Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me. My mother taught
me this, and I grew up believing it was an all-powerful shield against bullies and trolls. I
walked around with at least some sense of confidence that words couldn’t hurt me.
 
I’m rubber, you’re glue
Whatever you say
bounces off me
and sticks to you.
 
The political dialogue has never felt more caustic. Engagement on all platforms—from
social media to civic meetings— is more sarcastic, biting, impatient, rude, aggressive
and often all too personal. Many choose to use their platforms to cut down others with
name-calling, bigotry, hate, attacks.
 
Freedom of speech is a pillar of our democracy and I don’t mean to say that that doesn’t
mean we can’t have tough and rigorous debate. It doesn’t mean we can’t disagree. It
doesn’t mean we won’t become angry or upset. But it does mean that we must guard
our response. Every one of us that has responded with darkness or hate on social
media, every one of us that has spread rumors, referred to those who disagree with us
with darkness or hate must bear some of the responsibility for the political climate here
in our nation. 
 
We elected officials across the ideological spectrum must temper the rhetoric to focus
on uniting our country. Instead of spending time and resources on the ongoing social
media wars, I believe that Members of Congress should be focused on our true
responsibility to get real legislative work done for America. 
 
In Utah, we know that diversity makes our communities better and our communities
stronger. I believe that we do best when we focus on respectfully debating and
defeating ideas that we disagree with, instead of attacking other’s identity, upbringing,
or culture. I do not support discrimination of any kind and I will not support the
disrespect of women or other minorities. I have consistently demonstrated my

commitment to these values in my personal life and during all eight years as mayor and
the past three years as a Congressman. 
 
I call upon each of us to be that needed voice of civility. As a county, state, and
community, we need more unity and less division. I am committed to doing my
part—waking up every morning and looking in the mirror as I ask myself if I’m an agent
for hate and darkness or for love and light.