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Modern Americans are fascinated with the complexities of British social classes. Television programs like “Upstairs, Downstairs” and, more recently, “Downton Abbey” give us colonials a glimpse into the inner workings of a world in which you are trapped in the station to which you were born, good or bad. We gaze through the looking glass at the uptight snobbery of the self-anointed lords and ladies who flutter around their castles, moaning about what they’ll wear to dinner after changing clothes for the tenth time that day.
All the while, we commoners across the pond suffer alongside the struggles of those who do the actual work – the maids, footmen, farmers, and shopkeepers. They’re all just trying to make ends meet, but are never permitted to step out of their place to be more than that. All this because their father’s, father’s father was a farmer or cook or butler – and so shall they be, as ordained by a class system that’s as ridiculous as it is antiquated.
We watch, we grimace, we sit in our superiority about having extricated ourselves from such nonsense 250 years ago – or did we? Americans love the idea that this country is a classless society. We’re taught that if we work hard enough and do our best, we can rise to whatever level we choose. It’s a comforting (and arrogant) notion that makes for great campaign speeches. Unfortunately, it’s completely false. Classism has been with us since the beginning, even though we try very hard not to admit it.
Never has America’s class system been more visible than since the 2024 presidential election. The “haves” took over in January, largely thanks to the ignorance of the “have-nots.” Sadly, those who got this administration elected – mainly the working poor – don’t seem to care that the people they sent to Washington want to keep them right where they are – broke and blaming everyone on the other side for their circumstances.
Why else would they gut our social services, eliminate job training and healthcare support, and destroy historic buildings in favor of grand, palatial eyesores to show off the wealth – and their class status – that you and I will never, ever experience. Remember, none of this is new. It’s always been this way, but most Americans pretend it’s not. I promise you, though, if you set one foot into that world and you don’t belong, you’ll know it – they’ll make sure of that.
In Europe, classism originates from a combination of wealth and notions of nobility passed down through generations. But here, it’s all about the cash. Or, more correctly, wealth in general. From the moment the first colonists set foot on this continent, social layers began to form. European class systems based on land and labor arrived right along with them. Those who owned property or controlled trade (the wealthy) quickly established themselves at the top. Those who labored — whether as indentured servants, tenant farmers, or enslaved people — occupied the lower rungs. Wealth dictated opportunity, status, and political power.
When the founders sat down to sketch out a nation based on Enlightenment ideals, they tried to break from those traditionally rigid hierarchies. The promise was that this new republic would be different: more equal, more flexible, more open to talent than lineage. But before the ink was even dry on the Constitution, participation in democracy was tied to property ownership. In other words, class.
The industrial periods of the late 19th and early 20th centuries produced titans of industry and staggering corporate wealth, alongside factory workers who lived ten to a room and rarely made ends meet. The labor unrest of that era was more than economic conflict. It was an open confrontation between classes that the country pretended didn’t exist. And yet, generation after generation, we’ve continued telling ourselves that class isn’t part of the American story.
But it is – and that distinction is growing daily, minute by minute, mainly due to our current political structure and power, as billionaires are given increasing influence over our government.
In part two, we will talk about who perpetuates the very real American class system and what, if anything, can be done to lessen its influence on the majority.
PART II
I’m painfully aware of class distinctions. I grew up in a farm family that also included teachers, mechanics, cattle workers, and waitresses. I’ve had every job you can imagine – and some you can’t – and in every situation there was always someone around to remind me of my “place.” I never became a “have,” but, like you, I work for my living – and I always have – something most blue bloods can rarely claim.
Excluding tech boom millionaires from the 1990s, there is significant generational wealth at the top of the American food chain. However, most wealthy individuals insist that their success stems solely from a work ethic. Those struggling, on the other hand, are told to pull harder on their bootstraps. It’s a neat trick: if class doesn’t exist, then anyone stuck at the bottom must simply not be trying hard enough. That’s why republicans in power (who tend to be the wealthier group) blame the poor for being poor – spouting off on how they must be lazy, working the system, etc. And democratic leaders (who are often less wealthy, but not without means), champion the working poor while still condescending to them, maintaining the class barriers. Has Chuck Schumer, a multi-millionaire, invited you to any parties lately? Yeah, me either. Both sides are to blame for all this.
