| |  | | | | THANKSGIVING
Shakespeare once wrote, "Blow, blow, thou winter wind, Thou art not so unkind As man's ingratitude…"
The quote continues, of course, but I believe that part is very important. It means there is nothing that occurs in nature that matches the incivility of not expressing thanksgiving. The giving of thanks, not just on the actual day we celebrate Thanksgiving, but on everyday of our lives. Stopping for a moment to take a deep breath, to think, and to give genuine thanks for our family, our friends and those we love. Just as critical, though, to give thanks to the maker of the wind, the rain, and the beauty we see all around us.
This week, I would like to simply send to you a Thanksgiving Day message.
We are living in a time where fighting and disagreement seem to be at an all-time high in our nation's Capitol. In a time where good and hard-working families stay awake at night wondering what the next day will bring. And in a time when we legitimately wonder if elected leaders will have the strength and fortitude to lead our country and our communities in the right direction. It is a time of great uncertainty. But we must also remember it is still a time to reflect on what we do have.
It reminds me of a time I sat down to counsel with a parishioner who had called to ask if we could talk. She said her entire world was collapsing around her and she didn't know if she had the power left to keep going. When she sat down I asked her about her kids. One child had recently been accepted to college. Another was in the midst of an exceptionally successful athletic season. She and her husband had celebrated another anniversary and she commented aloud on what a good man and a good father he had been all of those years.
It was at that point, she stopped all of a sudden. I don't really think I need to be here after all she told me. She went on to say that she had been so focused on all of the negative things going on in her life that she had truly missed the forest for the trees.
To this day, that moment serves as a good reminder to me as well. It is easy to do sometimes, miss the big picture because of all of the chaos, clutter and noise of the moment.
This Thanksgiving I plan to sit down alone for a few minutes and simply give thanks. I thank God for my wife, who is not only the love of my life, but my friend and my soul mate. The love and admiration I have for my four children is unmatched by any emotion I have ever felt. My grandchildren can do no wrong. I am thankful for all of the friends in my life, from my church, my community and my District. These people care for me as Emanuel, the person, not Emanuel the politician. I cherish my friends in Congress, on both sides of the aisle. These are friends I will feel connected to for the duration of my life.
I am keenly aware that there is much work to be done, in our District and in our country. But this Thanksgiving I will remember to spend a little time taking pride in all we have been able to accomplish together. Inside the Green Impact Zone there are monumental changes taking place. While we would all like to see projects and plans move more swiftly, work is underway and a reformation is afoot. Residents are working together with neighborhood groups, organizations and each other to get rid of vacant homes and those that are beyond rehabilitation. Other homes are being rehabbed and rebuilt, weatherized, and becoming more energy efficient. Sidewalks will be improved, efforts to fight crime continue to receive increased attention, and house by house pride is blooming like a flower in the springtime. Just the other day, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a grant that includes money for seven cities throughout our metro area to work toward more sustainable housing and home ownership. I am thankful the Green Impact Zone was included in the grant and could serve as a platform for other communities to benefit. We are creating jobs and will work tirelessly to create, retain and train for more. Do I wish it was finished? Yes, of course. But as we move forward, albeit more slowly than we'd like, we know the national model we are establishing in this area for a green and sustainable community is a first in this country. We must do it right.
I am thankful that next week members of Congress from this wonderful state will get the chance to testify at a hearing addressing issues concerning the Army Corps of Engineers and the Missouri River. The flooding and devastation we saw this year must not be allowed to be repeated. And we must and will stand firm in our resolve to see the damage that was done is repaired.
As Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I travel throughout the country. While I am honored by the opportunity to work in this capacity on behalf of those who have, for way too long, been forgotten or ignored, every time I land at KCI Airport I feel a sense of relief and happiness. There is truly no place like home. Each time I pray for a safe landing and a chance to return to the District I love and have promised to serve.
For all of the constituents in the Fifth District, I give thanks. Not just those who agree with a certain political agenda, but for all of us. We are fortunate to live in a country where disagreement and dissent are not only accepted but encouraged. I have always believed the most effective way of communication and behavior is through civil and respectful treatment of others. I hope we, as elected leaders, will work harder to model this behavior.
I am thankful each day to have the trust, the opportunity and the good health to work for you. Working for you, remains, as always, a promise I will believe in and will keep.
So this Thanksgiving, we have much to think about. My wish for you is a moment of time. Time to think about what you are thankful for -- and my hope is that your list is a long and happy one.
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Emanuel Cleaver, II
Member of Congress
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| Kansas City Office
101 W 31st St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-842-4545
Fax: 816-471-5215 | Independence Office
211 West Maple Avenue
Independence, MO 64050
Phone: 816-833-4545
Fax: 816-833-2991 | Washington Office
1433 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-4535
Fax: 202-225-4403
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