From Philip Ellender, President & COO of Government & Public Affairs, Koch Companies Public Sector:
We condemn in the strongest terms the violence perpetrated yesterday at the U.S. Capitol. These shameful, violent and criminal acts are the antithesis of the values that form the foundation of our democratic republic. They have no place anywhere, least of all in the United States of America.
To be clear, participating with civility in the democratic political process is good. We strongly believe in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of every individual to do so, including those of peaceful assembly and expression. These rights are hallmarks of what makes America an exceptional nation, as is the peaceful transition of power, which is essential to our constitutional order and thus, our individual freedom.
It is why despite supporting neither candidate, Charles Koch in NovembercongratulatedPresident-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on their victory and pledged to find common ground to solve the issues that are holding us back as a nation. And it is why, prior to the election, the Koch-supported Stand Together philanthropic communityjoineda group of nearly 100 philanthropies to advocate for a peaceful transition or continuation of power.
在我们的生活中是很重要的在这个具有挑战性的时刻nation’s history that we seek out and try to understand other perspectives in order to return the civility that’s been missing for several years in our political discourse. That’s why KOCHPAC is committed to supporting candidates who are steadfast advocates for the principles of a free and open society. As we have in the past, we will continue to evaluate, among other criteria, the civility of candidates in deciding whom to support.
Together, I’m confident we’ll continue to move our society toward one of equal rights and mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping others improve their lives.