Athens Banner-Herald, Letter to the Editor:
Congress desperately needs leadership. Effective leadership demands courage and character. Without these vital components our nation will remain in an economic black hole. The Constitution has been and remains the national compass for this ship of state, yet our nation continues to be tossed about by waves of conflict and marooned by stalemate. Is there a statesman who can help to maneuver this political vessel in these challenging times and address each political issue with that compass firmly in hand?
The truth is, there are no perfect statesmen, no leaders of renowned who have served without mistake or flaw. But there is found in some leaders, though few they may be, qualities that the most critical or opinionated of us finds admirable. We look diligently for courage and character.
Courage is tested in adversity. Character is tested in temptation. Adversity and temptation are the cornerstones of public office whether we like to view it that way or not. To be an effective leader in the political arena takes more than charm and prominence, name recognition or a catchy television ad. An effective public servant must be able to withstand the winds of accusation and the crashing waves of scrutiny. The political landscape is strewn with the corpses of those unable to shield themselves from a steady barrage of interrogation and accusation. Some of these casualties, I regret to say, we voted into office. We had hoped they were trustworthy.
Jody Hice is a man who exemplifies both courage and character. He has proven it again and again. He has successfully championed the cause of upholding the Constitution of the United States before the IRS as well as the ACLU, institutions traditionally all but invincible. While holding no political office, Jody faced the scrutiny that mirrors that of an elected official, yet without blemish. How desperately we need this kind of courage and character in Washington.
The primary election on May 20, just weeks away, is critical in determining who leads Georgiaʼs 10th Congressional District. It would be deeply regrettable if the good people of Georgiaʼs US 10th overlooked an exceptional leader like Jody Hice. If you doubt my recommendation, I ask you one question: “Have you spoken with Jody personally, heard him speak or watched him debate?”
Abraham Lincoln said:
“Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say for one that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition, is yet to be developed.”
Jody Hice could echo those words as if they were his own. He has made it clear that he has no ambition but to serve the people of Georgia and to defend and uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. Esteem is earned. Jody continues to exhibit the leadership skills that have earned him esteem from those who know him best.
Joan Rhoden Athens, GA
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