On the recordSeptember 15, 2020
I thank the gentleman, and I thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me. My friend and colleague is discussing the deterioration of traditional American values in our Nation this evening, and I think it is appropriate that we as a nation take pause and reflect upon our own lives, our own families and our histories, the traditions and cultures which we represent, the men and women we strive to be as we seek, from bended knee, the very deepest part of ourselves, the whisper of our Lord Himself within us, His spirit that dwells there, to seek perhaps the best part of us, the undiscovered and sometimes difficult-to- recognize truth that He has placed within our breast. During the course of my life--I am 59 years old. I was born in 1961, the seventh of eight children. I have witnessed the deterioration of traditional American values. As a failed and fallen man, arisen myself, redeemed by the blood of our Lord and savior, I have contributed to the demise and deterioration of our society in my small part. I struggle as a man. Our journey, if you will, is to recognize that we are imperfect and to seek that perfection, for our Nation itself was founded by imperfect men who were driven by perfect intent. The founding words of our original documents include, ``in order to form a more perfect Union.'' This is a very humble statement by men of wisdom and great stature of spirit. ``In order to form a more perfect Union'' are words that recognize that we are imperfect men.…





