[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E444-E445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMEMORATING NATIONAL WEEK OF CONVERSATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE STIVERS

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2019

  Mr. STIVERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the citizens of 
Ohio's 15th Congressional District to commemorate the National Week of 
Conversation, a week that seeks to encourage all individuals to have 
meaningful conversations with one another, and to respect differing 
opinions.

[[Page E445]]

  There are 300 million people in our country who are struggling with a 
tumultuous time and how to communicate with each other when they 
disagree. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: ``We must live 
together as brothers, or perish together as fools.'' It is that example 
of compassion and respect that Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and I 
strive to demonstrate as Founders and Co-Chairs of the Civility and 
Respect Caucus.
  We created our caucus not to change people's opinions, beliefs, or 
political affiliation, but to show that by coming together, we can find 
solutions that lead to better policy. From combatting youth 
homelessness and human trafficking, to supporting our veterans and 
promoting financial literacy--every issue that we have collaborated on 
begins with a conversation.
  That is why I am honored to commemorate the National Week of 
Conversation. Vilifying one another or attacking another's motives will 
not solve problems, but conversation and discussion alone can make us 
better. As Dr. King also said, ``people fail to get along because they 
fear each other; they fear each other because they do not know each 
other, and the do not know each other because they have not 
communicated with each other.
  In the spirit of the National Week of Conversation, I would encourage 
everyone to have a conversation with someone new, and to show that it 
is possible to disagree without being disagreeable.

                          ____________________