EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – An estimated 200 people attended the Excelsior Springs Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.

Hosted by Mayor Sharon Powell, at the Elms Hotel and Spa on April 19, the event brought together a variety of business and area government leaders along with community members.

Tim Harlan led the Spring Singers from Excelsior Springs High School in delivering several songs. Songs included “The National Anthem” while the Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard presented the colors.

Former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Duane Benton, Kansas City, served as the breakfast speaker. He now serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit.

Benton spoke about something lacking in modern political discourse – civility.

Unlike now, when partisanship seems to greet so many federal court nominees, when appointed by George W. Bush in 2004, the Senate confirmed Benton on a voice vote.

Benton’s remarks to the breakfast crowd on civility suggested that though people have great latitude regarding how they act toward each other in a free society, treating each other with respect and listening to others’ views – a variation on “the Golden Rule” – builds rather than tears down bridges.