News / Press Release
Sister Simone: A Politics of Divisiveness Won the Day but Cannot Rule our Hearts
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For Immediate Release: November 9, 2016
Contact: Ashley Wilson, awilson@networklobby.org, 202-601-7856
WASHINGTON, D.C. –In response to the results of the 2016 election, Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby Executive Director and leader of Nuns on the Bus said the following:
“My heart is broken by the results of this election. I am shocked and anguished that we have as our President-elect a man who has been so judgmental, racist, and sexist. I am horrified. Saddened. In disbelief.
This election seems to have further polarized our nation. We are split along racial, gender, religious, and economic lines. Our nation needs a President who understands he is responsible not just to his supporters or the angry “middle class,” but to the whole nation. If the 2016 election has shown us anything, it’s that the state of our union is divided, and people are wrought with fear and anger.
The bigotry and hate that has been spewed during this campaign season has been dangerous for the people of our nation. This is particularly true for people of color, women, Muslims, immigrants, LGBTQ people, and more who are often excluded. It is because of the crying needs of the many that we cannot lose hope; we cannot give up. A politics of divisiveness won the day but cannot rule our hearts.
My faith tells me that now, more than ever, we need to mend the gaps and bridge the divides among us. We know that Democracy is hard work. If anger fueled the election, we need to listen deeply to this reality, not dismiss it. The temptation is to immediately think about how we will fight back, but fighting back will only reinforce this mess we’re in. Instead, we have to fight for a vision that eases people’s fears, brings us together, and solves problems. I pray that President Trump will come to this realization and not be the same as candidate Trump.
NETWORK will continue to educate and advocate for the needs of the 100% through the transition period and the next four years.”
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NETWORK, advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters, educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a more than 40-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org
Sister Simone Campbell, SSS is available for interviews. For inquiries, contact Ashley Wilson awilson@networklobby.org or 202-601-7856.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]