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“[President Trump] then engaged in an unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to stay in power.”—Final Report on the Special Counsel Investigation into Efforts to Interfere with The Lawful Transfer of Power Held on January 6, 2020

Despite the release of special council counsel Jack Smith’s report, one thing is clear: amid the relentless noise of cable news and divisive politics, ethical values like honesty, responsibility, and respect have all but vanished from our national conversation. These values are not just ideals; they are the foundation for navigating challenges, fostering civil dialogue, and rebuilding trust. Yet today, they are too often overshadowed by forces that emphasize division over cooperation and uprightness.

We’ve confronted challenges before—wars, social upheavals, injustice—but we’ve always found a way forward because we chose unity. Today, however, America feels more fractured than ever. Trust in institutions is waning, civility has been replaced by bitterness, and truth is often drowned out by the noise of competing opinions.

Democracy reflects the choices we make. The 2024 election revealed a disconnect between the values we aspire to uphold and the leaders we choose. Integrity and character now seem negotiable, overshadowed by loyalty to partisanship. Our confidence in the principles that once defined us has been shaken. Doubt and cynicism cloud our national spirit. We’ve started to accept the unacceptable, assuming someone else will step in to make things right.

What does it say about our shared values when intolerance and hostility overshadow character and social media magnifies division rather than bridging it?

What we need is renewed belief—not only in the founding principles of our nation but also in each other, lifting each other up with respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to the greater good.

In 1974, in a speech addressing America’s “Crisis of Confidence,” President Jimmy Carter declared:

“We are at a turning point in our history. There are two paths to choose. One is a path . . . that leads to fragmentation and self-interest. Down that road lies a mistaken idea of freedom, the right to grasp for ourselves some advantage over others. That path would be one of constant conflict between narrow interests ending in chaos and immobility. The other path is the path of common purpose and the restoration of American values.”

Carter speaks not just of the past but to the present.

We have always believed that our strength lies in unity and the common good. The path forward requires us to reaffirm these values—values that transcend political divides and restore our connection to our better angels. It may not be easy, but through compassion, understanding, and collective effort, we can rebuild the ideals that made America a beacon of hope.

America’s greatness doesn’t rest on one person or party; it rests on all of us. Let’s stand for what’s right, not because it’s easy or without sacrifice, but because it’s essential. By living our values and demanding them from our leaders, we can build a future worthy of the ideals we hold dear. Together, we can create a stronger, more united nation for ourselves and future generations.