Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wanted to speak today on something that occurred to me back in 1988. This is the first time I remember having this brought to mind. This is in identifying people who speak publicly who I find more and more frequently are using a certain phrase or a slur of words that are intended to be a compliment. This frequency, I think, is going to continue rising as the number of politicians in the country continues to grow.

I've noted, on a number of occasions, most notably myself on one occasion in 1988, I think it was, of being confused as to the motive and the meaning of an intended compliment, when it was qualified with "I don't always agree with Steve, but..."

---Laughter

I was not quite clear about the motive and the intent of the compliment, whether it is to have some distance placed between the person giving the compliment and the one intended to receive, or to get the public to recall mentally the many fights they may have had with the individual. I wonder whether it is a compliment or a forced reluctant statement of some kind.

I was wondering how difficult it would be for individuals to say, for instance, "I haven't always agreed with this person over the years and I admit I was wrong most of the time."

---Laughter

Or, how about being very positive and saying, "I have agreed with most of the things this person has done over the years," instead of highlighting the differences you've had with the person. I believe we should strive to recognize that a compliment should be clear and simple. It should not be intended to confuse the recipient.

I will ask for unanimous consent to continue, please.