America witnessed the culmination of Republicans politicians’ years-long coddling of conspiracy theorists and white supremacists last week when rioters backing and egged on by President Donald Trump seized the U.S. Capitol Building in what many called an insurrection. 

As of this writing, senior politicians across the country are calling for Trump’s immediate removal from office, whether by his cabinet via the 25th Amendment or by Congress via impeachment.  

We take heart in statements by many business leaders, both locally and nationally, condemning the president’s supporters for their attack on democracy. As important and experienced voices in our communities yet outside of politics, business figures’ opinions carry weight like few others. That so many stepped up so suddenly is a testament to their moral fiber – unlike Nazi Germany or so many other regimes before and since, our business community in Massachusetts will not be chief enablers of an aspiring authoritarian. 

While it makes good business sense to stay out of politics, that conventional wisdom must be set aside in times of great danger to the nation. 

As the country tries to recover from the last four years – and the concerted campaign by national Republicans in the eight years prior that paved the way for them – we urge the business community to find ways to play a role in making positive change.  

Massachusetts and the nation face deep-seated, thorny, highly politicized challenges, from climate change to economic and social inequality to ensuring a healthy, competitive economy. To solve them will require sacrifices on many sides, including from the private sector. And good solutions cannot be found if we descend into a polarized state mirroring our national politics.  

So, in the months and years ahead, look for opportunities to bridge divides, to form relationships across political gaps and to build understanding. Take deep breaths before flinging accusations. Lean towards generosity. And seek out opportunities to join cooperative efforts aimed at building solutions to the problems, pain and suffering afflicting our world. 

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