Statement on the Passing of Thomas V. "Mike" Miller
Thomas V. "Mike" Miller's passing deeply saddened all of us at AFT-Maryland. His contributions to Maryland politics over the last 33 years are well documented but what we remember most about him was the ways he continued to push Maryland forward with a personal touch that each person he encountered felt.
Senate President Emeritus Miller, as his colleagues named him, was a steadfast leader who was a friend to working people and particularly public employees, seeing they got their fair share. In particular, he worked with the state federation to advance education, and protections for the public employees that make Maryland the state that it is. He was a lion of the state senate and will be sorely missed.
AFT-Maryland extends our deepest condolences to his wife Patti, their five children, 15 grandchildren, and the countless people across Maryland he's touched and will feel his loss.
The violence that took place yesterday was absolutely disgusting. Our country is one that operates on the rule of law and belief in that law. When elected leaders threaten to undermine the rule and overturn the will of the American voters, and go on to incite others to violently attempt to overturn the will of the people, our democracy loses all moral standing. The President and his allies in Congress should be ashamed of themselves. The rambunctious MAGA supporters who operated in rebellion to the United States should be ashamed of themselves and most importantly, we as a country should be ashamed of ourselves.
This year has been challenging in ways that make it feel like an entire decade has passed by. That's why now, more than ever, it's important to pause to take inventory of the things we are thankful for. With so much hurt and pain socially, politically, and with health, now is the time to look toward the positive things that bring us joy. The quarantine has allowed us to spend more time at home with family.