Mindset Statement on Inauguration

The past couple of weeks have been extremely difficult for us at Mindset to witness and absorb as it has been for many Americans. The insurrection of the United States Capitol, January 6th was not only an affront to our democracy, but a physical assault and threat to many of our friends. Five people died, and numbers more were injured. The pain, anger, and frustration that we felt that day and continue to feel will not soon be forgotten.

With our strongest conviction, we denounce the heinous acts of those who resorted to violence and terror in an unlawful attempt to achieve their political ends. We also unequivocally condemn former President Trump’s and even some lawmakers’ irresponsible rhetoric encouraging the intimidation of elected officials discharging their constitutional duties. This undoubtedly created the predictable conditions for, and indeed led to the perpetrators’ misguided actions aimed at overturning an election that had already been decided, tested in the courts, and certified in all 50 states.

However, we also choose to be optimistic about the strength of our democracy. In many cases, security officers heroically stood their ground and cleared the capital of the lawbreakers. Congress returned to its work within hours of the disruption and with new resolve completed the Constitutional process before the next sunrise. The perpetrators of violence are now being arrested, and the former President’s irresponsible rhetoric which led to it, is, for the most part, rightfully being condemned. President Biden was confirmed, and yesterday, he was sworn as the 46th President of the United States. Democracy prevailed.

We salute and express our sincere gratitude to the many policymakers on both sides of the aisle who showed courage and spoke truth to power, knowing the risks they took were real to both their political trajectory and even their lives. To the many staff and security that actually stood in harm’s way to defend democracy, the constitution, and protect others, we thank you.

There is a lot of work that needs to be done to get this country on the right track. We at Mindset want to be a part of this effort. As a bipartisan firm, with a strong culture of mutual respect for one another, including our diverse backgrounds and views, we believe in the power of dialogue, of empirical analysis, of calm and cogent rhetoric, and the ability of each of us to learn and grow from one another by focusing on what we have in common. We recommit ourselves to this now with a spirit of mutual love for each other as colleagues, and fellow citizens, accompanied by an abiding faith in the fundamentals of our Constitutional Republic.