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Cambridge Manipula?

Cambridge Analytica: Research or  Manipulation?

     LGBTQ individuals need to be vigilant about how extremists vote; it matters because we are often targets of their bullying campaigns. And this begs the question, Did Cambridge Analytica simply appeal to Americans' baser instincts, or are they manipulators?

     Cambridge Analytica has reported using various tactics to influence voters, including through advertising campaigns, social media research and mischaracterizing political opponents. Although this may chafe against voters’ self-perception as autonomous decision-makers, it does not necessarily deviate from traditional campaign practices. Right? 

     Wrong. When the full scope and extent of Cambridge Analytica’s endeavors in the 2016 Presidential Election are considered, it is apparent that this Company; manipulated the populace; violated our privacy; and deceptively characterized Hillary Clinton.

     First, Cambridge Analytica focused attention on psychological factors of Americans, rather than any specific plan for the country besides opportunism for themselves. This is a clear indicator that they were interested only in the manipulation of the citizenry — that’s us! By pin-pointing vulnerabilities and specific insecurities, this Company demonstrated the same behavior as any abusers and manipulator, they encouraged weakness instead of strength. They tried tearing us down.

     Rather than Analytica manipulating us based on our identities and maximizing our perceived vulnerabilities, perhaps that could avoided crossing the line from opposition research to manipulation, but they didn’t. Instead, by gathering important information from Facebook Users and FB Friends, they failed to gain proper permission. This represents a massive breach of the electoral process.

     Lastly, Cambridge Analytica trespassed into the grounds of apparent manipulation by crossing ethical boundaries when characterizing Hillary Clinton dishonestly. Rather than revealing anything significant about her, they lowered themselves to artificial claims with cheap YouTube effects. They sent out chain emails and random guilt trips to elect Donald Trump. This Company is an organization whose leaders demonstrate a willingness to deceive and defame in order to turn the minds of the People. 

     They crossed the line to manipulation, thus attempting to degrade the democratic institution that will eventually rise again. Thus, those in positions of power and influence have harvested our data, used it against us, and lied about a legitimate candidate. 

Tulare Loses Jontel Reedom, Who Won On The Football Field -- and In Our Hearts

Jontell Reedom was a brother, a son, a teammate and, to this author, a fellow graduate of Tulare high schools, Class of 2009. As such, this author shares the grief of this tragic loss with the loved ones of Mr. Reedom. 

To move forward productively, we can learn necessary lessons from this tragic incident, while offering support where immediately needed. To remember Jontell properly, we ought to support loved ones, promote mental health awareness and properly investigate the circumstances surrounding his passing.

As our community has navigated this difficult time, it has become clear that Mr. Reedom was a beloved community member. He was a football star in high school, where he was recruited by top universities like USC, among others. He was also an attendee of Tulare schools from an early age, according to former classmates. Jontell is survived by siblings, who are currently gathering donations on GoFundMe.com (https://www.gofundme.com/burial-expense-for-jontell-reedom) for funeral and hospital expenses. 

In the wake of this tragedy, family and friends of Jontell Reedom have asked that mental health awareness be increased and prioritized. Under the slogan, 'Treat the ill, not kill the ill', they have asked for 24-hour treatment facilities and increased counseling services in general. This is their chosen legacy, and government and non-profit organizations have the impetus and responsibility to follow Mr Reedom's example: to catch the pass from his loved ones, and run far with it.

Lastly, we must call upon the proper supervising authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding his death. In doing so, the proper designees would allow the people of Tulare, and Jontell Reedom's family in particular, to receive proper clarity and closure. As a professional in the field of criminal justice, this author recognizes the importance of open and accountable processes. Without a preconceived outcome determined, an unbiased investigation is a route to understanding in this heretofore confusing and saddening situation.

Jontell Reedom will be remembered forever as a son, brother, teammate, classmate. His smile reverberates across social media today, as an expression of a young man's love and joy. The grief and loss that we feel can spur us to action in order to remember him properly. LGBT Tulare offers its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Jontell Reedom.

LGBT Tulare

LGBTQ Rights in Trump Era

 LGBTQ Rights in the Era of Trump 

          In the Era of Trump, it is extremely dizzying. One policy move after another, we strive to thrive in our environment, but are often resigned to survive.

         There is a need to understand how these changes impact our Community, in order to stay informed. This need is amplified if you are a minority: a person of color, a woman or an LGBTQ individual.

          On the lines below, I outline the impact of the Trump Administration on the LGBTQ Community, policy-wise. I am as accurate and concise as possible, as well as somewhat sarcastic. ;)

Factual?

1. Mike Pence is given a global platform, which is problematic considering his stances against LGBTQ Rights.
2. Trump deletes LGBTQ portion of White House website, which hurts a lot of young people who rely on websites for credibility and information.  
3. Trump claims that the Transgender Community is barred from serving in the Military. This does not appear to hold up legally, logically or literally. 
4. Many bathroom bills fall apart in State Congresses for some unknown reason. Across the nation, these crappy bills are in the shredder, where they belong.
5. The President increasingly caters to the Evangelical Base, which makes LGBTQ Folks like this author very shifty-eyed and nervous — catlike

Funny?

1. Gar bars see hike in overall patronage!
2. “Mike Pence” becomes trending in nothing!
3. Everyone sees him for the asshole he really is!
4. Early 80’s mentality of fear and assumed-reproach reemerges!
5. Along with great coping skills related to Scream-O and Aquanet!

          These are some sobering facts; however, please remember, the LGBTQ Community is awesome and there are many, many examples of this. Besides, you are particularly awesome! 

         If you're feeling depressed and/or experiencing self-harm ideation, please reference the Health Resources Tab on this website regarding 24-hour hotlines.

LGBT Tulare