John Tures
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Professor of Political Science, LaGrange College.
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Articles by John Tures
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: Why America Doesn’t Have A Third Party: Fiction And Fact
When people hear that I am a professor of political science, the first question I get isn’t about whether I am a Democrat or a Republican, or a conservative, moderate or liberal. Instead, the person asks me “So why don’t we have a third party?” It’s a question I’ll answer at Pretty Good Books at 830am on November 19 in a special event for Troup County’s Chamber of Commerce.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: So, Why Don’t We Have a Third Party?
When people hear that I am a professor of political science, the first question I get isn’t about whether I am a Democrat or a Republican, or a conservative, moderate or liberal. Instead, the person often asks me “So why don’t we have a third party?” As I finished up my first fictional novel, Branded, a thriller about a killer product placement scheme in marketing, I turned my attention to this subject, to write a novel about a third-party challenge to the political system.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: ‘What Won’ and ‘What Lost’ in 2026
After the election, post-mortems about who won and who lost are all over the place. But how many “what won” and “what lost” do you see? As someone who engaged in exit polling all day in a Battleground State before spending the night watching the results, there are some clear lessons for what worked for candidates and what didn’t. Hopefully operatives will look at these lessons closely instead of dismissing them so blithely, as some politicos did on Election Night. Tele-Rallies Fizzled.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: What Won And What Lost In The 2026 Election
After the election, post-mortems about who won and who lost are all over the place. But how many “what won” and “what lost” do you see? As someone who engaged in exit polling all day in a Battleground State before spending the night watching the results, there are some clear lessons for what worked for candidates and what didn’t. Hopefully operatives will look at these lessons closely instead of dismissing them so blithely, as some politicos did on Election Night. Tele-Rallies Fizzled.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: Want To Stick It To The World’s Dictators? Vote In 2026.
From 2013 to 2018, the TV show “The Americans” documented a fictional case of how a pair of KGB agents became “husband-and-wife” in an arranged marriage to do some deep cover espionage against the United States during the Reagan Administration. Nowadays, the world’s authoritarians don’t need to spend years prepping their agents for disinformation campaigns in America. They just target you via social media propaganda.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Want to Stick It to the World’s Dictators?
From 2013 to 2018, the TV show “The Americans” documented a fictional case of how a pair of KGB agents became “husband-and-wife” in an arranged marriage to do some deep cover espionage against the United States during the Reagan Administration. Nowadays, the world’s authoritarians don’t need to spend years prepping their agents for disinformation campaigns in America. They just target you via social media propaganda.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: We Are Executing One Killer Of American Military, And Rewarding Another
Two politically-motivated individuals have caused the deaths of more than a dozen soldiers, wounding many more. One is facing the death penalty. The other is being rewarded, getting everything he wants. The first person was convicted of 13 counts of premeditated murder, and 32 counts of premeditated murder at Ft. Hood, Texas. He has been sentenced to death and is scheduled to be killed by a firing squad.
We shouldn't reward Putin
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INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Killers of American Military Personnel
Two politically-motivated individuals have caused the deaths of more than a dozen soldiers, wounding many more. One is facing the death penalty. The other is being rewarded, getting everything he wants. The first person was convicted of 13 counts of premeditated murder, and 32 counts of premeditated murder at Ft. Hood, Texas. He has been sentenced to death and is scheduled to be killed by a firing squad.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: We Must Stop Betting On Ballot Box Outcomes By Election Officials
An electoral disaster of epic proportions is headed for America in early November of 2026. And unless legislators rush to clean up these loopholes, it could completely undermine trust in America’s democracy. Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffsenperger made national news issuing a warning to election officials to not be on election outcomes, a move that certainly crush confidence in the free and fair elections of our republic.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: We Must Stop Betting On Ballot Box Outcomes By Election Officials
An electoral disaster of epic proportions is headed for America in early November of 2026. And unless legislators rush to clean up these loopholes, it could completely undermine trust in America’s democracy. Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffsenperger made national news issuing a warning to election officials to not be on election outcomes, a move that certainly crush confidence in the free and fair elections of our republic.
Ban betting on election outcomes by election officials
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INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Let’s Stop Betting on the Ballot Box
An electoral disaster of epic proportions is headed for America in early November of 2026. And unless legislators rush to clean up these loopholes, it could completely undermine trust in America’s democracy. Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffsenperger made national news issuing a warning to election officials to not bet on election outcomes, a move that certainly crush confidence in the free and fair elections of our republic.
Yellow Mama E zine
Art by Asher Tures © 2026 A Smart System by John A. Tures Chris approached the VRBO he booked for the secret rendezvous. I’ve been faithful for about a decade. Shouldn’t I have a night off? Things with Barbara were getting stale. And Dior promised to be much spicier, at least on Twitter. She promised to wear the same thing that led him to click “follow” on his social media app. As advertised, the rental had an Amazon Alexa home system. It’ll help set up this tryst, a night of ecstasy.
