Left Wing VS. Right Wing: Bias In Today’s Media

As it comes to no surprise to any of us, the media has a way of manipulating the truth.  From both sides of the political party, there are bias narratives, high levels of inaccuracies, poor coverage on important issues, and stories strictly structured around sensationalism. All of these factors have created a very week infrastructure for trust within today’s media. In September of this year, a poll taken by USA Today, CNN, and Gallop found that only 36 percent of Americans believe news organizations are factual, compared to 54 percent in mid – 1989. This not only illustrates how the media has become institutionally bias within their political party but is show how we as Americans have no trust in the media. And how can one make educated political decisions with this sense of propaganda looming over everything? Below I have added two political cartoons that will illustrate today’s bias in the media regarding serious issues.

This cartoon, upon analysis, was created by an individual that is behind the democratic party. Within the illustration, the artist is trying to illustrate that Fox is a new outlet that has been structured within institutional racism. This bias can be supported due to the the elements within the illustration. For example, both individuals are the same age but their color of skin in the driving factor behind the assumptions about their character. This illustrates how this author has the bias that Fox is inaccurate within their media coverage because of the narrative on either side of the photos and the labeling of who they are as civilians underneath the photos. It also illustrates the underlying characters of the victims underneath the frame of the images in relation to the portrait of the characters. I agree that there are biases in all corporate media outlets, but I do not think that this image represents Fox new as a whole. For the author to claim that all employees behind Fox news are institutionally racists as a corporation is simply not true. Yes, their national media may be swayed in a certain way, but I do not believe this cartoon represents the mentality of all employees within this corporation.

In addition, this cartoon is illustrated to bring the flaws of left-wing media into the conversation. Within this illustration you can see that the “executioner” is labeled with left-wing media outlets, his weapon of choice states “mainstream media” and journalism is copped to bits in a pile of blood…tasteful! But what throws the best shot at the leftwing is the “executioners” statement and the list of issues on the left-hand side of the illustration. These factors show how this author is biased toward right-wing media and illustrates his opinion of democratic news outlets. But what this author is trying to portray is simply incorrect. Democratic new outlets construct far more content than information regarding birth control. In addition, I believe left-wing news outlets touch on all of the issues that are listed within their broadcasting. This cartoon is designed to portray that democratic news outlets are not engaged in this country and the major issues that are taking place during this time. which I believe is not the case regarding left-wing news coverage.

Burn Pits

Growing up in a small town you become close friends with just about everyone in your school. We had 125 in our graduating class. We all became a close group of friends. When your friend joins the military you worry, you cry, but then you become amazed and proud at all they do.

My friend Amie was one of the most amazing people I know. She had a heart of gold, best mother, friend wife anyone knows. She always put her county and others before herself.

Amie did 2 tours in Iraq during her time as an airman. She loved her role in the military. She spent her time in the states continueing to support her fellow vets by serving at funerals and filming their funerals.

She had a passion for veterans rights and made sure every chance she had she let our representatives know. She was a frequent visitor to many in MN. Amie knew she always needed both sides to make things move. She was an advocate for bi-partisen work.

What Amie didn’t know was she was dieing. The Iraq war took my dear friend, mother, wife and Minnesota Air National guard tech Sgt. It just took a decade to do it.

You see, during those four tours, she was stationed near burn pits. Years of breathing in the toxic fumes had taken her life. Amie began getting sick. She saw doctor fter doctor, they diagnosed just about everything they could. But nothing helped. She was getting sicker each year.

Amie was frustrated with the circles she was running with the VA. She knew something was wrong. Six years later she got the horrible news. She had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. They gave her 3 months. Well Amie knew she needed to save her fellow military families. So she did was Aimee did. She called her senator. Amy Klobochar was there to fight for Amie. She came to her house, even visited her in the hospital. Amie fought until her last day on this Earth. She said she had to, she had to save others. Amie fought hard and had 9 months after her diagnosis, again showing her strength.

She had all the information and knew those burn pits robbed her of her life. They took her kids mother from them. Her husband would be a widower, raising their children alone.

Because of Amie, the fight goes on to protect veterans from burn pits. The hard work she did documenting her story has been a driving force the in the fight.

