Last week, I posted a message describing the beginning of a movement - one aimed at pulling this country back from the edge of a cliff where it now stands. It seems appropriate as we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone is more than a celebration of the nation’s birth; it is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the country’s history, honor its ideals, and chart a path forward.

I know on the surface, it seems too big to tackle, but one thing I’ve learned after 40 years of working in the government is your voice matters – but it must be heard to create the change you want. Below is the second installment in what will be a continuing series of posts intended to get the message out and encourage all of us to come together to restore the promise of this nation for every American.

Real leadership doesn’t punish or divide - it unites and serves. To move forward, we must separate genuine reform from political theater and recommit ourselves to honesty, fairness, and the lasting promise of America. This week, a U.S. Senator publicly criticized members of their own party for working with the President - arguing that cooperation itself was a mistake. That kind of thinking misses the entire point of public service. Congress doesn’t exist to serve political parties; it exists to serve the American people. Disagreement is normal, expected even, in a country of 350 million. But what matters most is two things: that we work across the aisle when the outcome benefits the American people, and that we reclaim a respectful public discourse. We must relearn the old American value of “agreeing to disagree” when common ground can’t be found. Likewise, we cannot tolerate elected leaders who treat governing like a schoolyard grudge match, blocking good legislation out of spite. That kind of behavior undermines trust and prevents real help from reaching the people who need it most. Across the country, Americans from every background - left, right, and center - are losing faith in the institutions built to serve them. Confidence in Congress, the media, and federal agencies has been shaken by years of broken promises, media bias, and double standards in how laws are applied. The 2024 election only deepened the divide, with bitter partisan fights and investigations that exposed just how far we’ve drifted from honesty and accountability.

President Trump’s policies and leadership have left a complex legacy regarding trust in our institutions. On one hand, his America First agenda surfaced real concerns - bureaucratic inefficiencies, selective enforcement of laws, and media distortion – on which many Americans held suspicions but rarely saw addressed so clearly. His willingness to challenge the status quo gave millions a voice and launched long-overdue national conversations about border security, government accountability, and election integrity.

At the same time, his communication style and open distrust of institutions like the courts, Congress, and the press fueled confusion and intensified national divisions. While many supported his calls for reform, others saw his rhetoric as undermining public confidence in the democratic process itself. The fallout from the 2024 election, along with ongoing court cases and Congressional hearings, keeps these tensions alive. Americans are left wrestling with a system that feels broken, where the truth is elusive and trust is in short supply. For many, the question now is simple: can we still trust the system to work fairly?

This is not just background noise - it’s a real crisis of trust. When Americans stop believing their vote counts or that the law applies equally to all, the very core of our republic begins to fracture. If we want to remain a free and self-governing people, we must restore transparency in our elections, integrity in law enforcement, and a shared respect for truth over party loyalty. Rebuilding trust isn’t optional - it’s essential. Government exists to serve the people, not partisan interests. If we are serious about renewing America, it starts with restoring the trust that holds our democratic foundations together. Every decision must be made with the best interest of all Americans in mind, regardless of political party. Leadership isn’t about settling scores; it’s about serving the nation. We don’t fix the country by weaponizing political power. Politicians don’t own the power they hold. It was given to them by us “the people”, with the expectation that it would be used for the greatest good. If they choose not to uphold that responsibility, we have every right - and every responsibility - to take that power back. This country belongs to us.

All of this starts with a conversation about who we are and who we want to become as a nation. I hope you’ll join in. This is the only country we’ve got. If we don’t protect it now, it may not be there when we need it most. Please help spread the word by reposting. I’d love to see Americans everywhere engage in healthy, meaningful discussion about these ideas.

I’ve been watching what’s happened to our country over the past 30 years. Particularly in the past 15 years or so and I thought it was time to share my thoughts with like-minded Americans.

In every generation, there comes a moment to remember who we are and what we stand for. Today, amid division and disillusionment, it is time to create a movement that brings back American pride and patriotism as a living commitment to the country that gives us so many good things. I’d like all Americans to join with me.

I know many people are hurting right now. Some feel left behind, unheard, or uncertain about the future. It’s hard to see the blessings of America when you’re struggling to make ends meet—I understand completely; I’ve been there. But even in our toughest moments, this country holds the promise of renewal. Things can and will get better - because we still have the freedom to speak, to work, to vote, and to shape change. America isn’t perfect, no country is, but it’s still worth supporting. In good times and bad, this nation deserves your allegiance, your hope, and your belief in its future. To deny American is to insinuate that people and nations can’t grow, can’t change and become better versions of themselves.

It’s easy to point out America’s flaws but focusing only on what’s wrong gives a one-sided view. We must tell the full story of our national journey, with all its trials and triumphs. We must also recognize the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy - many of which millions around the world risk everything to attain. America offers a pathway to a better life few other countries can match.

Let us teach everyone what is right with America. Let us honor our Constitution, fly the flag with pride, and light the fire of patriotism - in our families, governments, churches and businesses. The world needs a strong, principled America. We need all Americans to believe in their country again. That belief begins with us, right now, choosing to stand and lead with courage. I know we are a quiet group. We like to live and let live, but it's time we stand – before those in opposition to the American way extinguish the light of hope that America provides to so many.