In the Know

Media Bias: Fact or Fiction?

By ICLT Member Marshal Auron

As our democratic institutions are under fire, many of our members are looking to identify news sources to turn to for the “truth”. Many of us long for the golden age of news and fondly recall newspeople like Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, and Huntley/Brinkley who were revered as beacons of the truth. The fact is that the media has historically been biased and has often misstated or misrepresented the truth. 

We’re kicking off this project by helping members figure out how to differentiate between fact, news analysis, opinion, assumption, and bias/prejudice. Also, we aim to identify some of the existing on-line tools that assess media bias and provide fact checking tools. Finally, we’d like to make suggestions—that will change overtime---for national and North Carolina news sources to help us understand the issues facing us.

Keep in mind that the truth is best identified by informed readers who consult multiple sources with multiple perspectives and make judgements on their own. We shouldn’t surrender our individual judgments to MSNBC, Facebook posts or Indivisible’s Media Project. Rather we should pick sources on our own that are balanced and represent the left, right and center.  Understanding different perspectives can only help us truly understand what’s at stake.

This project will take time, so we’ll provide updates along the way. In the meantime, here are some things to keep in mind and use as you read, watch, listen, and assess the news:

  • Fact- It’s something you can verify with supporting evidence. If you see multiple sources independent of each other saying the same thing and the source has a reputation for accuracy, then there’s a reasonable chance it’s true.

  • News analysis - facts are presented and explained; implications are often provided. 

  • Opinion - a judgment or perspective based on the interpretation of facts and can change over time.

  • Assumption - an opinion that may not be supported by facts and can also change over time.

  • Bias/Prejudice- a perspective based on things like belief, culture, community, and values rather than facts or evidence. Sometimes we treat something as fact because it aligns with our biases rather than supporting evidence.

  • Fact Checking Tools- here are some that might help you in your quest for the truth:

A final word: be wary of headlines, posts and “clickbait” since they frequently mislead, misdirect or simplify the issue. The true story is often more complicated and more involved than the post.

Share Accurate Information: Stop the Fearmongering on Ice Raids

Courtesy of Susan Rogan of Rogan’s List on Substack

Trump and his thugs do not yet have the resources necessary for the mass deportations they have promised. To make up for it, they are trying to use fear and propaganda as force multipliers. Every showy, high-attention raid, every video or photo they share of an arrest or a deportation flight is meant to make them seem that much more active and that much more threatening – hopefully encouraging some of the undocumented community to self-deport. The way to fight back, and the way to ensure as little disruption to the daily lives of our friends and neighbors as possible, is with spreading accurate, useful information and making a point of not spreading rumors on social media that do immigration enforcement’s work for them. Here’s how we can help:

Here in Charlotte, don’t miss from WFAE: EQUALibrium Live- Voices on Immigration: A Multicultural Panel Discussion

Feb 6, 2025 06:30 PM 

Register here!

Join WFAE for the first EQUALibrium Live of the year, on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 6:30 to 8:00p.m. via Zoom Webinar. The conversation, Voices on Immigration: A Multicultural Panel Discussion will feature a conversation with diverse speakers on the impact of immigration under the new presidential administration.

This webinar will explore the impact of recent executive actions, shifting policies, and state-level legislation on local immigrant communities. 

Tickets are free, RSVP now to join the webinar and conversation at https://www.wfae.org/equalibrium-live-voices-on-immigration

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lMtnxoUDSvSFMyuowVZctw#/registration

Wealth and Income Distribution Challenges in the US

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

I’ve been trying to expand my news sources outside of “progressive” media, so I’ve been listening to some “moderate” commentators on the POTUS channel. Recently, one former Republican-now Independent reflected on his childhood in the 1970s: how his father was a Pennsylvania public school teacher and yet had a comfortable middle-class lifestyle: nice house, cars, vacations. He lamented  that lifestyle is not possible today. It hit me immediately that the cause was that both wealth and income (two related but different concepts) have become more concentrated in the US during the 40+ years of my working life and in turn  have led to the deterioration of middle and working-class lifestyles.

Wealth

Wealth consists of all your assets… bank accounts, investments, retirement funds, property owned MINUS all your debt. US household wealth currently totals around $139 Trillion or about $1 million for each of the 131 million families in the US.  Since few of us have $1 million in our pockets, it’s clear that wealth is not distributed equally. Americans in the “Bottom 50%” have average wealth of less than $50,000, the “Top 10%” averages nearly $8 million and the “Top .1%” averages more than $150 million! About 8% of American families have negative wealth. Between 1980 and 2022 wealth on average increased by 234% for the “Bottom 50%”, by 311% for the “Top 10%” and by a striking 904% for the ”Top .1%”.

