As a veteran and co-founder of Vet the Vote , I care deeply about this country, value the principles of our democracy and have faith in the strength of our institutions. Tropical Storm Helene brought unimaginable devastation to Asheville and its surrounding communities. As local, state and federal agencies, along with nonprofit organizations, continue to provide essential resources for recovery, I have witnessed our community come together to support one another with unwavering kindness and solidarity.
The response has reinforced my faith in the goodness of people, the strength of our democratic institutions and the resilience of the American spirit.
In the aftermath of the storm, state-run media in Russia and China seized the opportunity to exploit the pain of affected communities as they work to rebuild their homes and lives, amplifying false and misleading claims about the United States response to this and other disasters. As election day approaches, their aim is simple: sow division and distrust among Americans and weaken confidence in our institutions…