Defining Moments.

In the span of a few months the world has completely changed. Once again. A pandemic of viruses and fear change the game pretty darn fast. Normal is no longer recognizable; more than 330 million Americans are prisoners of their small spaces. Good people with children, spouses, and extended family are getting very sick, and far too many are passing. A giant wrench has been thrown into our gigantic, dynamic economy. The stock market has dropped almost 30% - and probably has another 20% or so to go. Bank stocks are taking a beating at the same time banks are shoring up their reserves. The "bank of the bankers", The Federal Reserve, has a balance sheet exploding by the trillions, once again. Every single person has demonstrated a bunker-mindset and impressive set of capabilities to adapt to changing circumstances, and the future is mostly uncertain and full of unchartered waters at this moment. This is now our finest hour.

Peter Tuchman is considered the most photographed trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. His recent expression a week or so ago - during one of the biggest market drops since 1929 - captured the moment best. His expression captured what we were all probably thinking: “I can’t believe this is happening!” Shortly after this photo was taken, Tuchman became Covid-19 positive and almost didn't make it.

It is happening, and we will get through it. Probably with a few black eyes, a broken nose, a lot of deep bruises, and a few crooked teeth. Much like a hockey player after a really competitive game. We will adjust, heal, and bounce-back; that is what this country does best. As a proud immigrant who dreamed of coming to America as a young kid and is now living the American Dream in Technicolor, I still believe in that "City on a Hill." And the overwhelming history and experience to know that Americans are incredibly resilient and tenacious; we will now have many opportunities to uncover and discover it in those around us – and within ourselves.

I have seen more kindness, generosity, concern for others, introspection, and innovation in the last few weeks than in the last 20 years combined. Traditional adversaries are putting down their proverbial swords and collaborating for survival. So many good things are happening and multiplying across communities, political tribes, and national boundaries. These are the reasons I am confident we will emerge from this stronger than ever. Our children are seeing goodness and strength and adaptability, and many other positive things that they have never seen or experienced before. This is the most brilliant part of this unfortunate, global tragedy. Be safe and healthy, and let’s all continue to work together and make this our defining moment. We've got this.