The tragedy of Harvey reminds all of us what it means to be a nation, a "more perfect union" of those who take care of one another in the moment of need.
I'm crushed as I see the photos pouring in from Texas ... the loss of homes, the loss of everything ... a monumental cleanup that will take months, and years.
Life, for many, with the loss of loved ones, will never be the same.
In moments such as this, I'm glad to be an American, because America is yet a nation with heart, with kindness and soul and tenderness.
These are values that must never be lost.
It's incumbent on all of us to preserve these virtues, to strive with all our might to keep the good, to give ear to our better angels, to pay attention to our best instincts.
Certainly, goodness and mercy are expensive, but there is no alternative.
We Americans pay our taxes with gratitude, we foot the bill and pay the price, to be a nation of goodness and mercy and hope, for all who are here.
We do these things for the betterment of life for all. I can't think of any other reason to be a nation that claims exceptionalism as its descriptor.
So, let us be exceptional:
In love and kindness, generosity and humility, in mercy and assistance, in sacrifice and tenderness.
This is our stellar legacy; let it also be our bright future.
And get out our checkbooks ... our sisters and brothers in Texas need our help, and that of our government, our collective good will to seek one another's welfare.
For these ends, for this purpose, this is no price too great.
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