2007 house journal index of days - Maryland General Assembly

824 Journal of Proceedings Feb. 12, 2007
and toys for Iraqi children. The hundreds of shoe boxes filled with common items, like
yo-yos, candy, disposable cameras, and toothpaste, are a poignant reminder of the bond
between generations of Americans grateful for the extraordinary sacrifices of ordinary
men and women.
Though generations apart, Rick Bauer and Gene and Rita Conger share a common
concern for the world around them. You know, it’s funny how we have relegated the very
word ‘common’ to imply someone or something that is ‘second-rate,’ when, in fact, the
term originally referred to something ‘shared by two or more individuals or by all
members of a group.’ Lincoln seemed to know this intuitively.
Above all else, he sought to preserve this Union, this marvelous collection of people,
calling it “the last best hope of earth.” No small feat for such a common-looking man
who, when seeking reelection in 1864, candidly admitted, “I have not permitted myself to
conclude that I am the best man in the country.” Perhaps he wasn’t. Yet he believed in
this nation and its people when many others found reason not to.
Just prior to receiving his party’s nomination for president, Lincoln summed up his life in
these few words: “I was born Feb. 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky. My parents
were both born in Virginia, of undistinguished families. My mother, who died in my
tenth year, was of a family of the name of Hanks....My father...moved from Kentucky
to...Indiana, in my eighth year...There I grew up....When I came of age I did not know
much. Still somehow, I could read, write, and cipher...but that was all.” Of course, that
was not all. But for a man with a coconut-shaped head and messy hair, humility was a
common necessity.
Delegate O’Donnell moved that the Delegate’s remarks be journalized.
The motion was adopted.
QUORUM CALL
The presiding officer announced a quorum call, showing 136 Members present.
(See Roll Call No. 66)
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:35 P.M. on motion of Delegate Barve the House adjourned until 10:00 A.M. on
Tuesday, February 13, 2007.