Income

Income is what households earn and the story for income growth is bleaker.  Between 1980 and 2022 income increased on average by 14% for the “Bottom 50%” of Americans, by 150% for the “Top 10%” and by 400% for the “Top .1%”. It’s more troubling to learn that income and wealth inequality in the US is higher than in most other developed countries.  Income feeds wealth since it drives savings and investment after folks take care of all their living expenses. 

“It’s The Economy Stupid!”

We brag about how strong the US economy has been since COVID, but a huge slice of our population is standing on the sidelines. Channeling James Carville, “It’s the economy stupid” may give us better insight into why so many people are disenchanted with the government and the economy. How did this happen? What are the implications of this? What do we do about these inequities?

How did this poor distribution of wealth and income occur?

  • Decline in Tax Rates - Federal income tax rates for the highest wage earners have declined dramatically since the 1960s. Corporate and capital gains (investment gains) tax rates also have declined. In particular, Ronald Reagan’s 1984 tax cut fueled growth in the equity markets and the economy contributed to wealth concentration among the wealthiest folks. Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cut didn’t help. The highest wage earners benefited from lower taxes and strong investment returns, while many working-class folks’ situation stagnated in the face of the economic boom. 

  • Income/Wealth Inequality Due to Uniformity- Lack of race, ethnic and gender diversity of opportunity have all contributed to income inequality. Black Americans still face some level of labor discrimination and there is still a gender pay gap that adversely affects women’s earnings. Studies show that White families receive twice as much financial help from their relatives as Blacks and Latinos. This is likely due to income inequality that results in a lower level of wealth available to be passed from generation to generation.

  • Reduced Funding for Education - College and graduate education should produce higher wages and increased levels of wealth. People like me who grew up in poverty, benefited from Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Societies” programs in the 1960’s and were able to get great university educations and increase our economic situation.. But over the last 25 to 50 years, this benefit has declined as the cost of education and student borrowing levels have increased in the face of decreased federal and state government funding for higher education. 

  • Declining Union membership- Union members typically earn more than non-union workers, however anti-union efforts and the decline in union representation and membership has resulted in wage stagnation for growing numbers of non-unionized workers.

  • Global Competition, Mergers, Acquisitions - Increased competition for American businesses from globalization in the economy, less than favorable trade with other countries, outsourcing to less expensive markets and technology and automation have increased joblessness. Resulting mergers and acquisitions have led to huge business conglomerates run by powerful executives underscoring the concentration of wealth.

How does wealth and income inequality affect us?

  • Reduced Economic Demand- Inequality reduces demand in the economy for goods and services: the wealthy  have an increasing share of the “wealth pie”. However, they typically spend a smaller percentage of their income than the working class. 

  • Struggling Working Class-Since the working class have a declining slice of the pie, they can’t afford basic necessities.

  • Weaker Job and Income Growth- Reduced demand for goods and services weakens job and income growth. This leads to a decrease in working-class ability to become upwardly mobile. 

  • Reduced Government Programs-Reduced tax rates paid by the wealthy have reduced the government’s ability to provide vital government programs. For example, programs that aid the less fortunate, promote educational opportunities, and even strengthen our military are at risk. The tax revenue shortfall is endangering our economy as government borrowing levels and budget deficits grow. 

  • Turn to Populist Leaders- It’s the economy stupid! Despite a strong US economy, it’s believed that working class voters turn to populist leaders for help.. At the same time,  the wealthy can exert significant influence on the government to enhance their wealth and power. This may provide some insight into a major reason why many voters turned to Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

Stay tuned for my next installment….I’ll dig into this more deeply and suggest some policy paths to correct this that Democrats and Independents need to highlight.

Unsettled NC Elections and Stomachs: Why the Riggs and Bradley elections are still Undecided

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

Nearly two months after the NC Election and there are still four undecided state races. The Democratic candidates lead the Republicans in each of these races by no more than ½ of 1 percent of the vote. Despite recounts and hearings that confirm the Democrats’ leads, the Republicans continue to protest their apparent losses using various remedies provided in NC election law.