Yellow Mama E zine
The Signal: Fiction by John A. Tures Art by Asher Tures © 2026 The Signal by John A. Tures The park ranger scanned the snow-covered horizon. “It’s tough out here between Blood Mountain and Slaughter Mountain in the offseason, trying to find folks who don’t want to be found,” she said. Tripp Bridges gritted his teeth. This place is beautiful in its landscape but terrifying in its harsh features. It’ll take my Green Beret training to make it.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: Our “Christian Nation” Could Use Some More Good Samaritans Today
As our nation wrestles with a terrible event which has once again polarized our country, I thought I would put aside the literature review, the theories and hypotheses, the variables, their relationship, the statistics and their significance. I’d go to the Bible, and unpack that acronym that is often displayed, but not often followed: WWJD? In this story, a fellow “teacher of the law” asked what it would take to get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Where Are the Good Samaritans These Days?
As our nation wrestles with a terrible event which has once again polarized our country, I thought I would put aside the literature review, the theories and hypotheses, the variables, their relationship, the statistics and their significance. I’d go to the Bible, and unpack that acronym that is often displayed, but not often followed: WWJD? In this story, a fellow “teacher of the law” asked what it would take to get into the Kingdom of Heaven.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: Trump’s “Love Me” Homeland Security Ads Compared To Other PSAs
John Tures compares Trump’s DHS-funded “Love Me” ads with public service campaigns under past presidents, citing criticism over taxpayer funding and political messaging. One of the most debated events of the last week were a series of controversial Trump ads, paid by taxpayer funds out of Homeland Security, over the weekend. The Trump Administration has pushed back against bipartisan criticism of the commercials, citing public service ads run during the administrations of George W.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: The Controversial ‘Trump’ Ads
One of the most debated events of the last week were a series of controversial Trump ads, paid by taxpayer funds out of Homeland Security, over the weekend. The Trump Administration has pushed back against bipartisan criticism of the commercials, citing public service ads run during the administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. I look at these ads, as well as Trump’s ads run through the DHS budget to examine the charges and counter-charges.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: A Bipartisan Move To Reign In The Potential Abuses Of Flock Cameras
Opinion Sens. Raphael Warnock and Katie Britt are pressing the DOJ for oversight of license plate reader systems after reported misuse by law enforcement officers. Anyone active on social media has probably seen the video of the guy dragging away a Flock Camera, a contemporary symbol of people upset with the news that some with access to Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are abusing the system, using it to stalk people. There’s a bipartisan U.S. Senate push led by Georgia Democrat Rev.
Reign in Flock camera abuse
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INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Moving to Stop ‘Flock Camera’ Abuses
Anyone active on social media has probably seen the video of the guy dragging away a Flock Camera, a contemporary symbol of people upset with the news that some people with access to Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are abusing the system, using it to stalk people. There’s a bipartisan U.S. Senate push led by Georgia Democrat Rev. Raphael Warnock and Alabama Republican Katie Britt to demand action by the Department of Justice.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: Actually, Most Democracies Do Allow Voting By Mail
Opinion A contributor examines International IDEA data and argues that more than 30 countries offer mail-in voting, challenging claims that the U.S. stands alone. As the Supreme Court ruled against the U.S. Post Office’s bid to change mail-in voting procedures just days before the process begins, it’s worth visiting the claim that “nobody else” allows mail-in voting.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Most Democracies Allow Mail Voting
As the Supreme Court ruled against the U.S. Post Office’s bid to change mail-in voting procedures just days before the process begins, it’s worth visiting the claim that “nobody else” allows mail-in voting. I report data from the IDEA organization, then do a little digging into countries that supposedly don’t allow voting by mail, to separate fact from fiction. Just over a year ago, Trump heavily criticized mail-in voting, after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Canada is Our Ally From 9/11, D-Day and Argo, And Is Not Our Enemy
By John A. Tures, Professor of Political Science, LaGrange College Despite a long history of being one of America’s best friends, recent anti-Canadian propaganda has some people in this country shockingly labeling our neighbor to the north as “unfriendly” or even an “enemy.” It’s time we relearn historical facts from our longstanding partnership and our shared economic and security alliances before contemporary politics ruins our friendship.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: Canada is Our Ally From 9/11, D-Day and Argo, And Is Not Our Enemy
Opinion Columnist John Tures argues that Canada’s history of aiding the U.S., from D-Day to 9/11, should outweigh rhetoric casting a longtime ally as an enemy.
Canada is not our enemy
Despite a long history of being one of America’s best friends, recent anti-Canadian propaganda has some people in this country shockingly labeling our neighbor to the north as “unfriendly” or even an “enemy.” It’s time we relearn historical facts from our longstanding partnership and our shared economic and security alliances before contemporary politics ruins our friendship.
