WCL Raskin Book

My breath catches every time I see the Capitol, the White House, the Supreme Court, the Smithsonian . . . the noble if imperfect vision of our Nation. Too often the imperfections shadow the inspiration, but many shadows have been dispelled since you have been my representative. The events of January 6 have scored new imperfections on the face of our government, and they are painful wounds now. But your courage and response, in the midst of your searing personal loss, are a step that I can hope will lead to healing. The scars will remain, but I hope our country will wear them with the pride that comes of having survived—not unscathed but, eventually, wiser. With respect to politics we may disagree as much as we agree, but you have always been the distinguished colleague who would listen, who would engage, and who would look for common ground. With pride I still talk about you as my colleague. With hope I think of you as my representative, and with comfort I think of you as an advocate for our shared democracy, our joint commitments to education and its necessary debates and disagreements, its solutions, and even its compromises. You stand for so much good, and it gives me pride. These are hard times. Be strong, and let us be strong together. Thank you. David Snyder