Jo Ann!

"I think you're an asshole."

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-MO, in a letter to a constituent.  [Link]

Where have you gone, Pat Paulsen?

"All the problems we face in the United States today can be traced to an unenlightened immigration policy on the part of the American Indian." 

Pat Paulsen (1927-1997), Satirist, Statesman, Perennial Presidential Candidate

The Echo Chamber

"I have often said, and will always believe that the House of Representatives is the echo chamber of the hopes and dreams of the peope".

My former State Representative. (1965-)

What it's all about

How do you leave a place like this?  How do you walk away?

I guess you do so by knowing that the majesty of the House is not in marble, granite, or gold, but the way—when in assembly—151 people can be an entire state.

I guess you do so by marveling at the way that people from all walks of life and all variety of beliefs can come together on a common ground built on genuine care and good will.

I guess you do so by remembering the first time you saw how one person can truly make a difference, change minds, and move mountains.

I guess you do so by understanding that the strength of this institution is in its renewal; in the way, as my Dad pointed out on my first day here that the desks stay the same, the districts stay the same, but the people change.

I guess you do so by realizing that no matter how long you serve, they don’t retire your district number and raise your jersey to the rafters when you retire. (I checked. They don’t.)

I guess you do so by hoping that you did your best in the time you served.

Above all, I think it all takes the proper perspective when you recognize that while we have the ability to write laws, the true impact of what we do is in what we inscribe in the lives and on the hearts of the people who turn to us for help. Good or bad, that can’t be amended, erased, or repealed.

A retiring politician.  (1965-)  In his version of the "Luckiest man on the face of the earth" speech.

This. Is. True.

“Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgement; and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices it to your opinion.”

Edmund Burke (1729-97), Irish philosopher, statesman.

Going... going...

“When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people.”

Edmund Burke (1729-97), Irish philosopher, statesman.

Twain!

“Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.”

Mark Twain (1835-1910), U.S. author. Quoted in: Rudyard Kipling, From Sea to Sea, Letter