We were all horrified by the violence in Charlottesville instigated by white supremacists. One innocent woman was killed. Two police officers died in a helicopter crash after they were called into action.

As I said this weekend, I grieve for the victims and for the Charlottesville community. But I also grieve and pray for our country. Because in the year 2017, we still have neo-Nazis and white nationalists spouting racism and inciting violence. This is inimical to everything we stand for.

No, Mr. President, there are not two sides to this. There is only truth. And the truth is that when racism and violence win, we all lose. Our nation loses.

People across the country are speaking out. The CEO of Minnesota’s 3M resigned from the President’s council over it, as did CEOs across the country. And now that council has been disbanded.

So let us stand together, defending our own rights and those of our fellow citizens. Let us seek not just common ground, but higher ground. Americans have stood together shoulder to shoulder for justice before and won, many times over. Our country is the stronger for it.

As Mayor Mike Signer of Charlottesville has said, “When I think of torches, I want to think of the Statue of Liberty. When I think of candlelight, I want to think of prayer vigils.” Our country is so much better than this. This is not just a moment to overcome. It is a moment to tell the world what America truly stands for.

Thank you,

Amy