The four races are:

  • For a seat on the NC Supreme Court between incumbent Democrat Justice Alison Riggs and Republican Jefferson Griffin;

  • For two NC Senate seats:

    • One between Democrat Terence Everitt and Republican Ashlee Bryan Adams of District 18 in Granville/Wake Counties; 

    • One between Democrat Woodson Bradley and Republican Stacie McGinn of District 42 in Mecklenburg County;

  • And finally for one NC House seat:

    • Between Democrat Bryan Cohn and Republican Frank Sossamon of District 32 in Granville/Vance Counties.

After the Republican candidates requested recounts that didn’t change the leads, they filed protests with the County Boards of Elections asking to discard numerous ballots. Some County Boards rejected the protests and others tossed it up to the State Board of Elections. The next stop for the Republicans was to appeal directly to the State Board of Elections, which denied the protests.

What’s next?

WATCH THE VIDEO or READ THE FULL ARTICLE


Video Briefing - Candidates for Agriculture Commissioner & Superintendent of Public Instruction

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

Indivisible CLT is pleased to present a series of five "In the Know" video briefings providing an overview of major candidates for the ten Council of State offices on the ballot in the November Election. The races in this video include Agriculture Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Council of State offices affect our daily lives so please vote the entire ballot when you go to the polls!

Video Briefing - Candidates for Secretary of State & Labor Commissioner

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

Indivisible CLT is pleased to present a series of five "In the Know" video briefings providing an overview of major candidates for the ten Council of State offices on the ballot in the November Election. The races in this video include Secretary of State and Labor Commissioner. The Council of State offices affect our daily lives so please vote the entire ballot when you go to the polls!

Video Briefing - Candidates for Attorney General & Insurance Commissioner

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

Indivisible CLT is pleased to present a series of five "In the Know" video briefings providing an overview of major candidates for the ten Council of State offices on the ballot in the November Election. The races in this video include Attorney General and Insurance Commissioner. The Council of State offices affect our daily lives so please vote the entire ballot when you go to the polls!

Video Briefing - Candidates for State Auditor & State Treasurer

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

Indivisible CLT is pleased to present a series of five "In the Know" video briefings providing an overview of major candidates for the ten Council of State offices on the ballot in the November Election. The races in this video include State Auditor and State Treasurer. The Council of State offices affect our daily lives so please vote the entire ballot when you go to the polls!

Video Briefing - Candidates for Governor & Lt Governor

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

Indivisible CLT is pleased to present a series of five "In the Know" video briefings providing an overview of major candidates for the ten Council of State offices on the ballot in the November Election. The races in this video include Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The Council of State offices affect our daily lives so please vote the entire ballot when you go to the polls!

Council of State Video Briefing Part 2

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

Here’s the second Indivisible CLT "In the Know" video briefing providing an overview of the major candidates for the remaining five Council of State offices on the ballot in the November Election. The races in this video include Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, State Auditor, State Treasurer and Superintendent of Public Instruction. These offices affect our daily lives so please vote the entire ballot when you go to the polls!

Council of State Video Briefing Part 1

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

Indivisible CLT is pleased to present the first "In the Know" video briefing providing an overview of major candidates for five of the ten Council of State offices on the ballot in the November Election. The races in this video include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Labor Commissioner and Agriculture Commissioner. Stay tuned for our next video with the remaining five Council of State offices. These offices affect our daily lives so please vote the entire ballot when you go to the polls!

North Carolina State Government - 2024 ELECTION OVERVIEW Part 2

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

Here is the second installment of the review of major candidates standing for election to state offices in November.  Ten executive branch offices (“Council of State”) are at stake as well as more balance in the State Legislature and on the State’s Appellate Courts. Last month we covered the race for Governor and Lieutenant Governor as well as three other executive offices. The five remaining Democrat and Republican races reviewed this month are below…

Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, State Auditor, State Treasurer & Superintendent of Public Instruction.

READ MORE

And catch up on Part 1 here.

North Carolina State Government - 2024 ELECTION OVERVIEW Part 1

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

The November Election provides stark choices for NC’s future. Ten executive branch offices, “Council of State”, are at stake as well as more balance in the State Legislature and on the State’s Appellate Courts. 

Democrat and Republican races reviewed this month are:

Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Labor Commissioner & Agriculture Commissioner.

