A leader for our time

January 11, 2020 -

For more than two centuries, allies have relied upon and trusted the United States to be fair, reach higher, and stand strong in the fight for a better tomorrow. Even when it fell short of realizing its lofty founding principles, our country remained a beacon of hope. When we veered off-course, Americans never failed to restart the march toward a safer and more equitable world for all, and that is what made America great. Greatness is not bestowed on those who amass power, turn inward, and focus on self. Great are those who cut the path forward and fortify it to protect those who follow so that someday all of humankind will reach a brighter future. As we enter a presidential election year, we must ask ourselves who is best able to lead as the fog of war and uncertainty gathers. Pete Buttigieg is that leader.

The golden glow of the New Year had barely faded from the horizon before U.S. missiles exploded on a roadway near the Baghdadi airport. Donald Trump’s decision to eliminate a government official of one country within the sovereign territory of another was reckless and shortsighted. No rational person can argue that Qassem Soleimani was not one of the worst actors on the world stage – his acts of terror and conspiration to disrupt free nations undeniably resulted in the loss of life and impeded the spread of democratic rule in the region. The world may be safer without Soleimani, but the way the Trump administration carried out the attack has significantly destabilized world affairs and may continue to do so for years to come.

As a parent of a son and daughter-in-law who are active duty Navy officers, the events of the last few days have put the consequences of the 2020 presidential campaign into vivid focus. Donald Trump’s capriciousness and repeated failure to work with America’s allies has severely damaged relations and norms that have helped maintain peace and promote prosperity since the end of World War II. The world order has been rearranged. Because the challenges we face and the enemies who stand in our way are different, the person we elect needs to be as well. The leader we need in the coming decade should not look backward to rebuild yesterday’s government but should lean forward to construct the coalitions and policies our country needs to take us into a new era of peace.

As I reflect on our son’s recent seven-month deployment and prepare for our daughter-in-law’s imminent departure, one thing is clear. Pete Buttigieg has the experience, confidence, ability, and vision to cut the path forward to a safer, more equitable world. His steady, thoughtful, and inclusive administrative, military, and life experiences will return stability and trustworthiness to the White House. America’s allies will once again be able to count on the United States as a reliable partner.

Electing Pete Buttigieg as President of the United States will restore hope and assure we retake the course to a brighter tomorrow.

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