Burn Pits documentary was created and featured her story. Local and national news picked it up. Her husband started the Amie Muller Foundation to help continue the research. This bill will help prevent these burn pits and get veterans the help they need

Her husband Brian recently got the best news! Amy Klobucher had gotten the bill passed!! This bill will help prevent these burn pits and get veterans the help they need.

The fight is not over and there is so much more to do. But this month we all celebrate and know that Amie’s death will hopefully save hundreds. Maybe they will get the help with early screening. Amie’s doctors said had she been diagnosed earlier, she would have had a chance.

No one fights alone has become the team Amie way. Living life with a purpose and sharing her story is how we all can help. Use your voice this November and vote. We all have a little fight in us, use it for something good. Use it in the voting poles.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/teamamiemuller/permalink/2205016736198604/

The Amie Muller foundation host events to raise money for research and Code Purple Now As well as a time to remember our amazing dear friend.

“Inaccurate, Incomplete, & Irresponsible”

Why you shouldn’t believe everything you see in the media

Health care is a hot topic everywhere we look. CNN decided to target The Mayo Clinic in August, 2018 about a patient’s experience. This is a great example of “there are two sides to every story” and why you should investigate the sources from which you are receiving information.

CNN: Escape from the Mayo Clinic

At first glance, CNN depicts an 18 year old patient was being held hostage at Mayo Clinic hospital. She had a ruptured brain aneurysm in which Mayo neurosurgeons completed surgery to save her life. Yet the family was not happy with rehabilitation care and wanted to transfer her to a different hospital. CNN took reports from the family and used emotional phrases in the article to favor the family’s views. There is a detailed script of the family trying to lie to hospital staff to break their daughter free and following police involvement for the abduction of the patient. CNN touched on Mayo’s policies and the high risks of the patients’ health. CNN included details of how Mayo was going to extreme efforts to obtain legal guardianship over the patient, exclude the family, and incorporated experts in health ethics and law. All the experts made statements such as “from my 25 years of experience, why isn’t the family the best choice here” and “hospitals aren’t prisons” and “It’s so baffling why they didn’t try to…”.  They finalized the story with more emotional polls from the family: “They haven’t recovered emotionally from what happened at Mayo” and “I think that the doctor I made mad wanted to make sure that I paid for it no matter what.”

This seems like a very disturbing story… exactly what the author wants their readers to feel. Is it a coincidence that this story came out the same week that Mayo Clinic was rated the number 1 hospital by US News & World Report? Maybe that’s more pull to headline this story and get people interested.

Overall, there is obvious bias in this story. Not to say there are never conflicts with patient care, family involvement, hospital discharges, patient rights, staff safety, vulnerability, etc… the list could go on forever. Health care is clearly a complex system, yet what background validates these authors’ knowledge of patient care? Have these authors ever cared for a patient who should have died due to a brain aneurysm, have they ever assisted with rehabilitation or coordinating family care? Have they been involved with ethics committees or hospital policies?

Mayo countered (as any professional organization would):

• Mayo Clinic removed the mother from the hospital due to her repeated aggressive and threatening behavior towards our staff.
• Public court documents illustrate the challenges facing the family, including the August 10, 2018 court-ordered removal of five children from the mother’s home and allegations of abuse and substance abuse by the mother.
• Mayo contacted law enforcement when the patient was removed from the hospital by the family against medical advice because we believed her life and safety were at risk if she did not receive appropriate medical care.
• Mayo Clinic never refused a request for a transfer. We received a request to explore a transfer “within the coming week” on February 27, 2017 and did not have the chance to clarify and consider the request for a transfer of care before the patient was removed by the family from our care against medical advice on February 28, 2017.
• We met with CNN on background with the agreement that the conversation would inform their reporting. We did not go on camera out of concern that this would bring undue attention to a vulnerable patient.
• CNN’s incomplete reporting failed to include our informed and significant concern for the patient’s safety and the public and court records or interviews with family members not closely associated with the mother.

Mayo Clinic responds to false, sensationalized CNN story

“Inaccurate, incomplete and irresponsible reporting by CNN” -Mayo Clinic

Before you form any opinions or create any judgments on any topic, make sure you validate your sources. If you are not an expert on that topic and neither are the authors, than you better have time for more research.

Winter is Coming:)

Many of you think that I’m talking about Game of Thrones, but I’m talking about the season changing. During the past winters, we ‘ve had a lot of accidents and its due to a lack of preparation for changes in the weather. This winter we can change by preparing for the coming weather i.e. fixing the road, having ice salt for the roads, and also, drivers can prepare by getting good chains for the tires or winter tires, driving at the appropriate speed limit, having a shovel in the car in case they get stuck. Posted in the Personal Injury, “Icy roads- Ice can often be difficult to see on roads, especially when it covers the road in a thin layer. This type of “black ice” is very slippery, and drivers often do not account for it during winter weather, leading to accidents when they are unable to stop or turn in time.”

“Every year, more than 1,300 people die and more than 116,000 people are injured in car crashes that occur on roads that are snowy, icy, or slushy. These conditions can make roads especially dangerous, and accidents.” – Personal Injury

In addition, the state could also help road users by placing patrol at every highway in case they need assistance. This winter we can reduce the number of accidents caused road users by following the rules and regulations set down the government and also taking some precautions by watching the news to know where to take on the highways just to avoid accidents. Many accidents that have happened in the past were caused by lack of precautions such as driving at a low speed to avoid skidding, listening to the radios to know where the real-time accidents and road blockage are, inflating tires and avoid using parking brakes.

In conclusion, many will think driving in the winter is not really safe but I think its the best time to drive because everyone gets to drive at the same pace. The winter season has its up and downs, and one of its downs is a lot of car accidents during the season. If we can follow the above precautions we can reduce the downs of the winter. Driving during the winter time takes a lot of hard work and only those that are strong enough can withstand it. I think this winter is going to be the “survival of the fittest”.

Sources:

https://www.womansday.com/life/travel-tips/g2868/5-ways-to-avoid-getting-into-an-accident-this-winter/

https://www.grgblaw.com/wisconsin-trial-lawyers/avoiding-car-accidents-staying-safe-winter-weather

Parenting 3

Christina Aguilera and her “naked Sundays”

Ok – this headline will kick off the first of two weeks of what the hell. According the listing of questionable celebrity parenting Ms. Aguilera participated in “naked Sundays” with her family which included 2 children. “I think it’s important that [Max] sees mommy not be ashamed for her sexuality. … We’re art collectors, there are a lot of female nudes around the house. Max will be growing up in a house where it’s just the norm. … It’s only weird when you shame it,” Christina Aguilera on MTV News. I, wow. I’m not sure how I should feel about this one, so I am taking a shot in the dark here, but if her main goal was to feel sexual again as a woman and as a new mom (twice over), I would have to believe that this responsibility falls to the father and/or husband or partner, depending on how you look at it. I would think this would be in the interactions of the adults in the relationship and not parading naked in front of your child as an all-day event. From what I understand a child’s mind is like a sponge and it soaks up all of the information is receives and tries to make sense of it all. How is teaching your child to be a sexual being at such a young age beneficial? Understand that yes, there are times that call for nakedness of both the parent and child, but those times in my head would be limited to something bathroom related like bath time or changing out of dirty clothes in favor of clean ones. In reviewing information provided by AboutKidsHealth there are certain highlights in which children should become away and have a basic understanding on man from woman but it really isn’t until the child is almost a teenager where more in-depth knowledge of reproduction works and actually practicing safe sex. Regarding “naked Sundays”, I’m not entirely sure where and what age group this falls into. But the excuse of the fact that they are art collectors and there are nude statues everywhere isn’t good enough. What are some other opinions?

 

Website reference: https://www.ranker.com/list/questionable-celebrity-parenting-advice/carly-silver

Politicot

Many of us have been hearing, reading and seeing FAKE news and FAKE websites are all over. We have all seen them, clicked on them or maybe even shared them. If you had any type of social media during the last presidential election you saw plenty. Facebook was beginning to look like a “He said” “She said” battleground. It caused friends, co-workers and families to take sides.

We hate to admit that we might have believed them. I can say I was beginning to worry when my husband would always blurt out “GUESS WHAT?” Then, he would say something that I hoped when he heard himself say it out loud he would know it wasn’t true. He usually still believed it. The funniest one and one I can tease him about was when he was convinced sure the Aaron Rogers was died. It took me the rest of the hour long car ride to get him off the subject.

When thinking about what website to write about I came across Politicot.com. I had not seen this site before so I thought I would check it out. It had all the crazy headlines we see on fake news sites (or the old school fake news National Enquirer ). I clicked on a headline to see what the story was about.

