Civility
This week, President Obama completed his responsibility that Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution outlined, to appoint Justices to the Supreme Court. On Wednesday morning he announced that he is nominating D.C. Circuit Court Chief Judge Merrick Garland to serve as the next Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, to take the seat of the late Associate Justice Antonin Scalia.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Obama announced that he is nominating D.C. Circuit Court Chief Judge Merrick Garland to serve as the next Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Congressman Cleaver called on the Senate to hold a fair hearing and timely vote on Judge Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court.
For more than five years, I have written a weekly commentary treatise promoting the need for an elevation in congressional civility and a denunciation of the notion that compromise means capitulations. Four hundred and thirty-four Members of the House of Representatives receive the weekly congressional communiqué. Hundreds, over the years, from both sides of the aisle, have expressed enlightenment in the ruminations.
Dear Friends,
My English teacher, Ms. Alma Holland, introduced me to Robert Frost when I was a 10th grader at Booker T. Washington High School in Wichita Falls, Texas. My assignment one week was to memorize the great poem, “The Road Not Taken.” Even today, I still believe that it is not only beautiful, but sermonic as well. I credit Robert Frost, through Ms. Holland, for inspiring me to discover the magic of words.
Dear Friends,
A veteran member of the US House, who had served as the chair of a powerful committee and had become a household name, died. Immediately after he took his last breath, he found himself at heaven's gates face-to-face with St. Peter.
Dear Friends,
My choice in life is to never throw away friends, no matter their station in life. I will mention one such friend, whom my family and other friends have experienced from time to time. After his third incarceration in a state prison, I assisted him in securing a room in a half-way house. After all, he had been framed, yet again.
Thursday was one of the most memorable days in my life. Having the opportunity to see Pope Francis close up was a bulky blessing. I sat in the House Chamber thinking about the impactful style of leadership this pontiff brings to the world.
Yes, I am an ordained United Methodist preacher and that did not, in any way, inhibit my respect for this pope. I listened to his words and the commonalities in our faith traditions moved me more than the differences distress me.
Using Words, Not Weapons
This week, I was honored to visit two local schools: Wendell Phillips Elementary and James Bridger Middle School.
Joyce Neal, Principal Deloris Brown, and Mr. R. Stephen Green, Superintendent of Kansas City School District welcomed us to their school, in connection with the Central Bank of Kansas City's Teach Children to Save lesson. Also present to help was Mr. Bill Dana, CEO Central Bank of Kansas City, who helped create this pilot program to contribute to financial education and literacy in our urban KC schools.
Today, Congressman Cleaver released this statement in response to the protests and unrest in Baltimore, Maryland:
This week, I received call after call on a certain bill coming before the House for a vote. Some callers asked me to vote for the bill. Some callers asked with me to vote against it. To those doctors, nurses, and senior citizens who took the time to call me and my staff, I appreciate hearing your thoughts, and I do value your messages. To the hospital officials and health center advisors who came in to meet with me, thank you for your time and your insights. At times like these, I know it is important to listen to all sides and sentiments on an issue before making a decision.