In March of 2014, Clay Aiken sent out a wonderful e-mail to a list of his political supporters.  I am sure some of you read it.

If you have, it is well worth reading more than once.  If it is new to you, I think you will enjoy it too.

Friends,

Last week I had the pleasure of reading to some elementary school students in our district. We read one of my favorite short stories from childhood — The Zax by Dr. Seuss.

It’s a classic story that you may remember. A North-Going Zax and a South-Going Zax bump into each other while traveling in the prairie of Prax.

 Both refuse to take even a single step to the side so they can proceed. Instead, they both stubbornly insist on standing still until the other Zax budges. Of course, neither does, and over time the world just builds up around them.

 I asked the children what they thought the moral of the story was.  We talked about pride and stubbornness and how it kept the Zax from moving forward.

The word of the day was compromise. The kids got it immediately.

 The story and its moral seem simple enough. But after watching what’s been happening in Washington these past few years, I’m starting to think we should make this required reading for our Members of Congress. 

The challenges we face won’t be solved overnight by just one person or party, but sometimes you have to be willing to take the first step. Yours,Clay

I wonder if we could get all the politicians in Washington today

to read and understand this post!

One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss is dedicated to

Clay Aiken:

“You’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So… get on your way!”

~Dr. Seuss ~

From: Oh, the Places You’ll Go!