The Patriot Post® · Scalise's Return Reminds Us What's at Stake

That Republican Rep. Steve Scalise is alive is a miracle. That he can walk is another, as evidenced in his dramatic return to Congress yesterday. Three months after being wounded by a would-be assassin, Scalise needed two walking crutches to make it to the House floor, and he entered to a long, rousing and emotional standing ovation from his colleagues.

The congressman’s return is a welcome sight during a time of political discord, and it’s also a reminder of that discord. Remember, it wasn’t just some nutcase who attempted to murder Scalise and numerous other Republicans practicing for the congressional baseball game, it was a socialist Bernie Sanders fanatic inspired by left-wing hate rhetoric.

Columnist Gary Bauer puts it in perspective: “After the Charlottesville riots, Congress passed, and President Trump signed, a resolution condemning white supremacist hate groups. The resolution also called on the federal government to investigate groups that are ‘fomenting and facilitating additional violence.’ Scalise’s would-be assassin was a fan of a Facebook page called ‘Terminate The Republican Party.’ Is the FBI investigating this group? Incredibly, that page is still active. Facebook doesn’t hesitate to pull content it finds offensive. But I guess that doesn’t qualify as ‘hate speech’ to the progressives who dominate Silicon Valley and the tech industry.”

Our national politics would be far better if more men like Scalise dominated the discourse instead of antifa thugs and NFL ingrates.

During his inspiring remarks, Scalise spoke of the role of his Christian faith in his recovery, saying, “It starts with God.” Laying bleeding on the ballfield that day in June, Scalise recalled, “I just started praying.” We too are grateful that he can now say, “Pretty much every one of those prayers were answered. [God] really did deliver for me and my family, and it just gives you that renewed faith and understanding that the power of prayer is just something that you cannot underestimate.”

Scalise also thanked the two U.S. Capitol Police responsible for saving his life: David Bailey and Crystal Griner, both of whom were wounded in the exchange with the assailant. President Donald Trump awarded both officers the Medal of Valor in July. Were it not for a couple of good guys with guns, many people would have died that day.

“I’m definitely a living example that miracles really do happen,” Scalise said. He’s right, and it’s heartening to see it.