“I take exception to the governor’s opinion that America is not great. America is far from perfect, but it is a great place to live. The principles this nation was founded on are rights that billions of people around the world desire, but too many are sadly deprived of. Our brave servicemen and women are fighting in nations the world over to provide those freedoms. We don’t have wars like those raging in our streets. We have healthcare, public education and the ability to pursue our dreams. Those things alone – many we take for granted daily – make this a great country to live in.

“That said, we must recognize that some Americans have a different experience, which we must work together to change. That is why our country is imperfect. We must strive to learn from the mistakes of our past in order to ensure a better future. The governor’s divisive rhetoric is not something this country needs when we are already divided. We are a flawed nation, but make no mistake, we are also great.”