Democracy is fragile

I would like to express my respect for members and staff of the United States Senate and House of Representatives who re-assembled and worked through the night to complete the election of president and vice-president. 

I was angered by yesterday's violent and ugly assault on Capitol Hill and democracy.

These officials carried on when they could have gone home and reconvened the next day. Their actions speak to the world about the relentless need to struggle for democracy on every front.

Around the world or close to home, democracy is being challenged as people choose to accept lies or conspiracies over facts. Truth can be elusive, but we need to continually seek it, promote it, and defend it in support of our precious democracy.

This event also reminds us that our elected officials and staff should never have to fear violence while working for the people, whether it’s a lone gunman on Parliament Hill, an armed mob on Capitol Hill or trolls on social media.