Pope Criminalizes the Reporting of Sex Crimes seems like a factual title right? Then I notice these buttons SHOW FACTS and HIDE FACTS when I click on them it highlights the facts. This particular article has 3.5 full factual sentences. Most articles on this site have the catchy headlines that get people to click and read it. But how many people read just that headline and believe exactly what it says.

So are the articles on Politicot.com real? Do they add value to the conversation? Or do they distract people from the truth? Reading through a few they are nothing more then a comical distraction from reality. Here are a few good quotes from this site.

“The Union of Alaskan Prostitutes, an organization dedicated to offering physical protection and legal representation to the working girls of Alaska, agrees with its former half-term governor completely. In accordance with their position on the apparent liberal, corporate war on Christmas in America, the Union has decided to offer a 50% discount to all Republicans as a way of supporting their fight against the destruction of the holiest of Christian holidays.”

““ISIS’s inevitable takeover of the NFL is a horrific vision. Burqas provide no head or body protection whatsoever. And by dressing all teams identically, ISIS will make it extremely difficult for NFL players to distinguish between their team members and opponents. How we will determine the true winner of this year’s Superbowl!” Mr. Poe added.”

FBI Unintentionally Turns Training Video into Hilarious Must See Travel Video

So, the next time you click on a catchy headline ask yourself. Did Aaron Rogers die?

Instagram fake news

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Parenting 2

Parenting is hard. Change my mind. Go.

For those of us unfortunate enough to be reading this blog post and have young kids, you probably understand what I am referring to and about to stick my foot in my mouth with. But here we go anyway. Until recently the thought of being a stay at home dad never crossed my mind. Probably because I have a somewhat warped sense of family, it could almost be considered the “F” word to me given my track record. But leaving my house every day to do the same old grind in a sometimes-dead end job for bosses and managers who could care less, I leave my better half to mind the spawn not thinking ahead to what her day will be like. After careful consideration, I wouldn’t mind being the stay at home dad. I think it would be great spending time with my little guy every day. Teaching him life skills and putting house back in order after it’s several months of minor neglect. Referencing the article/blog about SAHD’s vs. SAHM’s was interesting in that there was only one case where the dad was just being a dad. Having fun with his kids and not lifting a finger to do house work or even bother to cook dinner for his family. While on the other end of the spectrum, the SAHM’s are expected to “tidy” the house and have a home cooked meal ready. I do believe there is skewed logic here somewhere. Whatever happened to open lines of communication and being an adult? Whomever is staying at home and whomever is working should have an understanding of what’s expected of them. Seems fair to me.

But then we have the other daunting issue of parenting. Childcare. For those parents out there trying to both work full time hours and not sacrifice spending an arm and leg on childcare, good for you! I’m right there with you! But as time marches ever onward, finding last minute care is starting to get harder. Seems like a snap judgement, but people would rather snuggle an infant as opposed to keeping a toddler entertained for a few hours. My wife and I have gotten to the point where we are forced to consider a professional baby sitter. In case you didn’t think that was a real thing, it is, I had to double check. This opens new angles we are not prepared for; these folks are part time nanny’s which is great an add but this adds to the bottom line of the budget let alone the fact that this person is a complete stranger!

Two website references:

https://www.todaysparent.com/family/stay-at-home-moms-vs-dads/

https://www.parents.com/parenting/work/stay-home/childcare-and-working-parents-the-juggle-is-real/

Supreme Court of the United States

Established by the United States Constitution, the Supreme Court began to take shape with the passage of the Judiciary Act of 1789 and had its first assembly in 1790. The Supreme Court is the final judge in all cases involving laws of Congress, and the highest law of all — the Constitution.

“The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.”

– Article III, Section 1, United States Constitution

The Supreme court is what our country is built on. Cases that make their way all the way up to the Supreme court shape the laws we must all follow. The Supreme Court plays a very important role in our constitutional system of government. First, as the highest court in the land, it is the court of last resort for those looking for justice. Second, due to its power of judicial review, it plays an essential role in ensuring that each branch of government recognizes the limits of its own power. Third, it protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution. Finally, it sets appropriate limits on democratic government by ensuring that popular majorities cannot pass laws that harm and/or take undue advantage of unpopular minorities. It serves to ensure that the changing views of a majority do not undermine the fundamental values common to all Americans, i.e., freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of

(photo from https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/courtbuilding.aspx)

USA Today list the top 21 Supreme Court Cases you can see some votes were unanimous and some are very close. These cases have divided our country and brought our country together. Cases are heard on a number of items. Race, voting, marriage, marijuana, education, health insurance, slavery and so much more.

