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For the past 2 years, one of my favorite traditions in Washington has been participating in the Congressional Baseball Game. I usually play in the outfield.

For those who arent familiar with this annual event, its when congressional Democrats and Republicans get together to play each other in an exhibition game that raises money for different Washington, D.C. charities. Besides letting some of us relive our younger and more athletic days, it also gives us a rare opportunity to connect with our colleagues across party and state lines.

The vicious and horrific attack we saw Wednesday in Alexandria at the Republican teams practice was nothing short of a direct assault on the institution we all serve and a deranged attempt to disrupt our democracy through violence. But it failed. When the Democratic team learned about what happened, our coach Rep. Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania gathered us in the dugout for safety and led us all in prayer. As I sat in the dugout, I was horrified as I thought about Majority Whip Steve Scalise, the heroic Capitol Police officers, and the young former and current Capitol Hill staffers who were injured. It could have been any one of us. This wasnt just an attack on Republicans; it was an attack on our democracy.

The Congressional Baseball Game has never been about Republicans against Democrats. Its about Republicans and Democrats. Its about Americans coming together to support a good cause. The game went ahead Thursday night. We did not give in to fear, violence or hate. We played for those affected by these despicable and cowardly actions, to support local charities (including the Washington Literacy Center, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, and, as was announced Wednesday, the Capitol Police Memorial Fund), and to remind the American people that this violence will not define or divide us.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino, represents Californias 31st Congressional District. His commentary first appeared at CNN.com

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Gunman's assault on democracy failed - Press-Enterprise