John A. Tures: America Approaches Authoritarian Levels On Academic Freedom
Recent ratings by Visual Capitalist show America has plunged in ratings of academic freedom to near-authoritarian levels, easily the biggest decline among advanced developed democracies over the last ten years. Here’s why it matters to you, and what can be done about such unfree policies. Growing up, one of my favorite TV series shows was called “V” about an alien invasion of the Earth. My folks and grandparents told me it was to teach us kids about totalitarianism.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: What Makes LaGrange and Valley Livable Cities
John Tures says LaGrange and Valley’s livability stems not just from amenities, but from a community culture where people with differing views know and respect one another. What makes a city livable? Reviews of the best, from Honolulu to Atlanta to Washington DC to someplace called Naperville, Illinois all say things like stability, education, health care, strong infrastructure, cultural scene, green spaces, wellness, professional networks, safety, and family life.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: What Makes LaGrange A Livable City
John Tures says LaGrange’s livability rests most on its people, highlighting a community where political and religious differences coexist with respect. What makes a city livable? Reviews of the best, from Honolulu to Atlanta to Washington DC to someplace called Naperville, Illinois all say things like stability, education, health care, strong infrastructure, cultural scene, green spaces, wellness, professional networks, safety, and family life.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Authoritarian Government, and Academic Freedom
Recent ratings by Visual Capitalist show America has plunged in ratings of academic freedom to near-authoritarian levels, easily the biggest decline among advanced developed democracies over the last ten years. Here’s why it matters to you, and what can be done about such un-free policies. Growing up, one of my favorite TV series shows was called “V” about an alien invasion of the Earth. My folks and grandparents told me it was to teach us kids about totalitarianism.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: How Do Police and Republicans Feel About Gun Laws and Felons With Guns?
Survey research cited by John Tures finds mixed police views on gun laws, while majorities of Republicans support several firearm safety policies. After my last column about guns, some readers felt my article was out of step with the local sentiment. They wanted more information about how Republicans feel about the issues, while others wanted to know what the police think. Some wondered whether felons are more likely to be connected to gun crimes.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: How Do Police Feels About Felons With Guns?
After my most recent column about guns, some readers felt my article was out of step with the local sentiment. They wanted more information about how Republicans feel about the issues, while others wanted to know what the police think. Some wondered whether felons are more likely to be connected to gun crimes. To research law enforcement views, I utilized research by Tammy Rinehart Kochel and Scott W.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: The Push To Arm Felons And Deregulate Weapons Designed To Kill People
Columnist John Tures argues that a Texas ruling and federal gun policy changes weaken firearm regulations and could increase risks of gun violence. A new judicial ruling is set to legalize a whole lot of weapons. And a family member nearly became a victim of a tragedy. I just pray it never happens to you. It’s a story that’s going to be a familiar refrain until we return to saner firearm policies of earlier generations.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: The Case Against The Case Against Dr. Fauci
Columnist John Tures argues COVID-19 death-rate data and federal policy undercut congressional critics’ case against Dr. Anthony Fauci. With job losses in July, and affordability concerns, several members of Congress are so mad that they’re going after Dr. Anthony Fauci over COVID-19. Their strategy seems to be to try and get him to perjure himself. When he pleaded the 5th Amendment, they voted to hold him in contempt of Congress. I look at the data, and the facts, in the case of COVID-19.
The Case Against The Case Against Dr. Fauci
By John A. Tures, Professor of Political Science, LaGrange College With job losses in July, and affordability concerns, several members of Congress are so mad that they’re going after Dr. Anthony Fauci over COVID-19. Their strategy seems to be to try and get him to perjure himself. When he pleaded the 5th Amendment, they voted to hold him in contempt of Congress. I look at the data, and the facts, in the case of COVID-19.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: Free Countries Won The FIFA Games. Here’s Why It Matters
Research cited by John Tures finds democracies dominated 2026 FIFA qualifiers, knockout rounds and host sites, continuing a decades-long trend in international soccer. The big winner of the FIFA Games was not Ranch Dressing, Norwegian Rowers, or partying Scottish fans. Democracies dominated the sport, as they have done since the middle of the Cold War. And in the new battlefield of authoritarians versus democracy waged everywhere from the pitch to posting online, it matters. Here’s why.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: Free Countries Won The FIFA Games. Here’s Why It Matters
A contributor argues FIFA results and hosting trends show democracies have dominated international soccer since the Cold War, citing research using Freedom House and Polity data. The big winner of the FIFA Games was not Ranch Dressing, Norwegian Rowers, or partying Scottish fans. Democracies dominated the sport, as they have done since the middle of the Cold War. And in the new battlefield of authoritarians versus democracy waged everywhere from the pitch to posting online, it matters. Here’s why.
In The FIFA 2026 Games, Freedom Outscored Authoritarians
By John A. Tures, Professor of Political Science, LaGrange College In 1934, host country leader and Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini hijacked the FIFA games, using every trick in the book to win the games over democratic Czechoslovakia. Nearly 100 years later, democracies largely used fair means to not only put a first rate FIFA tournament, but to also dominate the sport. And it matters in politics, not just in sports.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Democracies Win at FIFA World Cup
Photo: LaGrange College undergraduates Akajah Burton, Jonathan Wible, and Katie Cunningham. The big winner of the FIFA World Cup Games was not Ranch Dressing, Norwegian Rowers, or partying Scottish fans. Democracies dominated the sport, as they have done since the middle of the Cold War. And in the new battlefield of authoritarians versus democracy waged everywhere from the pitch to posting online, it matters. Here’s why.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: How Americans Are Shifting On Transgender Issues
Polling and social surveys show Americans, including many Christians, growing more supportive of LGBTQ rights, leaving anti-trans political attacks increasingly out of step. During the 2024 election and 2026 primary season, I received a lot of flyers where candidates seemed to run solely on the right on transgender issues. It may give the impression that all Americans are anti-transgender, and that this can be a winning issue for conservatives.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: America Shifts on Transgender and Marriage Issues
During the 2024 election and 2026 primary season, I received a lot of flyers where candidates seemed to run solely on the right on transgender issues. It may give the impression that all Americans are anti-transgender, and that this can be a winning issue for conservatives. But as surveys show, Americans are increasingly shifting to views on LGBTQ people that accept, and even promote, freedom for folks to be the way they want be. And these kinder views are increasingly being embraced by Christians.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: Authoritarian Countries Are More Likely To Have Voter ID Laws Than Democracies
New analysis finds 90% of “not free” countries, but under 70% of democracies, impose strict photo voter ID laws, challenging claims that such rules are key to free elections. In the debate over the SAVE Act, there are memes and “data” online that shows overwhelming support for the strict Photo ID laws to vote that is just one part of the SAVE Act. But there’s a lot of misinformation about which countries are democratic, and which have voter ID laws on social media.
Research shows voter ID doesn't keep elections free
In the debate over the SAVE Act, there are memes and “data” online that shows overwhelming support for the strict photo ID laws to vote that is just one part of the SAVE Act. But there’s a lot of misinformation about which countries are democratic, and which have voter ID laws on social media. A real analysis of free and unfree countries and their election laws leads to a shocking discovery: unfree countries are more likely to have strict voter ID laws than free countries.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Which Countries Have Voter ID Laws?
In the debate over the SAVE Act, there are memes and “data” online that shows overwhelming support for the strict Photo ID laws to vote that is just one part of the SAVE Act. But there’s a lot of misinformation about which countries are democratic, and which have voter ID laws on social media. A real analysis of free and unfree countries and their election laws leads to a shocking discovery: unfree countries are more likely to have strict voter ID laws than free countries.
The World Cup used to be known for autocracies and dictatorships winning. It’s looking different these days
But whether that axiom applies to the quadrennial World Cup tournament is a different question. On occasions in the past, authoritarian governments have used the tournament to boost their regimes. Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini did so when Italy hosted the 1934 World Cup, manipulating the games and handpicking officials to boost the chances for the home team, who went on to beat democratic Czechoslovakia in the final.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - John Tures: Dispelling Myths We Have About America 250 Years Ago
Author Denise Kiernan debunks myths about 1776, from revolutionary women and slavery language cut from the Declaration to how close independence came to failing. As we celebrate 250 years of American Independence, it’s important to understand who we were then, and today.
Dispelling myths we have about America 250 years ago
As we celebrate 250 years of American Independence, it’s important to understand who we were then, and today. To do that, I had the good fortune to electronically interview Denise Kiernan, a nonfiction author who was featured on NPR’s “Throughline Podcast” about America 250 (through her husband Joseph D’Agnese, a fellow fiction writer and journalist).
Does the World Cup favour democratic or autocratic nations? I did some number crunching to find out
IT is often said – by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and many others – that soccer is the “most democratic sport.” That sentiment is based in large part on the sport’s global appeal and long history of popularity across class and racial lines. But whether that axiom applies to the quadrennial World Cup tournament is a different question. On occasions in the past, authoritarian governments have used the tournament to boost their regimes.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Obstinate Daughters
As we celebrate 250 years of American Independence, it’s important to understand who we were then, and today. To do that, I had the good fortune to interview Denise Kiernan, a nonfiction author who was featured on NPR’s “Throughline Podcast” about America 250 (through her husband Joseph D’Agnese, a fellow fiction writer and journalist). Her latest book is Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution published by Penguin Random House this year.
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