Democracy: moving forward

As I reflect on this first full week of 2021, the work ahead for our country is sobering but vital. This week, democracy prevailed but was gravely threatened. Months of baseless claims from President Trump challenging the legitimate election of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris were reinforced by the actions of many Republican members of Congress, including Senators Cruz and Hawley, as well as a majority of House Republicans. I unequivocally condemn these claims and actions. Support for the results of this free and fair election is not about party affiliation. Elections have winners and losers, and the peaceful transition of power is at the core of American democracy. 

In the coming weeks and months, our elected leaders from both parties must take steps to restore confidence in the integrity of our democratic institutions. As companies, we also have a responsibility to support these needed bipartisan efforts, as we did in recent statements by the Business Roundtable and Partnership for NYC, as well as through the recognition by many CEOs who, like me, publicly congratulated President-elect Biden once he was named the winner on November 7. This week, I also shared this memo with our people, reinforcing that the integrity of the election was not in doubt.

It is also a time for justice. It is crucial to identify and prosecute those who attacked the U.S. Capitol. I commend the many Capitol police officers who did their jobs and protected from harm the lives of those who were under attack. Authorities must provide a full accounting of what went wrong that enabled the rioters to breach what should have been a secure facility, putting at risk members of Congress, the Capitol police and the public. This should include an evaluation of the role that systemic racism played in the lack of preparation and the response to the rioters.

As companies, we also must quickly turn to renewed efforts, working together with the incoming administration, Congress and our state and local governments to address the pressing issues we face. These include the pandemic and the health and economic crisis it has caused, new job creation, the digital divide, climate change and continuing racial disparities.

I end this unsettling week realistic about the serious challenges facing our nation but optimistic that we can overcome them together. Democracy prevailed, and we must ensure it continues to do so.