“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds…to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”
–President Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address, 1865
It is clear that when President Lincoln wrote and shared these words, it was to bring together a terribly divided nation that had been through its most horrific chapter to date. And yet more than a century and a half later, it is also clear that not all of our wounds have healed.
The weeks leading up to this election have been marked with anger, frustration, fear, resentment, hatred, and a barrage of disinformation coming at all of us from all political levels. And unfortunately, the weeks that follow will likely bring more of the same. But behind it all, we are also seeing record voter registrations, a remarkable number of early votes being cast across the nation, and a new and different generation of voters seeking new and different strategies and solutions.
Regardless of election outcomes, individually and as a team at EDC, we will continue to do all we can to work with all leaders, at all levels of government. Time and again, we have seen that it is public and private-sector leadership working together that creates the best possible outcomes for our economy and our community.
As we move into the final months of 2020, our focus will remain on supporting our local businesses through economic recovery, and in creating the jobs that will lead to more thriving households in all corners of our region. We look forward to another year of working with and through all of our investors and partners to rebuild and strengthen San Diego’s economy and to ensure that our core values of integrity, accountability, collaboration, and inclusion are seen and felt in all that we do.
Wishing our region and our nation a great and peaceful election today. May we all strive to finish the work we are in—with malice toward none, charity for all, and a firmness in what we know to be right.
With respect, admiration, and hope,
–Mark Cafferty