The statues and paintings have a purpose: They are there to remind elected representatives why they are serving. If we are so inclined, we can descend into pettiness, into the day-to-day muck of partisanship. And surely, some of that is unavoidable—on many issues, the people of the United States are not united. But when the fundamental ideals of our nation come to bear, we must be united. When our country faces a crisis, we must find our noble purpose. Some things are beyond partisanship. That is the reason we all take an oath.
Reminder of statuary hall
