I need to tell you this. To my friends and fellow countrymen who are immigrants, to my Muslim brothers and sisters, to the LGBTQ community, to the women in my life, to the people of color throughout this country, to all people who push every day through the sludge of marginalization, distress, despair, and discrimination - I need to tell you this.

I am sorry.

I am sorry that once again this country has let you down. I am sorry that this day will begin once more with every sign and indication showing you that you do not matter. I am sorry that this country has normalized hate. I am sorry that we as a nation have failed to show you that you are loved and respected and important.

To say that I am anxious is not enough. This feeling is different. This feeling is a piercing, painful, deep-seated existential dread, and I know that you feel it too.

I need you to know something, though. I will not give in to dread. I will not give in to despair. I will not allow this fear to paralyze me or keep me from acting.

I need to tell you this. To my friends and fellow countrymen who are immigrants, to my Muslim brothers and sisters, to the LGBTQ community, to the women in my life, to the people of color throughout this country, to all people who push every day through the sludge of marginalization, distress, despair, and discrimination - I need to tell you this.

You are important.

You matter.

You are loved.

And I will work every day to make those words ring true. Our future is uncertain and downright frightening, but now more than ever, I commit myself as an ally. We cannot give in to despair. We must all commit to be better allies. We must all commit to be better people.

I need to tell you this.

I am sorry, and I love you.