OPINION: Maintaining Civility during Times of Turmoil
Abraham Lincoln once said: “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” These words could not be truer – even today. I believe that government must remain united in order to operate efficiently, and this becomes even more important during times of turmoil. It is no doubt that divided we will fall, which I always keep in mind while working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the state legislature. The same goes for our country, united we will prosper, but divided we will not stand a chance.
The third Monday in January, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, reminds us all to conduct ourselves with kindness, understanding, dignity and respect. As we honor the 32nd annual observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we must keep the dream that Dr. King spent his lifetime promoting alive –all individuals are equal regardless of their background or ethnicity. We must always choose to courageously stand up as Americans, united rather than divided. We are all equal; we are all humans and we are all citizens of the United States of America.
As public servants, it becomes even more important to never lose sight of respecting every individual uniquely, and doing the most good for the most people. As State Representative of the people of North Haven, I look forward to being your continued voice in Hartford and representing your views during the upcoming 2018 Legislative Session, which begins on February 7.
It is my hope that as the United States of America, as citizens of Connecticut, and as residents of North Haven, we remember to maintain civility even during times of turmoil and focus on what unites us. We must listen to each other and be respectful of our differences. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best: “we may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”