Lecture encourages social justice awareness in election

Father Jim Hug, president of the Center of Concern and author of Social Revelation: Profound Challenge for Christian Spirituality, spoke to students and faculty Monday night in the 4th floor programming room regarding social justice in the 2008 presidential election.

Getting Loyola students involved in this year's presidential election has been an ongoing effort on behalf of SGA and their "Rock the Vote" events such as registering for absentee ballots and hosting a Rock the Vote concert on the Quad. Last week, CCSJ got involved and sponsored "American and Catholic: Voting for the Common Good."

A group of concerned leaders founded Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good in 2005 when Catholic justice leaders felt the world needed an approach to media and grassroots outreach to strengthen the voice of Catholic social tradition in the national values dialogue. On the Catholics in Alliance for The Common Good website, members explained that the Common Good "is about building a society where concern for one another is reflected in the corporations, communities, entertainment and government we produce."

Hug told his audience to "improve the political discourse, think critically and systematically, study the key issues and be faith-based and value-focused." Each of these messages held importance among the college students in attendance, many of whom are voting for the first time in November.

"Father Hug's messages hold importance for college students today because not only will we be affected by the election now in 2008 but also when we are out of college-looking for jobs, buying apartments and becoming integral parts of society. It very important for us to be informed and educated before we cast our votes," said Katrina Miller, '12, who attended Father Hug's talk.

Hug informed the audience that in order to improve the political discourse "it is important to know that you may be walking against the wind." A Catholic's ideologies in politics may not be very popular. He went on to say that if something in society makes you cringe inside, do something about it; speak up about it on campus. This is the only way things will change.

In regards to thinking critically and systematically, Father Hug said, "Do not immediately refute what you do not agree with." He encouraged students to identify the underlying truth or value sought by who is speaking. Check the facts and question assumptions. It is important to research the topics discussed in the media because there are always two sides to every story.

By studying the key issues, personal ideologies are formed, and critical thinking is provoked. Candidates' personal ideologies are recognized, which helps a young voter form their own ideologies. Hug expanded upon key issues such as abortion, immigration, global warming and the economy. All of these issues deserve in-depth research, regardless of political affiliation. He stressed the importance of being well informed before casting a vote.

One of Father Hug's strongest points of the evening regarded being faith-based and value-focused. As Catholic voters, it is important to keep an eye on the candidate. What are their values? How authentic are they? Do they communicate their ideas well? What has their judgment been like in critical situations? Do they seem worthy of your trust? These are important questions to ask in order to make an educated decision about whom should lead the United States. Hug told the audience to vote for the candidate that reflects specific values and ideologies. You may find that neither candidate lines up with your thoughts or beliefs perfectly. Choose the one that most closely reflects the moral values and beliefs that will lead the country with integrity and honesty.

In addition to giving suggestions on how to become a informed Catholic voter, Hug also gave more specific things to think about for this historical 2008 election. He brought up the fact that this is now a very global world. He suggested that there is no longer such a thing as a domestic issue. He insisted that all issues are global because decisions made will affect the whole world.

He also brought up the economy, commenting that our current economic system is inadequate, and the gap between the poor and wealthy is solidly unsustainable. All of these issues will directly or indirectly affect college students throughout the United States.

Father Hug brought up points and gave suggestions of which he feels are extremely important for Catholic voters to be conscious. He told students and faculty members to be strong in their convictions, voice their opinions where needed, be educated and think critically. In his closing remarks, Hug made one last point to his audience. He told them to pray because "this November faith will move mountains in this election."