VOTER POWER
Culture of Fear
Myth: Most Americans think violent crime in the US is at an all-time high.
Fact: Violent crime has actually fallen to historic lows.
It’s understandable to be both concerned about crime and grateful for those who protect and serve in our criminal justice system, imperfect though it may be. But many have come to believe that violent crime in the U.S. is at an all-time high due largely to the “if it bleeds it leads” mentality of most commercial news media. The Black Lives Matter movement in particular is seen by many to be undermining the rule of law by encouraging racial animosity. This culture of fear ensures further violence and the inability to constructively discuss societal issues around race, violence, and our justice system.
How Hyperbole is Used to Sway Public Opinion on Immigration
The president has developed quite a reputation for exaggerating issues—to the point of telling outright lies. Moral implications aside, this type of rhetoric has proven to be incredibly effective, particularly as it relates to immigration.
read more
President Trump Lied About Crime Levels in Germany
On Monday, June 18, President Trump boldly proclaimed that Germany has experienced a rise in crime as a result of increased migration levels. But as it turns out, that’s not true. In fact, last month, Germany’s interior ministry reported record-low crime levels.
read more
Meet the President’s Advisor Who Pushed Family-Separation Policy
If you’re not a regular consumer of conservative media, you may not have heard of Stephen Miller. But you should know about him because he is the architect of the “zero-tolerance” policy currently being used to detain immigrants at our southern border.
read more
Sessions: No Asylum for Victims of Domestic Abuse and Gang Violence
In a move many are condemning for cruelly taking women’s rights back to the “Dark Ages,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions has reversed an Obama-era ruling that provided asylum to an El Salvadorian woman who said her husband had abused her physically, emotionally, and sexually.
read more
How a Radicalized GOP Empowered Donald Trump to Destroy the Western Alliance
The GOP responded to the 2008 financial meltdown by using identity politics and libertarian ideology to justify helping Wall Street avoid the consequences of its actions. But that philosophy has deep roots that began taking hold in the Republican party many years earlier.
read more
Politics and Religion Should Take Cues from Science
Politics and religion seem to be the antithesis of science, even to the point where science is deemed as an enemy by some. However, politicians and religious leaders could learn some good lessons from science, including the ability to examine and correct beliefs.
read more
Americans Wildly Overestimate How Many Muslims Are Living in the US
Muslims make up about 1% of the US population, yet the average American believes that Muslims are 17% of the population. What causes this overestimation? One expert suggests that people overestimate things that they fear–it’s just how our brains work.
read more
It’s Time to Give Up on Facts
It’s a common tactic to fight lies by presenting facts and arguing on the basis of reason and rationality. But is it time to give up our pipe dreams that these tactics work and try another approach—appealing to emotions—instead? That’s what one author thinks.
read more
Did Trump Really Score a Victory with North Korea?
President Trump has been quick to hail the historic talks between North and South Korea and claim credit for the talks themselves. But the talks between the North and South have the potential to harm his own upcoming negotiations with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un.
read more
Inside the ‘New World Order’ Conspiracy
Belief in a vast conspiracy to build a global totalitarian government with one economy, one language, one constitution, and one leader, is on the rise. Is this “new world order” a real thing, or are these beliefs based on misinformation and misinterpretation?
read more
