- The Washington Times - Friday, May 3, 2019

Rep. Jody Hice isn’t that well-known outside of his Georgia district, outside of his circle of Republican contemporaries, or on the national media circuit frequented by so many of the politicking class.

But he should be.

Hice is an example of what makes America great.

At the National Day of Prayer’s evening event in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol, Hice said this: “It’s no secret our country was established on a strong foundation of biblical faith.”

He then referred to George Washington’s Farewell Address, the part where America’s first president spoke of the indispensable link between religion and morality.

But it was this explanation — the explanation of just why America’s second president, John Adams, said the Constitution could only last if the people it governed were “moral and religious” in nature — that really rocks.

“Why would he say that?” Hice said, of Adams. “He said that because limited government, which our Constitution guarantees us, is impossible unless the people are capable of self-governing themselves with an authentic understanding of right and wrong. And it is within that context that religion and morality become absolutely indispensable in American society.”

Bam.

“Our founders understood,” Hice went on, “the success of this nation would be determined by the spiritual health and well-being of the American people.”

Racism? Violent crime? And the rest?

As Hice noted, those are only symptoms of a deeper problem.

“[They’re the] indication of the true problem which is a spiritual problem,” Hice said, “and the reality is this spiritual problem cannot be changed by another law or by another piece of legislation.”

Hice for president.

Well, OK, maybe not.

But here’s a congressman who’s not only got the skinny on what ails America. He’s also unafraid to say it aloud.

For that — for speaking so boldly about the founding truths of America and about the honest realities of modern-day politics and culture — Hice deserves a bravery award. It’s not easy these days to speak about the Bible in glowing terms while holding public office.

What’s really sad is that Hice’s view used to be widely shared, across all political walks, among those of even differing faiths and religious persuasions. His view, now radicalized by the left, is actually what this country was founded upon — is actually what still keeps this country chugging along the lines of greatness — is actually what keeps America free.

If that’s radical, then this country could use more of it.

• Cheryl Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com or on Twitter, @ckchumley.

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