues to act for the good of the country and stand up to the President and refuse to allow him to take us down this very dangerous path toward authoritarianism.

America fought a great war and lost many brave men and women fighting against fascism. It is not ok to support those who continue to believe in these evil ideals, especially when it is president of this United States. Until we address the poison at the very top levels of our government we will continue to slide down the road to authoritarian rule. America is a great nation. We have not always lived up to our ideals, but we have been prodded along by visionary leaders from all walks of life who paved the way to a better day by their leadership. We cannot allow America to continue down this road. Who are the leaders for this time? We are awaiting your response. Republican leaders, we are waiting. Rep. McHenry, we are waiting. We are waiting for you to do the right thing. Will you?

I’m am saddened and embarrassed for America that some of our citizens seem unable to learn from history.

The current administration came to power by using the politics of division to stoke the unfounded fears of an economically stressed population. They fanned the flames and now we see the fire they’ve created.

I reject on every level the goals and claims of these witless protesters. I condemn the violence in Charlottesville that is occurring because of their mindless hatred.

America is greater for its diversity and inclusion. True liberty is not limited to a handful of people based on the happenstance of their birth.

I call on law enforcement to protect those who have put themselves in harms way to stand up and peacefully protest in the name of the ideals of inclusion, compassion, and unity.

Americans must stand together in condemning white supremacy and white nationalism. While our government must protect free speech, we as its citizens have a right to strongly reject violence, hate speech and blatant intimidation in the marketplace of ideas. This is not who we are as Americans. Now is the time for Americans of conscience to make their voices heard and proclaim racism and all other forms of bigotry will not be tolerated. This is a seminal moment in our nation’s history. I believe in the basic goodness of the American people and hope the strides that were made in the previous administration will be restored and that we can return to the understanding that all people are created equal.

Let me be clear, I am THRILLED the Senate GOP’s latest attempt to “fix the ACA” failed. I’m here in Washington and was with Elizabeth Warren earlier in the day.

I am very thankful for Senators Collins and Murkowski for their long, principled stand for their constituents. I am thankful that Senator McCain followed up on the message of his speech earlier in the week during the motion to proceed vote that if Senate Leadership did not deliver a viable option, he would vote no.

But please understand that despite the people of America winning this current battle, the war is long from over. In order to pass the tax cuts for the wealthy that they want to pass so badly, they need to get the money from somewhere. Cutting this is a big piece required to pass their plan. They will not walk away from this fight. They’re going to come back in some other way, likely with little warning.

Be vigilant, continue to stand together to amplify our voices, and make sure you support those of us working hard to overturn their majorities in Congress so we can stop the assault on the ACA and move towards single-payer or at the very least a strong public option such as Medicare for all.

-DWB