The truth is that modern America has a very real class structure, even if we don’t officially name it. At the top is the wealth class — that small percentage of Americans whose fortunes come from investments, corporate ownership, or inherited wealth. Below them is the upper middle class, made up of highly educated professionals who enjoy stability, networks, and cultural influence. The middle class — if we can still call it that with a straight face — includes those with some savings, homeownership, and a degree or a skilled trade.
Further down are the working class and the working poor, whose lives are shaped by hourly wages, inconsistent schedules, limited benefits, and housing insecurity. The lower classes – where most of us fit – are increasingly squeezed by rising costs and stagnant wages. What separates these groups isn’t just income. It’s wealth, education, geography, access to healthcare, and those unwritten rules known as “cultural capital” — things like networking, confidence in professional settings, or simply knowing which doors to knock on.
So where did our grand experiment at classlessness go wrong? It failed in all the predictable places. Public education and other social services were intended to level the field, but are still funded by local taxes that mirror neighborhood wealth. Even the American Dream itself was built on the idea that anyone can rise — as long as they start from somewhere near the top in the first place.
Those who rise to power tend to be members of the upper class, with little or no desire to lose their position by pandering to social groups with no influence, financial or otherwise. Sure, we see extensive TV news footage of politicians and wealthy people who volunteer with social services, donate to charities, and give speeches on behalf of the poor and less fortunate. But at no time do you ever see one of those people – from any political side – do something that might benefit you and me while jeopardizing their own place.
We could effect change, however, if we improve access to education, support trade schooling, strengthen worker protections, and provide financial literacy programs. We could even create a healthcare system that doesn’t punish people for simply being alive. Unfortunately, none of this seems likely in the current social and political climates.
America must accept that class exists, but only those at the top are sure of it. For some reason, the poorest people support the politicians and policies that tend to harm them the most. It’s time to wake up and realize that, to maintain their positions and wealth, the upper class will always try to subjugate the middle and lower classes.
So, what can you do? Listen to what the politicians are saying and doing. How does it help you? How does it harm you? Dump the idiotic crowd mentality of party and vote for your own best interests, not theirs.
I have been a freelance journalist since 1988, and the level at which we are losing our right to speak fact to power is deeply concerning. I don’t care what side of politics you happen to be on, but if you can’t see that free speech is under attack in our country right now, you must be living under a rock or so brainwashed by the status quo that you don’t care. Well, you should care. Our founding fathers put our guarantee, free speech, a free press, and freedom of, and from, religion – all right there in the First Amendment of our Constitution.
The current political machine grinds out endless column inches, social media posts, and lawless proclamations to spew freedom at every possible moment. And yet, the first things they did when they took over was restrict the freedoms of anyone “he” didn’t like – and now it’s extending to those who speak out against their “cause.” Supposedly, that cause was freedom at all costs, with the caveat that you must go along with everything they say or do.
We’ve heard all of this before, in other countries, from communists, fascists, dictatorships, you name it. So here we are, in arguably the most powerful country on the planet, now controlled by people who have simply decided that free speech is fine, so long as it’s state-approved. Don’t get me wrong, our country is not perfect; we’ve got blemishes on our history all the way back to day one. However, I’d like to think we’ve improved some things since then.
Now I’m not so sure. The people in power want to eliminate any shred of evidence that the United States of America is not as star-spangled awesome as they’d like you to believe. They are all hard at work scrubbing books, museum exhibitions, and historical data of any references to the horrors of slavery, government corruption, and anything else that doesn’t serve their crazy idea of democracy. Let’s be clear, it’s not democracy they want, but totalitarianism.
Every move they make implies a state-sanctioned religion, a theocracy, and brainwashed ideology that is not only bigoted and corrupt, but downright criminal. This administration has violated the Constitution so many times that even the press has begun to normalize its behavior. Are you kidding me? That’s what we’re supposed to do now?
