Civility

Preachers tell the story of the passion play, presented in a big city park during the holy week of the Christian tradition. As the actors processed up a hillside, the young man portraying Christ carried a heavy cross.

Yesterday, as it sometimes happens, I was on television for a little bit to talk about the issues of the day. I was on two very different shows, with two very different hosts, and two different audiences. I like to do that—to talk with people who think differently than I do. And my staff told me that many of you called my Washington office to say thank you.

Although these weekly missives are intended for 435 Members, this writing is directed more to the 58 newly elected Representatives.

I shall never forget the question someone asked our sixth grade science teacher: "Mr. Freeman, why is it that we can't kill all the flies around our House?" The teacher responded that there are way more flies than people. Each female fly, he said, lays about 150 eggs, three times a month during the summer. The eggs hatch and bring forth similar numbers and the beat goes on and on and on.

TIME TO PAY UP

This witty English saying has been quoted for at least 400 years.

"A stitch in time saves nine" means that a small rip in a garmet, should be repaired quickly or it will become a spacious tear. A one inch, almost unnoticeable snag, might become a nine inch unruly breach tomorrow.

THANK YOU ROYALS

THE KANSAS CITY ROYALS – WHAT ELSE NEEDS TO BE SAID??