Dear Friends,
Over the past year, we have witnessed a troubling rise in rhetoric and actions that empower hate, deepen divisions, and threaten the very foundations of our democratic society. At the same time, we’ve also seen voices speaking out in support of those who feel unsafe, unheard, and marginalized, those who fear that the darkest chapters of our history may be repeating themselves, as well as those speaking up for our democratic ideals.
Among these troubling incidents, the recent remarks by a local municipal official are deeply disturbing. Her words demean both her position and the public trust placed in it. Such rhetoric does not deserve amplification. It was abhorrent, and it must be unequivocally condemned.
There is never a place for political violence in our society, not in action, not in jest, not in implication. To even mock or trivialize such violence only fuels division, distrust, and danger. Words have power. They can either inflame or inspire.
In this moment of strife, I am reminded of the words of Robert F. Kennedy, spoken on April 5, 1968, the day after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
“Whenever any American's life is taken by another American unnecessarily - whether it is done in the name of the law or in the defiance of law, by one man or a gang, in cold blood or in passion, in an attack of violence or in response to violence - whenever we tear at the fabric of life which another man has painfully and clumsily woven for himself and his children, the whole nation is degraded." He went on to say, “Some look for scapegoats, others look for conspiracies, but this much is clear; violence breeds violence, repression brings retaliation, and only a cleaning of our whole society can remove this sickness from our soul.” The day before he had commented, “What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or they be black.”
As we reflect on how we can strengthen and heal our democracy, let us begin with one clear agreement: violence—in any form—is unacceptable. Political violence, in particular, is a threat not only to individuals but to the core of our nation. Such violence not only causes harm, but it seeks to silence, to intimidate, to instill fear. It tries to make victims of us all. We are not a nation built on silence and fear, and we cannot allow ourselves or our democracy to fall into violence.
Such violence shreds the fabric of civil society and strikes at the core of our democratic values. In a free society, disagreement must never be a pretext for violence. Instead, civil discourse—no matter how passionate or polarized—must remain the cornerstone of our progress.
Equally essential to that progress is our unwavering commitment to the First Amendment. The right to free speech, to express dissent, to challenge authority and advocate for change—these are not threats to democracy, but its lifeblood. Protecting this freedom is not optional; it is our duty. But to protect free speech, we must reject the forces that seek to silence it through violence or coercion. A healthy democracy depends on both the right to speak freely and the shared commitment to resolve our differences without fear or force.
As Governor Shapiro reminded us this week:
“When you hear speech you disagree with, the answer is more speech—not violence. Our democracy is stronger when more Americans participate in it and make their voices heard.”
Let us recommit ourselves to those principles. Let us choose words that uplift, actions that unite, and a path forward rooted in peace, dignity, and shared purpose.
Wednesday, September 17th was Constitution Day. I had the privilege of celebrating this momentous day with various groups. One of which was the Towamencin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution who mark this momentous occasion each year with a ceremony.
I believe it is essential we all keep in mind the vital importance of the rights, responsibilities, and freedoms granted to us through our constitution; so I want to share with you a portion of the speech I gave below, you can also watch a video of it here:
We gather today—on the steps of the Montgomery County Courthouse—not just to mark the passage of time, but to commemorate a document that has served as the cornerstone of our democracy and a beacon to free societies around the world: the United States Constitution.
Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago, on this very day in 1787, our Founders signed the Constitution in Philadelphia—just a short distance from where we stand now.
That historic moment was neither simple nor serene. The Constitution emerged from fierce debates, compromise, and deep disagreements. And while it was far from perfect, it enshrined a radical idea: that "We the People" could govern ourselves under the rule of law—protected by checks and balances, and by rights that would endure for generations.
And endure it has.
Through civil war and world wars, through economic depression and political upheaval, the Constitution has remained a steady guide. It has been challenged—and at times strained—but never broken.
While I no longer teach civics as frequently as I once did through our local Judicial and Bar Association programs, I continue to step in when I can. Each time, I am reminded of the promise this document holds— and how inspiring it can be to discuss it with young people. Children understand that this living document was born from the experience of oppression and the determination to create something better. Their appreciation for it can help all of us understand both the simplicity and the profoundness of this essential document.
Today, our Constitution faces new challenges—challenges that reflect the complexities of our time. We are living in an age of rapid technological change, stark political polarization, and growing public mistrust in institutions. We also continue to navigate the tension between federal and state authority—something the Constitution both anticipated and structured with care.
As a representative, I see firsthand how essential the role of states remain in protecting and advancing constitutional values. States are not mere administrative units; we are co-equal participants in the American democratic experiment. As my colleagues at the Council of State Governments often say: states are the laboratories of democracy.
Here in Pennsylvania, we undertake the mantle of democracy seriously. Whether we are protecting the right to vote, expanding access to education, defending public health, or preserving personal liberties, we do so guided by the Constitution—and constrained by it, as well.
Let us not forget: the Constitution does not enforce itself. Its endurance depends on us—on informed citizens, principled leaders, and institutions committed to the rule of law. That is why Constitution Day matters.
It is a moment to reflect on the values embedded in our founding document—liberty, justice, equality, and self-governance—and to recommit ourselves to protecting them.
Thank you again to the Daughters of the American Revolution for keeping this important tradition alive, and thank you all for being here to honor the enduring strength and promise of the United States Constitution.
My hope is that as we work together towards a more civil, non-violent, political discourse, and we never lose sight of the simple, yet profound rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution and the promise this living document holds now and for our future.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the tragedy that occurred this week in York County. My heart is with fallen officers' families, those wounded, the domestic violence survivor, the citizens of York County, and the officers across the Commonwealth who continue to protect our communities.