Why else would massive corporations like CBS Paramount, or ABC, which Disney owns, suddenly drop some of the most influential and award-winning television hosts? Sure, companies have regulations within their business, and they’re allowed to set the tone by which employees are expected to behave. However, when the government threatens a broadcaster with revocation of their broadcast license over a freedom of speech issue, rather than a regulation or violation of the airways, we’ve reached a point of ridiculousness and danger.
Can you imagine if the other side of the aisle had done any of this? The same people who are doing it now would have literally lost their minds. They would have been breaking their arms to wave flags and scream about trampling on the Constitution. But now, so long as you say what they like, you’re good to go.
Book bans, an attempt to force the “free press” to report only what the administration approves, and a laundry list of other incomprehensible and subjugating tactics are all part of their method of operation. The country’s second in command recently issued warnings to the public not to say anything against the recently assassinated vocalist of this right-wing banana factory – or else.
No government official in the United States of America has the right to restrict the free speech or opinions of any citizen – or any non-citizen, for that matter. If our laws don’t apply to everyone, if our freedoms and civil liberties don’t extend to all, then they’re complete nonsense. Americans on both sides of the aisle are feeling the strangle hold on their rights, but virtually no one on the right will speak out for fear of “his” wrath.
I say this again – free speech is under attack. But the more we all speak up, the less they will be able to suppress our voices.
Good morning, I’m Jayakumar Madala, filling in for Sarah Naffa.
In the news today: The Kilmar Abergo Garcia case pulls Democrats into the immigration debate Trump wants to have; a deep staff cut at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is the latest step in an extraordinary reshaping of the federal government; and survivors talk about the lessons of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Also, scientists find possible chemical signs of life on a faraway planet. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, right, speaks with Kilmar Abrego Garcia in a hotel restaurant in San Salvador, El Salvador, on Thursday. (Press Office Senator Van Hollen, via AP)POLITICSThe Abrego Garcia case pulls Democrats into the immigration debate Trump wants to haveFor Democrats, the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case is about fundamental American ideals — due process, following court orders, preventing government overreach. For the Trump administration and Republicans, it’s about foreigners and gang threats and danger in American towns and cities. Read more.
Recent developments:This dichotomy is playing out as Democrats double down on their defense of Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man mistakenly deported and imprisoned without communication. On Thursday evening, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen posted photos of himself meeting in El Salvador with Abrego Garcia. The lawmaker did not provide an update on the status of Abrego Garcia, whose attorneys are fighting to force the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the U.S.
In defending his administration’s position, Trump says he is doing what he was elected to do and justifying the need to deport millions. “I was elected to get rid of those criminals — get them out of our country or to put them away, but to get them out of our country. And I don’t see how judges can take that authority away from the president,” Trump said Thursday.
Last week, we saw an incredible example of unmitigated patriotism to provide a voice for those who have none in the face of a president who runs roughshod over anyone who dares oppose him. Cory Anthony Booker, the senior senator from New Jersey, took and held the Senate floor for 25 hours and 5 minutes in a marathon speech in opposition to President Trump’s haphazard and potentially illegal actions during the first three months of his term.
Until now, congressional resistance toward the president has been lackluster, to say the least. This is understandable considering the GOP’s control in both houses and the way this administration has reacted to any opposition, as a petulant child would on a playground when denied an ice cream cone. It’s embarrassing and troubling. Congressional town hall meetings across the country have been disrupted by constituents demanding that Trump be held accountable for the repercussions of his actions.
Most disruptors are ushered out or jailed for the disturbances, but their point is well taken. This president has been actively, deliberately, and defiantly testing the limits of his office and the ability of the other branches of government to keep him in check as designed.
In 1787, the men governing the 13 original American colonies had been through a great deal. They’d declared independence from the most powerful country in the world, fought them in a bloody revolution, won, and finally managed to cobble together a set of laws to live by, unlike anything seen before. The newly minted Constitution was the single most important document ever drawn up to that point – and still is today. The Preamble and Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments for those who slept through fourth grade) are the gold standard for governing a democratic republic.
