“With malice toward none, with charity for all.”

Ending slavery in our country is just a part of Lincoln’s incredible legacy, but his work didn’t end there. Our first Republican president went on to tackle the next biggest challenge of the time: bringing unity and healing to a country divided.

Lincoln longed for brothers to reunite and neighbors to reconcile. Instead of pushing retribution and punishment onto the Confederate states, The Great Emancipator challenged the country to let go of the past and embrace the future. It's Lincoln's vision and audacious hope that make him one of my heroes and favorite presidents.

Some say that Illinois is too far gone with its corrupt politicians, garbage government, and broken systems. But I see a light here in the Land of Lincoln. I believe it's possible for good people to step up and create a wave of goodness that will change the economic and political landscape of our beloved state. I think, like Lincoln, that hope will rise again.

Happy President's Day. Let's keep hope alive here in Illinois.

Here to serve,