The Border & Immigration: Setting the Record Straight

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

America has long been a key destination for  those seeking a better life. Although immigration has sometimes led to political and economic strains on our nation, it has reaped tremendous long-term benefits for the US as we have become a multicultural, global political and economic powerhouse. The US is currently facing another period of increased immigration. 

The Republican answer is to reject a Bipartisan proposal that could address the issue and continue to advocate for a reprehensible “Border Wall” that they failed to build during the Trump Administration.

North Carolina Legislative Actions 2023: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

2023 was a  fateful year for the Republican General Assembly, as it resumed its march to implement a reactionary and regressive agenda. 

  • 74 new laws were signed by the Governor, 19 were vetoed and 13 took effect without his signature. 

  • Despite a bright spot in the passage of Medicare expansion, the 19 vetoed laws were overridden and some undermine women’s health, LGBTQ+ rights, gun control and public education.

  • The veto overrides were courtesy of District 105 Representative Tricia Cotham. Her party switch from Democrat to Republican provided  a legislative supermajority and nullified the  Governor’s ability to veto undesirable bills.

  • Despite valiant efforts to turn the party tide in the legislature, a November victory by presumptive Gubernatorial Republican nominee Mark Robinson will likely continue this reactionary march. 

Let’s do a deep dive into the good, bad and ugly of 2023’s new legislation.  

Understanding the US Economy: Myths and Realities

By ICLT member, Marshal Auron

The US economy is complicated and many of its workings are not widely understood. Also, the strength of the economy has a significant effect on politics and elections. The aim of this briefing is to help us:

  • Prepare to discuss economic issues with voters as we meet and engage with them in this election year.   

  • Understand some of the basic issues on the economy and counteract some widely held economic myths. 

  • Understand the Administration’s Economic Policies and advocate for policymakers and policies that can make economic opportunities more widespread. 

The U.S. economy is currently performing well, growing at about a 3% annual rate and creating jobs such that the unemployment rate is at historical lows. Inflation will likely be around 3.5% for all of 2023, down from over 5% in 2022. This should be good news for an incumbent President; so why are so many voters convinced that the economy is headed in the wrong direction?  The answer lies in people buying into some common economic myths, reinforced with a heavy dose of antipathy from the divisive political environment. Here are three key myths that don’t square with reality and feed the sense that we’re off track…

To find out the myths and realities, continue with this important briefing here…

North Carolina has Expanded Access to Medicaid - FINALLY!

Effective December 1st, 2023, North Carolina is expanding eligibility for Medicaid. If you haven’t been able to qualify for medical coverage in the past, you might be eligible now!

Medicaid Expansion will benefit more than 600,000 North Carolina residents. The change means that 300,000 residents currently enrolled in family plans (which offer fewer benefits than traditional Medicaid) will be upgraded to full coverage automatically. The remaining 300,000 residents will  mostly be affected by increased and expanded income ranges and must apply for coverage.

What does Medicaid cover?

Coverage is comprehensive offering services such as doctor visits, inpatient/outpatient hospitalization, maternity care, vision, dental and hearing services. Medicaid pays for doctor visits and check-ups, emergency care, mental health care and medical-related devices. 

What is the cost of coverage?

There is no monthly premium, but some services require a minimal copay.

Who is eligible to apply? 

Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty line may now be eligible. Eligibility is based on earnings and the number of people in your family: for example, singles can earn no more than $20,120/year and families of four can earn no more than $41,400/year.

Applicants must be residents of North Carolina and US citizens. Qualified non-citizens are eligible and there are exceptions for refugees and undocumented non-citizens in certain circumstances.  Please refer to the program information link below for additional information.

How do I apply?

The most efficient way to apply is through ePASS which is a website you can use to apply for services like Medicaid. You can apply in person, by phone or by mail at your local North Carolina Division of Social Services office (DSS); go to ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory to find your local office.

Libraries across the state have stepped up to help community members apply by serving as “Medicaid Ambassadors.”  If you don’t have internet access, are not comfortable using a computer, or would like assistance applying, you can start the process with your local library. A list of participating libraries is available from DSS and many can help you navigate the ePASS website.

Application processing time can be as long as 45 days, but ePASS processing may be faster. If your application is processed after December 1st, coverage may be retroactive to that date.

For additional information, please go to the NC Medicaid Site here for program information and to this link for background information. 

*Share this information with friends and family in case they or someone they know may be eligible.*

(Briefing compiled by ICLT member, Marshal Auron. Thank you, Marshal!)

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