It’s doubtful the Founding Fathers ever imagined their fledgling country, still in its infancy today by European standards, would end up being tested, not by a foreign enemy, but by a power-mad oligarch occupying the president’s office. And, until today, very few have had the courage or opportunity to openly stand up to him.
Monday, March 31st, Booker took to the Senate floor and stated he’d remain there as long as he was “physically able,” and that he did – and it was no small feat, even for a former football tight-end. To hold the floor, whoever is speaking must keep talking and can’t stop, sit, lean on anything, or leave the floor for any reason. Fellow Democrats helped out, though, per Senate rules, allowing them to interrupt and ask him questions.
Over a day later, the 55-year-old senator finished speaking and limped off the floor. But, during his time, he held nothing back, walloping Trump on everything from his sweeping cuts to social services to what he called the impending “constitutional crisis” created by the president’s authoritarian actions.
To be clear, several Republicans have taken the same long-winded action on various issues over the last few years, most unsuccessfully. Such a speech isn’t a liberal or conservative move but that of a legislator committed to being heard on behalf of their constituents or the country.
Booker’s record-breaking speech was patriotic because he spoke for more than just those in his voting district. He voiced the fears not just of New Jerseyans but Americans nationwide. His words begged for compassion, kindness, and common sense – from those on both sides of the aisle. After all, when Trump’s own party doesn’t stand up to him, knowing his actions are questionable at best, someone else must.
The real question is, will Booker’s speech fuel a more dauntless anti-Trump resistance? Possibly. For more than a day, the New Jersey senator knocked the president’s agenda off the front page of every news outlet website, here and abroad. Not to mention the 350 million “likes” during the live stream on TikTok.
One thing is sure. Democrat or Republican, people must realize that Trump’s actions prove his agenda is to serve himself and his billionaire friends, not the country. So, to quote Senator Booker, “These are not normal times in America,” he said. “And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate” or anywhere else.
Power, like money, is nothing if you have enough, but everything if you don’t. But what is it? Who has it, and what are those without it supposed to do when faced off by those who do? I’m not sure I’m smart enough to answer any of those questions. If you’ll indulge me, however, I’ll make an attempt to do so and put it into a contemporary context. First, a little history – the kind we should learn from or be doomed to repeat.
It was 1887 England. In a series of letters to Bishop Creighton concerning the issue of writing history about the Inquisition, John Dalberg-Acton, the 1st Baron Acton, or better known as Lord Acton, wrote, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Most people are familiar with the quote, but few know the preceding passage, which gives it perspective.
“I cannot accept your canon that we are to judge Pope and King unlike other men, with a favourable presumption that they did no wrong,” Acton wrote. “If there is any presumption it is the other way against holders of power, increasing as the power increases. Historic responsibility has to make up for the want of legal responsibility.”
That’s some pretty fancy, but important language. Put more simply, Lord Acton was saying that the same moral standards should apply to everyone, including political and religious leaders. Throughout history, kings and popes were permitted, essentially, to wield their authority unchecked.
America’s Founding Fathers shared the same concern. So much so that when they created a constitution for their new country, coincidentally ratified the same year as Acton’s historic correspondence, it established three separate but equal branches of government to prevent such authoritarian power.
Power is a dangerous thing, especially in the hands of two kinds of people – those who want it, and those who want to keep it from others. The first is driven by greed, the second by fear. Lord Acton was commenting on accountability, something the Constitution ensures by setting equal the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government. Should some power-hungry tyrant manage to occupy the White House, the other branches would be able to keep him or her in check.
If that individual managed to wield enough control over two of the three branches, the third would be able to mitigate some of the potential danger. But if all three branches were heavily influenced, even manipulated by one individual, then we have a problem. That lands our country in Lord Acton’s absolute power corrupting absolutely territory, and on a much larger scale.
Let’s not forget the second kind of power broker (to borrow a term from one of my favorite authors, Robert A. Caro), the kind who want power out of fear. This individual, or group, is afraid that someone else will gain the power to control them or do things they don’t like.
These people tend to be all-or-nothing types. In other words, if they can’t have it, they don’t want anyone else to because they fear it will weaken their position. Those who are afraid of minority advancement fit this category.
