Joe Barton: “last Thursday evening I had an event occur that at the time my thought was, why me, Lord? But as I stand here this…”

“last Thursday evening I had an event occur that at the time my thought was, why me, Lord? But as I stand here this evening, I actually can say it is one of the greatest blessings of my life because since that time I have learned how great and how good this institution is and this country is. Literally thousands of people, many of whom I have never heard of, have sent good wishes and prayers to me and my family. I am not going to embarrass anybody on this floor, but some of the meanest, toughest reputations on both sides of the aisle have called me and shown themselves to be some of the biggest softies I have ever known. So I just want to say from the very bottom of my very, very sore heart, God bless this institution. This is the greatest institution for good the world has ever known. And I want to also say God bless the Lord for sending me my sweet wife, Terri, who is watching this and has been with me every step of the way. Let us work together the next year for the greater good of America because when we do what is good for America we do what is good for the world. Thank you for your prayers. God bless you all. ____________________”