Looking for a window into Congress' soul? Did that question just make you shudder? Understandable. Driving to work this morning, the fine folks at NPR alerted me to a website which could be a resource in checking the moral pulse of our public servants.

Capitol Words, from The Sunlight Foundation, pares down the Congressional Record into a single word said most frequently on a given day. For example, the LA Times reports that, this month, the word "energy" has been used most often during seven of the last 12 days Congress has been in session. The site hosts records dating back to the year 2000.

While, to some, Capitol Words might be just another way for political junkies to waste time, I like how they see their role. From the Times piece:

Gabriella Schneider, a spokeswoman for the Washington-based foundation, said the site used the "simple lens" of that one word to reflect "the mood of our country and what our priorities are.”

Doing a little unscientific research of my own (and by unscientific, I mean I sat down with a pen and paper and made tally marks), I looked to see how often a few words that matter to me appeared.

Since 2006, health was the most used word of the day an admirable 49 times. From there, it was housing---nine, community and wage---four, children and food---three, care---two and Darfur---one. There were a few other words I'd like to have seen. Poverty. Compassion. Genocide. Justice.

Now, of course, just because these words failed to make the cut doesn't mean Congress isn't talking about them. Similarly, just because health was used most frequently on 49 separate days doesn't account for its context.

But, if nothing else, Capitol Words is a great reminder to listen closely to our leaders because often what we talk about most is what we value most. Proud parents talk at length about their kids. Buy a new car? You’re likely to tell everyone at work the next day.

If words can express values, we need to make sure the words Congress uses express our values. Then, we need to take it past the Capitol Words step and make sure those words aren’t just lip service.