But what if you’re on the receiving end of all this – the powerless. Powerless people are led to believe, by a government or other authoritative body, that they don’t deserve power. Classism, racism, ageism, and most other “isms” are examples of one group trying to maintain power over another. To quote a great role model of the late 1980s, Ferris Bueller, “Isms, in my opinion, are not good. A person should not believe in an -ism, he should believe in himself.”
When the people lose the power over government, when their elected representatives act in blind service to one policy or individual rather than the best interest of their constituents, when power begins to corrupt absolutely, freedom no longer exists. The trouble is, corrupted power often goes unrecognized until it’s too late.
Corruption dons the cloak of misdirection, intended to fool those who are unwilling to see the danger. Try to remember that power can also be a good thing that benefits all instead of one person or ideology. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make for very good reality television, now does it?
I’ve been a freelance journalist for most of my adult life, going back to my days as a staff writer on a college newspaper. Since then, I’ve been published hundreds of times in everything from weekly newspapers to regional trade magazines. Much of my work consists of feature stories, opinion columns, and a few hard news pieces.
I was trained by an old-school newspaper editor who demonstrated consistent ethics and integrity. I was taught never to take a story to press without three primary sources and on-the-record statements from those directly involved to back up the information.
As the Internet became an easy way for the citizen journalist to publish news and information, credibility and fact gave way to sensationalism and uninformed opinion. Click bait replaced proper headlines. Soon, what was once referred to as “the press,” was suddenly renamed, “the media.” In this reporter’s humble opinion, they are not the same.
Webster’s Dictionary defines media (plural of the word medium) as a means of communication, such as radio, TV, newspapers, social, the internet, and so on. In other words, it refers to the delivery system rather than the content or its source.
For example, social media is a primary source of news for many Americans. Unless the information originates from a reputable news source, the content may have no oversight, no editorial integrity, no fact-checking, nothing.
You may have no idea where the information came from or how it may have changed. Think of it as a game of telephone. The more the word spreads, the less accurate it becomes. To reiterate, the social media platform (or app), such as Facebook, X, or Instagram, is just the vehicle – the medium. Reputable or not, the message originates elsewhere.
“The Press,” on the other hand, is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Like the three branches of government, it’s literally set up right there in black and white – which is why it’s called the Fourth Estate.
The Press should serve as a watchdog to help hold those in power accountable and provide the public with the information they need to make informed decisions. Trained Press journalists gather facts, verify information, and present it objectively across a variety of media.
A functional and qualified Press works within the realm of fact – not truth (that’s for philosophers). It should present information without bias or commentary (there’s a page for that and you’re looking at it now) and demonstrate integrity in the process.
Before I have people shouting at the screen or tearing up the paper, I agree the problem of misinformation spread by so-called news outlets is in epidemic proportions. Unfortunately, many news agencies have traded integrity for revenue, to say nothing about a complete disregard for journalistic expertise.
Cable news programs often fall into this category. They base their content on current news stories, targeting the biases and interests of a single segment of audience to grow advertising revenue. This is not news – it’s entertainment.
Even worse is when a news outlet censors content to favor the business or political interests of their owners. For example, once a paragon of investigative journalism, “The Washington Post” is rapidly losing credibility because of interference with its newsroom by its owner, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Between social media, so-called citizen journalists, bloggers, and whatever else is out there, unvetted, unqualified, and often false content is cranked at an alarming rate. Their goal is to spread as much click bait as possible and deliver customers to advertisers – it’s all about money. That makes it hard to sift through the noise for qualified, factual news.
In the end, the Press should be rooted in ethics and accuracy. Sadly, many news outlets now prioritize profit, sensationalizing content to stay competitive in digital media. That’s muddied the journalistic waters, making it harder for the public to distinguish between fact and opinion.
My only advice is to check the source and remember that perspective isn’t the same as bias. News should be factual and accurate, not “fair.” There is no such thing as “fair and balanced” news. Fairness suggests compromise, whereas facts stand alone. The standard should be: is it factual, or not?
Without question, 2024 has been and will continue to be one of American history’s most charged and controversial election years. Among the points of contention is the continued argument regarding the necessity – and validity – of the Electoral College.
Political operatives and pundits alike have been outspoken on the subject from all political viewpoints. There seems to be no consensus because, quite frankly, even some government officials don’t understand its purpose. So, before I give you my thoughts, here’s some non-partisan history.
During the first Constitutional Convention of 1787, a significant debate unfolded about the method of electing a president to lead the executive branch of our newly established government. It was a pivotal moment in our history after the decision to have a single individual in the office rather than two or even a triumvirate. Just imagine the complexity of electing three people every four years.
The primary issue was whether a congressional vote should elect a president or do it by popular vote. The latter eventually won out until the smaller states began to weigh in, concerned that those with a larger population would wield more control.
Another lesser-known concern was that the political elite of the time were worried about a mass of uneducated voters swaying the results. Discussions continued for several months until, one day, in a closed-door subcommittee, James Madison laid down the concept for what became known as the Electoral College.
Enacted as a compromise and safeguard, Article II of the U.S. Constitution (later the 12th and 23rd Amendments), as well as the Electoral Count Act (ECA) of 1887) formally established the Electoral College. These laws regulated the voting process and defined the events between Election Day and the Inauguration.
Now, to clear up some misconceptions. Regardless of rhetoric to the contrary, I assure you that the Electoral College is an entirely democratic process. It is not, however, easy to explain. But I’ll try anyway (insert a deep breath here).
In a presidential election year, the political parties hold conventions where they nominate “presidential electors.” That’s simple enough to understand, but hang on. Here’s where it can get… confusing.
When a party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates win the popular vote, that party’s electoral nominees become “Electors.” Each state has the same number of Electors as members of Congress, and each Elector votes for their party’s ticket on separate ballots – one for president and one for vice president. So, your individual vote is still vitally important because the candidates cannot earn Electors without it.
For example, if Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater (president and vice president, respectively) won the popular vote in California, the Republican nominees from that state would become Electors and cast their votes to the Electoral College. Once all the electoral votes are cast, the candidate who reaches 270 out of a possible 538 wins – and this is only triggered if the candidates win that state’s popular vote in the first place.
In the news, the results sound something like this: Nixon has won California and its 54 electoral votes. Of course, those results still have to be certified. As you might recall, there was a slight hiccup during the 2020 election certification. However, new security measures have been taken to reduce any potential repeat of those terrible events.
Remember, this is just a glance at the process, but I hope it helps. If it’s still puzzling, a good analogy is Major League Baseball’s World Series. Every year, the winner is determined not by which team got the most runs per game but by which won the most games in the series. The Electoral College works the same way.
In my opinion, the Electoral College is the only practical, efficient, and fair way to ensure everyone’s voice is heard because we’re represented just as we are in Congress. The Founders realized that the popular election alone could and would eventually bring chaos.
If we want an election process that stays in constant contention, then eliminate the EC. But if we’re going to have all our citizens represented equally, let the system do what it was designed to do. If you want to make a real difference, make sure you vote.
TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. announces their annual School Supply Drive Distribution Events. TCN annually collects school supplies and donations for the children in their service areas. In 2023 they provided supplies to over 300 children and hope to expand that reach in 2024. The five distribution events listed above will include free pizza and beverages as well as school supplies while supplies last.
“Every year, TCN provides supplies to more than 300 students within our local communities. This helps ensure a successful beginning to the school year for these students, alleviates some of the financial strain on parents and caregivers, and supports educators who frequently contribute their own resources to support classrooms,” says Tasha Jones, TCN’s Executive Administrative Assistant. “This wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our donors and volunteers.” The five events will be held from 4-6 PM at the following TCN office locations:
Wednesday July 24 – 1825 Commerce Center Blvd, FAIRBORN
Friday July 26th – 1522 E. US Hwy 36, URBANA
Thursday July 25th – 1021 N. Market Street, TROY
Tuesday July 30 – 118 Maple Avenue, BELLEFONTAINE
Wednesday July 31 – 452 W. Market Street, XENIA
TCN accepts donations of school supplies at all locations, or donors can shop the School Supply Drive Amazon Wishlist at https://a.co/i3dO9iF to have supplies shipped directly to TCN for preparation and distribution. The organization also accepts monetary donations at tcn.org or https://tcn.jotform.com/202296368911965 by selecting “school supply drive” in the dropdown menu. Volunteers can sign up to help at their local events here: https://tcn.jotform.com/223056028945962.
Founded in 1990, TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. is a comprehensive behavioral health agency dedicated to improving lives by providing clinically excellent and accessible behavioral health services. TCN provides mental health, substance use and psychiatric services for adults and youth in Champaign, Greene, Logan, Miami, and Montgomery counties. For more information or to donate to TCN call (937)376-8700 or visit www.tcn.org.
Politicians distort the truth and exaggerate facts to elicit effect from an audience. All of them do it. The idea of any candidate being open and honest is not only unbelievable, but would likely bring the American political system to a dead stop.
No one is going to be completely honest and the determination of whether a politician is lying is in the eye of the beholder. Unfortunately die-hard fans of a particular candidate will insist that it’s only the opponent who lies. The hard, cold truth is, they all “lie.”
In the Star Wars film series, mentor Obi Wan Kenobi warns Luke Skywalker that many of the truths we cling to in life depend greatly on our point of view. Nowhere is that a more appropriate statement than in the political ring.
Often, distortion of the facts is an effort to cover uncertainty or a lack of knowledge. No one could possibly provide an answer to every problem and, rather than appear weak or uninformed, a candidate has prepared a neutral response to counter his or her lack of a solution. Voters should learn to read between the lines and determine whether this behavior is a character flaw or the nature of the job.
Sometimes a candidate, in a moment of either clarity or misstep, will betray his or her thoughts. Mitt Romney’s off-the-cuff remarks about the 47-percent of people who will vote for Obama because of the president’s predilection for endorsing entitlement programs is a perfect example of what can happen when a candidate’s true thoughts come to light.
Political candidates are under intense, constant scrutiny. Every word, every step, every mispronounced name can affect their overall image and subsequent performance in polling. Even misspeaking can be inferred as a lie and bring a campaign crashing down at any moment.
No matter how carefully words and phrases are chosen, however, they can still be used out of context to paint a candidate with a single brush stroke. Generally referred to as “sound bites,” the act of hacking up entire speeches into 30-second snippets has become far too common and can lead the listening public to the wrong conclusions.
Along the same concept, political advertising should be focused on informing the public about the intentions of the candidate. Instead, the point of these messages is to tear down the other guy, discrediting the opposition to the point of exclusion. Millions of dollars are poured into these ads just so each campaign can go back and forth on television, radio and on the Internet, just trying to counter the latest round of jabs from the other side.
Print or broadcast, generally the ads follow a simple pattern. One candidate takes a stab at the opponent’s position on something which is then answered from the other side with an accusation of lying about it, followed by some kind of weak rebuttal. But who is actually lying? Once again, that may depend on a point of view.
Developing and keeping on track a strong platform is tough for a political operative in today’s 2-minute news cycle. Since the American voter tends to go on hearsay and emotional preference rather than fact, it’s nearly impossible to maintain a consistent message. Much of the time is spent on damage control, like the president is doing now after his lackluster performance in the first debate.
Still, whether or not a politician lies is almost irrelevant to the modern voter. Americans seem to be more interested in trivial issues than the larger picture, proven by how easily they are distracted from more important problems by garbage issues. One man’s garbage, however, is another man’s treasure; so once again, it’s back to the pesky point of view.
One thing is for certain – all politicians lie. Voters just need to come to terms with how much of that really matters and learn how to separate the facts from the rhetoric.
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, right, speaks with Kilmar Abrego Garcia in a hotel restaurant in San Salvador, El Salvador, on Thursday. (Press Office Senator Van Hollen, via AP)POLITICSThe Abrego Garcia case pulls Democrats into the immigration debate Trump wants to haveFor Democrats, the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case is about fundamental American ideals — due process, following court orders, preventing government overreach. For the Trump administration and Republicans, it’s about foreigners and gang threats and danger in American towns and cities. 
The Jamestown Comet 