Today, America celebrates 250 years. Our history has never been a straight line. It's been shaped by moments of extraordinary progress, painful setbacks, and generations of Americans wrestling with what this country can and should be. Lincoln spoke these words at one of the nation's darkest moments because he believed our differences didn't have to define our future. Two and a half centuries into the American experiment, that challenge still belongs to us. The next chapter won't be written by people who always agree—it will be written by people willing to stay connected even when they don't.

Today’s shooting of Charlie Kirk is a painful reminder of a truth we must not ignore: political violence is inexcusable, immoral, and beneath our nation. Leaders across the political spectrum have rightly condemned this attack, reinforcing a vital principle: violence has no place in our civic life. We must also confront the deeper issue behind such acts. When polarization hardens into hatred, it fuels real-world harm. Contemptuous words, framing opponents as enemies, and normalizing dehumanization creates a culture where violence can take root. Disagreement and debate are essential to democracy—but dehumanization and violence are not. Seeing one another as human first doesn’t require agreement. Strong debate is essential, but it must never cost us safety, respect, or life.