RICH OLD WHITE MEN are behind much of the paid political advertisements in my red state.
That’s the widespread speculation. Maybe it’s true. Maybe it’s not.
The speculation is based on this fact, reported by the Associated Press:
“Secretive groups account for more than half the spending in that state’s competitive race for governor, and voters will never know who is picking up the tab – the biggest paid for by anonymous patrons.”
The numbers supporting that claim come from nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations that monitor election spending and ethics. Among them, the Center for Public Integrity.
Here’s what we know, if we follow objective reporting: political ads are generally half-truths at best – and outright lies far too often.
An ad will report that the targeted politician refused to vote for a bill that would have helped veterans, orphans, and lost puppies. But the ad doesn’t explain that the gent voted against it because it – oh, by the way – also gave billionaires a tax-free status as “Super Job Creators.”
You get the idea.
As the next election cycle gets ready to mow us down with misinformation, how about we treat the political ads like we play dodgeball?
Avoid.
Why?
“Lies lead to injustice” (Proverbs 12:17).
Words program our brain, for better or worse.
We need good programming, most folks would agree.
We’re probably not going to get it from political ads paid for by The Good Lord Knows Who.
Easy fix: mute button.
I only have my cable activated during the college basketball season, and I have to say that it has been lovely to not hear ANY commercials, let alone political ads! *sigh*
Go KU Jayhawks.