On the recordJanuary 18, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this concurrent resolution to allow for the use of the rotunda in recognition of the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's inaugural address. You may have read this morning's Washington Post front page story, declaring that 82 percent of Americans think the tone of our Nation's political discourse is negative. At a time when the majority of Americans holds our political discourse in such low regard, there couldn't be a more timely or necessary opportunity to revisit the inaugural address that inspired our country 50 years ago. The speech called for unity, for respect of opposing views and for commitment to public service, all at a time of great change and challenge for the United States. It was a call for everyone to work together, to do their part in making America and the world a better place. The words that were spoken on January 20, 1961, still ring true to this day. In the words of President Kennedy: "So let us begin anew, remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. "Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate. "Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us."
