The President's OK, but we're not.

Seeing a third assassination attempt Saturday night, this time at the Washington Hilton, was so saddening. Later he gave comments in the White House Brady Press room, named after the man shot at that same hotel where President Reagan was shot by John Hinkley while leaving the back exit. Most of us who've worked in DC know that place well. 

Years ago, I was working for former President Ford (a President who was shot at twice) and I accompanied him to a dinner at the DC Hilton and introduced him. The room was packed. (I still have the tux I had to buy to accompany him!) I pray not only for the President and his family but all the folks in the country suffering this frightful violence and hatred. Even Erica Kirk was there Saturday night, in tears, remembering her own husband's assassination earlier last year. 

Let's dial back the hatred, dial back the violence, recover our sense of community, and remember we're all neighbors, citizens, and friends. We have more that unites us than divides us. Although we don't think alike, it doesn't mean we must hate each other, and violence is rarely acceptable. God bless America and God bless us all.

We can do this, we'll work with anyone who wants to come together, and unite as a community and a country. Yes, I’ll acknowledge that even some folks on the left have expressed relief that the President, again, survived a third attempt on his life. Although the third potential shooter of Trump had just attended a No Kings protest, not all those attendees want that. After the David Trone ads, the Raskin rhetoric and hate coverage from most of the media, it’s good to hear Hakeem Jeffries suggest they stop using the Hitler/Nazi/racist rhetoric. Perhaps the Congress could come together in good faith and fully fund the government, so the Secret Service agents could finally be paid.

I’m familiar with the Hilton and interactions with the President. I’ve been inside the Secret Service bubble. I've seen threats to politicians of both parties. Read it here.

We were all worried about the President, Melania, the folks in the room and the state of the union. To that end, and since we all need it, I’m planning a Trump Birthday Party for June 6, mark your calendar to attend-more info soon. Tell me what you'd like at a Trump Birthday celebration at [email protected]

After one of the many times our world had erupted into chaos, LA’s Rodney King said “Can't we all just get along?” If you have an idea on how to accomplish that tell me how we can do it. Send me your thoughts and comments. Write to me at [email protected]

Stay safe, God bless America and God bless us all.

Dennis Melby