The thoughts and ideas expressed below are exclusively those of Jack Straley and www.justplaintalkwithjack.com  We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too.  My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all, when presented with the opportunity, please vote.

Evil has many faces and can sometimes be presented in ways that make it appear attractive, acceptable, or even desirable. It can be dressed up and promoted as something glamorous or beneficial when its consequences may be quite different.

From my perspective, evil can be understood as anything harmful in nature or effect that causes misfortune, difficulty, or suffering.

I believe there are two major issues that deserve particular attention as we consider the future direction of our country: the growing discussion surrounding socialism and what I see as a declining role for God and Christianity in American public life.

Of the many issues surrounding us today, there are two that particularly concern me as we look forward to this November’s election. In my opinion, both could have significant consequences for the future direction of our country. I believe Americans should carefully examine these issues, study the facts, and make informed decisions at the ballot box.

The first issue that concerns me is what I see as the growing popularity of socialism in American political life.

Socialism is generally described as a political and economic system in which major means of production are subject to social or public ownership or control. Different political movements and governments have interpreted and implemented socialism in different ways, so the term itself deserves careful examination rather than being treated as a single, uniform system.

My concern is that policies moving substantially toward government control of economic activity could eventually diminish individual economic freedom and personal responsibility.  A movement for Socialism is overtaking and dictating the principles of the Democrat Party and they are becoming the Democrat Socialists of America.

I grew up in a generation that was taught about the historical experiences of countries that adopted socialist and communist systems. We were taught to consider carefully the consequences of limiting individual economic freedom and placing greater authority in the hands of government.

Today, I believe it is important that younger generations have the opportunity to study those historical experiences for themselves. We should not simply accept political labels or promises without examining their history, their underlying principles, and the results of policies when they have been implemented.

There is an ongoing debate within American politics about the appropriate role of government, the private sector, individual responsibility, and social programs. I believe every voter should take the time to understand that debate before casting a ballot.

The second issue that concerns me is what I perceive as a decline in the influence of God and Christianity within American public life.

I believe America’s religious heritage is an important part of our nation’s history and deserves to be understood and discussed openly. At the same time, America is a nation in which people of many different religious beliefs—and people with no religious beliefs—live together under the protection of the Constitution.

Islam is not a religion but rather a culture dedicated to the destruction and elimination of all non-followers of Islam and the United States of America which they refer to as the Great Satan.  In this vein they should not be bestowed with the same protection as religious sects.

One example frequently discussed in this context is the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. The words were added to the Pledge by federal law in 1954. Former President Ronald Reagan also spoke frequently about America’s religious heritage and the importance he placed on the nation’s recognition of God.

These historical developments deserve to be studied rather than reduced to political slogans.

Another subject that deserves thoughtful discussion is the growth of the Muslim population and the number of mosques in the United States.

There were far fewer mosques in America in previous decades than there are today.  In 1975 there were approximately 100 mosques in the United States. The Muslim-American population and the number of Islamic houses of worship have grown considerably over time.  The great Muslim immigration started in 1965 and as of today there are approximately 3,000 mosques.  Some major cities now broadcast the Muslim Call to Prayer publicly over taxpayer funded speakers.

However, it is important to distinguish between Islam as a religion, individual Muslims, and particular political or extremist movements that claim an Islamic justification for their actions. These are not necessarily the same thing.

As Americans, we should be able to discuss immigration, religious liberty, national security, and the role of religion in public life honestly and respectfully. Those discussions should be based on verifiable facts rather than assumptions about an entire religious population.

The upcoming Texas Senate election also illustrates why voters should examine candidates carefully.

James Talarico, a Democrat, is seeking election to the United States Senate from Texas. Questions have been raised publicly concerning his religious background and his association with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin.

I have been informed, but not verified as true, claims attributed to a guest appearing on the Markley, Van Camp and Robbins program on WBAP in Fort Worth concerning individuals associated with the church and their political and religious views.

Those allegations should be independently verified before anyone treats them as established facts. What one individual says about members of a congregation does not necessarily establish what the congregation believes, nor does it necessarily establish the beliefs of a particular political candidate.

That is precisely why I believe voters should study candidates for themselves, examine their records and statements, consider credible sources, and then make their own decisions.

These issues are important, and I hope this discussion encourages people to think about them.

If you agree with my concerns, don’t be afraid to discuss them with others. Educate the uneducated. If you disagree with me, I encourage you to do the same. Read, study, ask questions, listen to opposing viewpoints, and reach your own conclusions.  

Stand up for and be proud of America.  Her survival depends upon an informed and involved citizenry.

Stand up for what you believe. Exercise your freedom. Participate in the political process. And when Election Day arrives, vote.

The future direction of our country is influenced by the decisions made by its citizens. Don’t surrender that responsibility to someone else.

Think. Study. Get involved. Vote.