Supreme Court Judges hold highest power in our country. So why would we want someone who doesn’t hold our countries laws, morals or values high? We are in a historical time in America. We have an opening on the Supreme Court and it is a controversy like not other in American history.

The sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh date back to his high school and college years — decades ago. There have been several female’s to come forward and say they have had encounters with Kavanaugh that show he should not be on the highest court.

Suddenly it is a he said/she said case. How long is “too long” to be sexually assaulted and come forward?

A “#Why I didn’t Report” movement is being backed my both male and female victims of sexual violence after President Trump questioned the length of time from one accuser. Seven out of 10 victims of sexual assault do not go to authorities.

One google search and you can see both sides posting their opinions. News media coverage on both sides. Each side claiming fake news reports. Blue vs Red. Liberal vs Conservative. We all see the battles. CNN vs FOXNEWS. Each website has their own agenda and projects their own version of the same situation. What can anyone believe anymore? We are so quick to judge, so quick to talk, not a quick to listen and hear the other side. We have an obligation to research and sift through the information out there.

I ask you a question.

Is this about IF he did this?

or

Is this about the morals and values of a position on the highest court in the US?

What have we become that we are so angry and unable to look at the real question here? What standards do we have for the judges on the highest court in the US?

Interested in our Supreme Court Case History?

Read the cases that have made their way to the Supreme Court. Do these court cases affect you? Do you want someone in our court system that can change these decisions? What rights do you value? What rights are you willing to loose just to stand by a political party that would not stand by you?

Marbury v. Madison, 1803 (4-0 decision)

Established the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review over Congress.

Dred Scott v. Sandford, 1857 (7-2 decision)

Denied citizenship to African American slaves.

Plessy v. Ferguson, 1896 (7-1 decision)

Upheld “separate but equal” segregation laws in states.

Brown v. Board of Education, 1954 (9-0 decision)

Separating black and white students in public schools is unconstitutional.

Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963 (9-0 decision)

Criminal defendants have a right to an attorney even if they cannot afford one.

Miranda v. Arizona, 1966 (5-4 decision)

Prisoners must be advised of their rights before being questioned by police.

Roe v. Wade, 1973 (7-2 decision)

Women have a constitutional right to an abortion during the first two trimesters.

United States v. Nixon, 1974 (8-0 decision)

President cannot use executive privilege to withhold evidence from criminal trial.

Bush v. Gore, 2000 (5-4 decision)

No recount of the 2000 presidential election was feasible in a reasonable time period.

District of Columbia v. Heller, 2008 (5-4 decision)

Citizens have a right to possess firearms at home for self-defense.

United States v. Windsor, 2013 (5-4 decision)

Federal government must provide benefits to legally married same-sex couples.

Obergefell v. Hodges, 2015 (5-4 decision)

Same-sex marriage is legalized across all 50 states.

Cannabis Stock Hits Record-Breaking Numbers!

On June, 20th of this year Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that recreational cannabis will become legal nationwide on October 17th.  There are many positives and negative effects that come along with this legalization. Some individuals believe that the crime rate will rise due to an increase in criminal organizations establishing illegal grow operations. Others believe that legalization will stimulate the economy and the profits generated from the legalization of cannabis will have a positive effect on the countries economy. But there is one thing that is happening for sure… People are starting to invest!

 Canadas Legalization in Correlation With the rise of Marijuana Stocks 

My Personal investment in a Cannabis ETF is made up of 10 different Cannabis manufacture all located in Canada. The day that Trudeau announced legalization, the value of those stock began to rise dramatically. Since June of 2018, the value of the ETF has risen by 26.87%. With the legalization of Marijuana in Canada, I witnessed a direct correlation with my personal investments. Through the content of the Market Insider you can see the correlation between the legalization in June and the rise in value this specific stock is listed as today (this stock holds 18% of the ETF I am currently invested in).