Rick Perry, the Maccabees, and the Founding Fathers

The Texas governor notes the similarities between the Jewish religious holiday and the beginnings of our own country.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks during the victory party for Texas Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott after an apparent victory over Democratic Sen. Wendy Davis on November 4, 2014 in Austin, Texas.

Photo by Erich Schlegel/Getty Images
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On Tuesday morning, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush announced his decision to “actively explore the possibility of running for President of the United States”—but not without extending a “Happy Hanukkah” greeting first. Not to be outdone, Texas Governor Rick Perry issued his own statement “on Chanukah.” His remarks, with nary a mention of his own presidential ambitions, crackled with patriotic fire: