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Is Fox Trumping Up Trump?
Fox News Seems Keen to Flatter and Distract
A couple weeks ago, while browsing TV channels, I thought I had discovered a great, trustworthy television news network, and one that I had never come across before. It featured interesting arguments with skilled newscasters, not to mention the subtle lighting -- or so I thought. About 36 hours later, I heard something on my 'new favorite network' that sounded incorrect, based on a piece I had previously read. I decided to fact-check my sources and searched ‘RT News’ online, only to discover that RT just-so-happens to be Russia’s state media.
I had been duped, and that got me thinking. Thinking not only about Russian media, and potential Russian influence, but also about the most popular network on cable in this country: Fox News. My misadventures with news-media continued as I visited 'FoxNews.com', where I discovered an article about my current region of Seattle, Washington, which was simultaneously insulting and intriguing.
On the article in question, Fox News candidly refers to Seattle as 'smug' with bad public transportation (neither of which have I found to be true as a resident; ie, Link Light Rail; Rapid Buses; Streetcars; The Sounder Communter Rail). This article strikes me as lacking the relevance or objectivity to be considered well-reviewed news. Whereas Russian 'RT News' is at least explicitly state-run, in contrast Fox News emphasizes a 'no-spin' philosophy.
In addition to writing seemingly random and bizarre content like the one about Seattle, Fox News also seems to hand-pick which pieces of actual news to report on. While they seem absolutely googly-eyed over President Trump, they also seem conspicuously absent when Trump does anything unsavory or politically damaging.
Take, for instance, Trump’s recent insulting of Lebron James, a venerable and GOAT-style, great American athlete. This would seem perfect fodder for Fox News Network (FNN). However, according to their website, they seem relatively disinterested. This leads one to question whether or not this is politically-motivated, as Lebron enjoys great support from the state of Ohio, which could make Trump's comments politically damaging.
While Fox seemingly ignores unsavory Trump stories, they also consistently cover his rallies (and Tweets, and call-in interviews, etc), even though they are questionably news-worthy, extremely long and often rambling in content.
Without a minute-by-minute fact-check, the Fox News audience is left to decode a President who refers to the “hundreds” of US Senators on Capitol Hill, among other inaccuracies voiced at a recent Pennsylvania rally. This creates a problem, as fact and fiction collide, live for audiences of millions.
When I realized that I had been consuming news authorized by Vladimir Putin, I stopped immediately. However, at least RT News is obviously run by the Russian government. Fox News, with its motto of "Real News. Real Honest Opinion." does just the opposite, by portraying a verdant image while seemingly trumping up the President of the United States.
Would He, Or Wouldn't He?
President Trump Apparently Uplifts the Kremlin at US' Expense
Over the past two years or so, we have been subject to a President-elect and now President who erodes our confidence in our institutions, at least when they are run by a former reality star. In a recent press conference, when asked if the Russians are actively interfering in our elections, Donald Trump said what most of us are thinking: "No, thank you." But alas, the Trump Administration is here to stay (for now), and the LGBTQ Community, plus all of Tulare and the United States, are jeopardized by a seemingly misguided President.
President Trump may not want to comment on Russian intereference, but he is thereby ignoring ample evidence to the contrary. In particular, the countless intelligence agencies of our country act as a chorus of support for this notion. The recent meeting in Helsinki between Putin and Trump showed many of us that our Commander-in-Chief is not vigilant, let alone deterrant, of Russia, opening us up to bad actors.
This matters to Tulare organizations like this LGBT Organization, especially because Tulare's Rep. Devin Nunes has created numerous documents and memos that support the agenda of the President in this matter. Tulare's interests are contringent upon the success of the federal government, just like everywhere in our country, and Tulare needs attentive electeds, like any city.
The LGBTQ Community is also watching the Russia investigation closely, but for different reasons. In this community, folks are curious whether or not the current administration will be held to account for their transgressions and allegations. This, rather than allowing them to apparently create distractions and inflict harm on minority communities, such as through the failed 'Transgender Ban' in the military.
As a result of this urgency and relevance to communities, all our collective jaws dropped when the President of the United States went on-air to distinguish between "would" and "wouldn't". Clearly, this administration was reluctant to admit there was even a problem, as Trump tweeted and made comments supporting his press conference with Putin, during which he made it clear who he trusted and whose advice he was willing to believe. Hence, the President gave frustrated and impeachment-minded citizens yet another reason -- if not treason.
Blaine M.L.
Devin Nunes Vs Andrew Janz
Rep. Devin Nunes Faces Strong Challenger in Andrew Janz
by Blaine M. Leal
In the upcoming November election, for Tulare’s House of Rep's 22nd District, Devin Nunes -- the incumbent Republican -- faces a closer-than-usual race against the Democratic candidate: Andrew Janz. On one side, Rep. Nunes has represented South Fresno, Visalia and Tulare since 2003, with an internationally-known persona; Challenger Andrew Janz, a Democrat, offers a totally different but a more compelling and impressive professional resume and leadership portfolio.
Representative Devin Nunes is a larger-than-life figure, both known anecdotally, as well as in his social media and news-show presence. A quick glance at his Twitter page, for instance, shows him in-action on various Fox News (good for corporate profits, does nothing about the pot-holes) programs and other television and radio shows -- thanks, Dev. Rarely does he reference the Central Valley, let alone his hometown of Tulare (Go Tribe?). In this regard, Rep. Nunes appears disconnected, or at least very distant, from his constituents in the city of Tulare.
Andrew Janz, on the other hand, indicates on social media that he is focued on and cares about Tulare and is invested in the region's success, at least enough to address these issues publicly. On the Janz Campaign Instagram, for example, numerous posts reference the business development and environmental health of Tulare, important issues for potential voters, in the opinion of this Chapter Leader.
Since Donald Trump took office, Rep. Devin Nunes has caused well-publicized rifts within the House Intelligence Committee because, according to his Democratic counterpart on the Committee, Adam Schiff, Nunes has breached protocol and ignored his colleagues, showing that the current representative seems preoccupied with the Trump-Russia issue. His dealing with the Nunes Memo, taking place within shady circumstances in the White House garden, further illustrates his many distractions.
In contrast the Janz website outlines about twenty (yes folks, two-zero) specific issues and how he plans to address them. In them, he takes the EPA to task for water quality and delivery, and he emphasizes his support of the LGBTQ Community: “I will fight any attack on same-sex marriage and…bills that threaten the dignity and safety of transgender Americans," in addition to promising to protect Dreamers.
Moreover, Ballotopedia indicates that Nunes’ campaign received over $1.3 million, much more than the $278,000 that Janz received through June, showing that Nunes has a clear advantage, if only money-wise. The nexy months until November's vote will see a city, this author's hometown, decide in a traditional longer than the Bell Game. More serious than high school, but also more important. Disclaimer: I still need to register in WA
Chapter Leader's Poetry
The Chapter Leader of LGBT Tulare, Blaine Leal, has recently released his first book of poetry, having earned a B.A. in English from Cal Poly. Many of the themes discussed are LGBTQ-related, and several narrative scenes take place in and around Tulare.
This 'chapbook' of poetry has been in-the-works for about five years, or since 2013. Along the way, Blaine has gained new ideas and a different perspective, providing an excellent background for a booklet of thoughtful and imaginative poems.
Several of the poems allude to contemporary social issues, such as climate change and the criminal justice system. Others are more personal, including those about the author's artistic process, inner dialogue and motivations.
Within these poems, which include 'Wells', 'Eclipse', and 'Fashion Show', the reader is taken on a rhythmic journey of learning, self-discovery and imagination. As the chapbook unfolds, the topics become increasingly potent and relevant; hence, the final two poems are 'Complex Sentences' and 'War, On The Rocks', two poems about important contemporary social and political issues. This poetry collection gradually unveils different pieces of the puzzle that make this author, Blaine Leal, an 'America(n)'.
Blaine's poetry chapbook is available on Amazon Direct Publishing for five dollars, and can be found by clicking here.
All content by Blaine Leal
June: LGBTQ Pride Month!
June: LGBTQ Pride Month!
Each year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ Community celebrates pridefully with events and parades around the world. At these gatherings, which include Fresno Pride and Los Angeles Parade & Festival, community members and allies celebrate gains in LGBTQ Rights. This is also a time to enjpy live performances, like music and comedy.
For instance, in West Hollywood earlier this month, comedian Kathy Griffin received an achievement award to honor her LGBTQ advocacy, including raising over $10 million dollars toward HIV/AIDS organizations. She took the opportunity during her speech to advocate for a gay president in her lifetime, at which point she hilariously suggested this would lead to the "Lincoln Room", being that she has "paid her dues".
Wherever you are locarted, you can honor Pride Month by spreading positivity and love, in the name of the Queer Community. Whether or not you are a member of the LGBTQ Community, anyone can add to the festivities by spreading love and positivity, wherever!
June is an important month for the LGBTQ Community because it commemorates the Stonewall Riots, where our community first began to demand rights, respect. Not only is this a time to appreciate what we now have, but also to look to the future.
From gender-neutral restrooms to banning coversion therapy, there are many ways we can continue fighting for our Rights. So, feel free to join in -- it'll be a riot!
All content by Blaine Leal
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.
