LEADERSHIP

Yesterday was a sad day in American history. We saw the first breach of our Capitol building since the War of 1812. This time not by an invading enemy army, but by American citizens.

We all recognize our country is deeply divided politically. What took place, however, rises above our individual and collective differences and our ongoing debates. It was an assault not upon a building, but upon the democratic process and the rule of law upon which our nation was founded.

As a company deeply embedded in the fabric of this nation for the last 175 years, we hold our special and hard-won democracy as fundamental to who we are. It forms the bedrock of our own New York Life values, which bind us together as a community. Defending those values is not just our privilege, but our responsibility. That is why we have spoken out more strongly about social justice in our country. And that is also why earlier this month we signed on with other companies to a letter calling for our Congress to accept the results of the electoral college and let the democratic process – with all of its imperfections – play out as intended by our founding fathers and in a respectful manner consistent with our American values.  

To retain faith and confidence in our country’s democracy, we must stand up together to protect it from misguided efforts that only serve to subvert it.  There is no democratic right more basic than the right to choose our elected representatives, including who will be the next President of the United States.  

Yesterday’s events will likely leave a mark upon us, and if so, let it be one that serves as a reminder of what we share and how precious it is.

Ted Mathas

Former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer