Vaughan: Fact or fiction at the ballot box?
Johnny Vaughan is a resident of Lewes.
All six media conglomerates that control over 90% of media sources in America repeatedly highlight the nation’s division without offering solutions. They all wave the American flag, exhibit varying degrees of faith and claim that their values will make you a better American and lead you to the pearly gates. These values include bringing the horrors of war directly into your living room after their warnings of graphic details, quicker than you can find the remote or before you can tell kids to look away.
As a nation, we have become desensitized. From the baby boomers, who were shocked by Elvis Presley’s hip gyrations and foul language, to Generation Alpha, who consume media filled with blood, guts and explicit sexual content, we have seen a cultural shift. The media exploits divisions — age, sex, race, religion, socioeconomic status — to keep us polarized.
I’ve never heard China or Russia claim that our elections were stolen. Yet, Fox News airs, without challenge, claims from 40% of Republicans (including elected officials) who believe the election was stolen. This undermines democracy by eroding faith in our electoral system. The Ethics Committee’s silent approval has led to rampant dishonesty among government officials. One of the biggest failures is the lack of ethics enforcement by Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., and his committee.
Why isn’t there a fact sheet endorsed by chambers of commerce and aired on all six media giants with real numbers about the top 15 voter concerns: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, citizens without insurance, median income and federal tax percentage, national debt, homelessness, gun deaths, abortion, life expectancy, etc.? Such a national report card could establish clear issues that need addressing locally and nationally. How can we hold elections when each party and media source claims that they have the true facts, and the media fails to challenge either side?
Gerrymandering is evidence that both parties prioritize winning an election over problem solving. Democratic politicians preach that government can solve all issues, while antigovernment Republicans claim that the government and Democrats fix nothing and want to control you. Republicans want to govern your sex life; Democrats want to govern your work life. Soup kitchens span from the tents of San Francisco to the slum areas of Chicago and the mountains of Tennessee.
Ask yourself: Why are there hungry children in America? Why can’t our leaders balance a budget? Why did Congress build three $8 billion Zumwalt submarines when the first proved unseaworthy? Is that CEO still receiving government contracts? Are leaders like Sen. Coons incompetent or complicit in the country’s problems? How can 40% of the population believe a lie, while the government and the media allow it to fester?
Democrats preach to the choir daily but fear confronting Fox. Who is running the country when 92% of the population wants background checks but Congress won’t pass them? Why are the only two candidates for president unwanted by a majority of Americans? Neither care that you wanted a different choice. Do not allow political parties to define your voter issues.
If all six media giants address the top voter issues directly and transparently, we can move toward a more united and informed electorate.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
