Today’s update was meant to be something else. Then, this happened:
“Idaho Senator Yells at Students Lobbying for Birth Control”
We all have a right to strong beliefs and to defend those beliefs, but this exchange goes beyond defense. It reminded me that how we choose to act (or react) continues to be one of the few things within our total control, and it made me think of these timely words from Mr. Rogers:
“There are three ways to ultimate success:
The first way is to be kind.
The second way is to be kind.
The third way is to be kind.”
Rep. Mike Simpson struck a similar note this weekend at the Region VII Lincoln Day Banquet. He encouraged all of us to strive for civility and acknowledged that he and his fellow legislators could benefit from treating each other with more respect.
These events reminded me that by choosing to run for office, I need to remember who I serve. Even when I may disagree, the responsibility falls on me to remember I’m not just representing my own views, but also District 34. How I act will reflect not only on me, but also on the people in my community.
It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I will do everything possible to live up to this commitment.