In Rishi Sunak’s concession speech, he said:
“Good morning, I will shortly be seeing His Majesty the King to offer my resignation as Prime Minister.
To the country, I would like to say, first and foremost, I am sorry.
I have given this job my all. But you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change… …and yours is the only judgement that matters.
I have heard your anger, your disappointment; and I take responsibility for this loss.” https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/rishi-sunaks-final-speech-as-prime-minister-5-july-2024
In Sir Keir Starmer’s acceptance speech were several noteworthy comments:
“Country first, party second.”
“Renewing ideas that hold this country together.”
“Return politics to public service.”
“Service is a precondition for hope.”
“There is nothing preordained in politics. "
As I listened to the speeches of these two men, I could not help but see a difference between how these men addressed a change of government through the electoral process and how the current presidential candidates address it.
In the United States the speeches of the presidential candidates are vitriolic. There are personal attacks and belittlement of each other and their supporters. There is fear mongering. There is no attempt at unification of the country.
In Britain it is vastly different. It was clear that Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer both highly value the country even though they have different views as to what is important nationally and how it should be achieved.
Rishi Sunak took personal responsibility for failing the British people. Keir Starmer gives them hope. Neither one belittled the other.
For healing to occur in the United States hatred must subside, respect must be encouraged. This must start with the leaders at all levels of government.
“25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:” Matthew 12:25 King James Version
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