When Hate Comes Home
“The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart… for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” — Luke 6:45
This morning, I stood among Hudson families at a cross-country meet, cheering on my son and his teammates. It was a moment of shared joy—neighbors united by pride, not politics. And yet, I couldn’t help but reflect: when did it become acceptable to call someone a Nazi or a fascist simply because we disagree?
Four years ago, at the polls in Hudson, a young man held my campaign sign. A resident walked by and called me a Nazi and a fascist. The young man was shaken. I told him not to worry—those were unhinged words from someone who’d never met me. Moments later, the same man—an established member of our community—voted, then when I thanked him for voting, he called me a fascist and drove off in his Porsche.
If you know me, you know how absurd that is. My family fled communist oppression. I’ve spent decades fighting real authoritarian regimes. I’m a staunch defender of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I believe in civic service, respectful dialogue, and the dignity of every person.
We rightly reject imported hate—like the visiting Nazis—but what about the hate that’s taken root here at home? We see signs that say “Hate Has No Home Here,” yet some use that slogan to justify their own contempt. It’s no longer just disagreement—it’s dehumanization.
We’re at a cultural crossroads. The answer isn’t louder slogans—it’s timeless wisdom: Love your neighbor as yourself. That’s not weakness—it’s strength. It’s the only way communities heal.
It’s time to see each other again—not as enemies, but as neighbors.
September 11th. A day that changed everything.
In August 2001, I was a Second Lieutenant stationed in Quantico, Virginia. I had just volunteered to lead our Anti-Terrorism Reaction Force—mostly sandbag duty during storms.
Then came the morning of 9/11.
I was pulled from a meeting as the attacks unfolded. Our mission shifted instantly—from routine prep to securing the base against potential threats. My Marines stepped up. By God’s grace, we all made it home. Not everyone did.
2,977 lives were lost. Among them, 343 firefighters, police officers, and EMS personnel who ran toward danger and never returned. They didn’t ask who was Republican or Democrat. They saw Americans in need and responded.
Yesterday, a man was struck down for speaking freely. Whether you agreed with Charlie Kirk or not, his assassination was an attack on the core of who we are. Free speech isn’t optional—it’s foundational.
Violence in response to words is the most un-American act I can imagine.
September 11th reminds us of the tragedy of violence. September 12th showed us how to respond—with unity, courage, and conviction. We came together not in fear, but in resolve.
Today, we honor those who sacrificed. But we also choose how we live. Let’s honor their memory by defending the values they died for—freedom, service, and the right to speak without fear.
Today 350 million Americans get to decide how we respond. Let’s choose courage over hatred. Unity over division. Let’s choose to be worthy of their sacrifice.
#September11 #NeverForget #HonorTheFallen #FreeSpeech #Unity #Service #AmericaStrong
Easter Sunday is a great day for hope for all. In the Christian faith, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, represented by the empty tomb. All of us make mistakes and need forgiveness.
Today encourages people to reflect on the deeper meaning of a God who would give his only son for the sake of all of us, emphasizing the importance of finding light and love amid challenges and divisiveness, encouraging people to rise in their lives and embrace the good around them. Even in times of great disappointment and confusion, I have hope for what’s ahead. He is Risen!
Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians and a day of great hope because we know Easter Sunday is coming. For early followers of Jesus it was a day of disappointment and confusion during a time of great human suffering, followed by the resurrection and great hope. For those who do not follow the Christian faith, it can be a great encouragement that Jesus lived and died not for fame or glory, but for the sake of humanity. Even in times of great disappointment and confusion, I have hope for what’s ahead.
Today is Veteran’s Day, a time to remember and honor those who serve and have served in defense of this great nation. As we gather today to celebrate these men and women, we stand in a nation that seems bitterly divided. It is a good time to reflect on what this great Nation is and how it brought us together.
https://t.co/jYuvVQ9PJp
There was a tremendous rainstorm last night, and today will be a day of recovery for many in our community. As a city, we were measured at 6 on average, the highest rainfall in the entire storm. If you need help, reach out and let me know, and I will do my best to help or connect you with those who can—513-318-9256.
Staff are having a post-event meeting this morning to review.
NEO legislators have a call with the Governor’s office and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency executive director at 10:30 a.m. today regarding the storms to see if they can get any assistance for our area.
Memorial Day 2024
Countless generations of Americans have bravely confronted our nation's most sinister and dangerous enemies in combat, at home, and overseas. This weekend, as we honor their memory, we are reminded that 'For our tomorrow, they gave their today.' Their sacrifices, often made in the face of uncertainty and fear, have paved the way for the future we enjoy today. President Lincoln's words, a testament to his unwavering commitment to our nation's progress, resonate deeply as he commemorated the Gettysburg battlefield.
"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here."
They remind us of the immense sacrifice made to rid our nation of the moral scourge of slavery and also preserve its unity. We stand today in the shadow of these giants, their legacy a beacon of inspiration.
Today, I ask that as you enjoy ceremonies and parades this weekend, remember those who've given their all, let your soul reflect on these giants of the past and ask yourself:
- What are you doing today to cultivate our community and this great nation?
- What are you doing to preserve what has been given to us by those who came before us?
If we desire a brighter tomorrow for our children, we must be the architects of it; we cannot rely solely on the achievements of the past. Each of us has the power to contribute to the betterment of our community and nation, and it is through our collective efforts that we can truly honor the sacrifices of those who came before us.
"No greater love has a man than this, to give his life for his friends."
John 15:13
Thank you to all our supporters for a great race. While the outcome didn't go the way we wanted, I've called Senator Coughlin to concede. It has been an incredible experience to travel around this district and talk with people who passionately care about our country. With the Republican majority in the House and the future of the country on the line this November, be sure to stay involved and let your voice be heard.
ATR applauds @banweg for signing the #TaxpayerProtectionPledge and committing to oppose tax hikes. By signing the Pledge, Banweg shows his unwavering support for hardworking American taxpayers. #OH13 https://t.co/2AG9c6zQjU
As voters head to the polls this Tuesday, our campaign believes in one central question: do you want something different, or just more of the same types of people we elect to go to DC over and over and over again. DC is broken, and it's time for something new. #OH13
https://t.co/ZyseOXk7qp
As we go door to door in this last weekend before the vote, we are hearing over and over again that securing the border is the top concern. I've worked to secure borders overseas, it's time to do it here at home. Make a plan to vote between now and Tuesday March 19th! #OH13
https://t.co/FpdaPvB8X1
Sprinting to the end meant meeting with voters across all three of OH-13's counties last night. I started at the Greater Akron Chamber's 117th Annual Meeting in Akron, then a meet-and-greet in Canal Fulton, and finally, a visit to Dano's Lakeside Pub in New Franklin.
I look forward to what we can do together to deliver results for our families and communities. OH-13's interests and needs are diverse and complex. It's going to take real work and time with the people to make an impact that people can feel.