U.S. Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA-10) said recent mass shootings are “a symptom of a profound moral crisis in America – one that cannot be easily solved by simply passing law after law in Washington.”
“George Washington said that ‘religion and morality are indispensable supports’ of a prosperous nation. These two great pillars have been driven from public life, and until they are restored, we cannot remedy the brutal absence of compassion in our society that leads to mass shootings. We must renew our love and faith in both God and each other,” Hice told constituents in an emailed newsletter this week.
“This epidemic of violence results from the decades-long erosion of the traditional values that once formed the bedrock of American life. I believe, without a doubt, that this absence of decency is inextricably linked to mass shootings. For example, when one looks at the profiles of mass shooters, they are almost exclusively male, and a startling number grew up without a father present in their lives.”
Fatherless children, Hice went on to say, “are significantly more likely to drop out of school, run away from home, abuse drugs and alcohol, commit suicide and, yes, perpetrate gun violence.”
“According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly one in four American children now live without a father in the home. Strong family bonds are correlated with religion and morality. I don’t believe it is a coincidence that the number of mass shootings has increased as the number of fatherless children has skyrocketed,” Hice wrote.
“Why is this critical link not discussed in the wake of mass shootings? Unfortunately, the Left would much rather use these horrific events as opportunities to manipulate Americans’ emotions and vulnerability to advance their political agenda, and this time is no different.”
As The Georgia Star News reported last week, Democrats who represent Georgia in the state’s general assembly as well as the U.S. Congress said this week that recent mass shootings, including the one in Atlanta, necessitate either more gun control or hate crimes laws.
Hice, as reported, announced last week that he wants to replace Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and will run for Raffensperger’s seat next year. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, in a written statement, promptly endorsed Hice’s candidacy.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
