If.

If you were to ask a real American if he/she believed in evil, I believe that most real Americans would say that they did; especially after the events of 9/11. And when I say real American, I don't mean citizens of this country necessarily; I'm talking about those who believe in the basic and uniquely American ideals of our only rights being 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness', and that these rights emanate from God.

This definition of American may be simplistic, but I have no problem with that. And so armed with this definition, I believe that America, the ideal is good, and is or should be a force for good in the world.

I believe that most problems no matter how complex have simple solutions. I further believe that the more complex the solutions proffered, the more certain that there is a money/power trail behind them somewhere.

Anyway, back to evil. Those who I consider to be real Americans understand that evil exists. And while it can take many forms, can anyone doubt that the ideals put forward by radical extremist Muslims are anything but evil? No one who is a real American that's for sure! The aforementioned extremists believe in everything that is anathema to what it means to be an American.

It troubles me that there are some, who if you were to ask them for their definition of evil, would not hesitate to call George W. Bush evil, while at the same time be reluctant to call Muslim extremism evil at all!

How did we get here? Well, in my simplistic view, let me offer my take on that.

1) We have forgotten what it means to be an American. As I stated earlier, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness must always be first and foremost in the heart and mind of a real American. And anyone, anything, or any ideal not consistent with that must be called out for what it is; UN-American!

2) We are not perfect as Americans, but we have always espoused "more perfect" as our collective goal and must continue to do so. We must resist being judged solely on our past, but also how closely we adhere to our American ideals as we move forward!

3) We have forgotten our history, which places our future in doubt. (I do not believe this is accidental; American academia has been invaded for more that 40 years by a most UN-American mind-set).

4) We don't understand and acknowlege the truth that there is no constitutional provision for the separation of Church and State. There is certainly no prohibition of State from Church! (I believe this to be one of the most evil schemes in American history!)

5) Ministers, both religious and political (for politicians are supposed to be secular ministers) have forgotten that we serve the people, and not vice versa!

6) Lastly, we fail to realize that God, if not history will judge us by how we treat(ed) the most helpless and vulnerable in our society. No one is more helpless and vulnerable than the unborn child. The sheer number of abortions in this country annually and cumulatively since Roe V. Wade is shameful, and even more than that, it is evil!