[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7397]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF MT. VERNON HIGH SCHOOL AND CIVILITY MONTH, 2010

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the 
staff and students of Mt. Vernon High School for their participation in 
Civility Month, 2010.
  Civil discourse is one of the bedrocks of American society. It is 
also one of the most difficult to truly achieve. We are a country of 
diversity; of different religions, ethnicities, and opinions. The rich 
tapestry created by this diversity is one of the things that make 
America great and unique in the world.
  Perhaps one of the biggest challenges that each of us face as 
individuals is how we deal with this diversity. Dealing with someone 
who does not look like us, or speak like us, or has a different opinion 
can be difficult. But if we stop long enough to listen, we might learn 
something. And that is the purpose of conversation and discussion. None 
of us can understand another until we hear what he or she has to say. 
The underlying principles of Respect, Restraint and Responsibility are 
Golden Rules and if we do our best to live by them, we will all 
benefit.
  The old phrase ``Walk a Mile in His Shoes'' is pertinent here. We 
must continue to strive to understand and accept one another. We must 
continue to encourage conversation and acceptance while discouraging 
bullying and tyranny.
  I commend The Association of Image Consultants International for 
elevating this critical issue, as well as The Rotary Club and the Girls 
Scouts for joining in this effort. But most of all, I must commend and 
congratulate the staff and student body of Mt. Vernon High School, led 
by Principal Mrs. Nardos King, for embracing this issue.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending and 
congratulating the staff and student body of Mt. Vernon High School. 
Their commitment to civility, respect and responsibility are bright 
lights in this time of tense debate. We can learn much from these 
students. And perhaps again, the children shall lead the way.

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