Why I Continue to Work on Civility

This past week, the Greater Kanas City Chamber of Commerce made its way to Washington for its annual "D.C. Fly-In." During the visit, 25 or so business leaders meet with Members of Congress to discuss matters important to the Kansas City area. They talked with each member of the Congressional delegation from our area, including those from the state of Kansas. At the conclusion of my discussion with the group, I fielded a question about the "dysfunctionality" of Washington, and why I continue to work on civility in the midst of such red hot partisanship. Let me share my answer.

One day Michelangelo, the incomparable Italian sculptor, painter, poet, and engineer, was standing before, and staring at, a block of marble so intently that he seemed to be oblivious to anyone and everything around him. A young boy walking along the street stopped and wondered about the strange man staring at a block of marble. "Kind sir, may I inquire about your stare at this ugly block of marble?," asked the boy. It is widely said that Michelangelo replied, "Young man, there is an angel inside this rock, and I must set him free."

When I look at the U.S. House of Representatives, I mostly see men and women, like me, who love and believe deeply in this country. It is unfortunately true, that sometimes this group presents to the world an image akin to that of a Keystone Cops kamikaze squad. But, I believe, there is – inside the hardness – a spirit of political compromise, a heart of undeniable patriotism, and an insatiable desire to make the government work for all of its citizens. Oftentimes, during floor debate, I sit in the chamber and stare at my colleagues on both sides who present an image of parochial hard-nosed enemies, instead of simple political rivals. Yes, it does seem hopeless unless we can look at even a most frustrating situation and think, "there is an angel inside this rock, and it must be set free."