Election Day is finally over.
From the relentless barrage of television and radio commercials to the constant stream of social media posts and political flyers filling our mailboxes, it often felt as though the campaigning would never end. The election season begins with the primary campaign, accompanied by an extended period of mail-in and early voting before culminating in the traditional Election Day experience at local precincts. Then, with barely a pause, the entire process repeats itself for the general election. Taken together, the campaign and election cycles can seem endless, creating the impression that election season never truly ends.
As far back as I can remember, election seasons have followed the same script and only the cast of candidates change. Candidates from both political parties boast of their accomplishments as though they alone navigated the bureaucratic maze to bring home funding, pass legislation, lower taxes, or reduce the cost of living for their constituents. Rather than sharing their position on relevant hot issues they are quick to rattle a list of how their opponents will do what’s not in the best interest of their constituents.
The media and internet influencers are guilty of such shameless political canvassing. Much of mainstream media and network news have become nothing but polarized political machines feeding into the minds of consumers. The troubling reality is that many people believe these influencers, assuming their positions must be correct simply because of who is endorsing them. Both the mass media and internet influencers information are presented are often half-truths, exaggerated situations and opinions represented as facts and rarely show both positive and negative sides of an issue fairly.
What ultimately prompted me to write this, however, was not another political advertisement or celebrity endorsement. It was the growing narrative that Americans can no longer afford even the basic necessities of life. One of my latest irritations is the growing focus on the claim that Americans are not merely living paycheck to paycheck, but are increasingly unable to meet even their most basic needs. Regardless of which news outlet I watch or publication I read, the message seems remarkably similar. At times, it feels as though everyone was handed the same script and instructed to emphasize the same words and phrases designed to pull at our heartstrings.
Being a recent retiree, I have become more cognizant of the cost of living and how it has gone up significantly over the past few years. I’ve learned to adjust my finances to meet my needs and still be able to live within my means. I am also quite aware we have Americans who struggle and never quite meet basic needs. I have no problem with government agencies, charities, faith-based organizations, or community groups providing assistance to people who genuinely need help. Having a safe place to live, adequate food and decent clothing are basic necessities, not luxuries. Yet, our candidates and the mass media report most Americans are earning less in terms of real dollars earned and are spending more in their basic needs of residence, food and clothing.
I am not trying to be a curmudgeon about things but…
With the holiday season just around the corner, I find myself unsettled by the growing number of holiday drive-through food giveaways. The media and influencers tell us who are as they say “privileged” to have the responsibility to donate to help those less fortunate. According to media based statistics, more than half our population lives in a food desert or faces food insecurity. The media proudly shows long lines at food distributions. Yet I find myself puzzled when some of those same scenes include newer vehicles, expensive electronics and other outward signs of financial stability.
I cannot help wondering what story I am missing when those waiting in line for food assistance arrive in late-model SUVs, carry expensive phones, and appear outwardly comfortable. While another adult chats on a newer smartphone, the children in the back seat are hushed with their tablets. Another family appears ready to be interviewed by the local news crew. I recognize these snapshots reveal only a moment in time, yet they often seem at odds with the narrative being presented. Granted, I do not know their financial situation. They may be burdened by medical debt, student loans and other rising expenses hidden from public view. Appearances can be deceiving. Even so, I cannot help but wonder if there is more to the story than what is being presented.
I wonder if these same people contribute to the record-breaking sales reported on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. We are repeatedly told the economy is struggling, prices are out of control, inflation has strained household budgets and wages have failed to keep pace with the cost of living. Yet, airlines continue filling seats despite higher fares, restaurants remain crowded and holiday shopping records seem to be broken year after year. I realize many recipients may have genuine needs. What I struggle to understand is whether the scale of the problem being described matches what I observe in everyday life.
Perhaps, poverty today does not always look the way it did a generation ago. A family may live paycheck to paycheck while still owning a late-model vehicle, carrying a smartphone, or taking an occasional trip. I understand that reality may be very different from what previous generations experienced.
Maybe someone can explain what I am missing. I find myself asking: How can millions of Americans genuinely struggle to make ends meet while record levels of spending continue on travel, entertainment, and holiday shopping? Is the media overstating the problem, or am I misunderstanding what economic hardship looks like in modern America?
What troubles me most is not whether people are struggling. I know many are. What troubles me is that the evidence around us often seems to tell conflicting stories. We are told millions cannot afford basic necessities, yet we also see crowded airports, packed restaurants, and holiday shopping lines stretching out the door.
Somewhere between the headlines and the holiday shopping lines lies the truth.
Lately, that truth seems harder to find.
Maybe seeing is not believing after all.
From the relentless barrage of television and radio commercials to the constant stream of social media posts and political flyers filling our mailboxes, it often felt as though the campaigning would never end. The election season begins with the primary campaign, accompanied by an extended period of mail-in and early voting before culminating in the traditional Election Day experience at local precincts. Then, with barely a pause, the entire process repeats itself for the general election. Taken together, the campaign and election cycles can seem endless, creating the impression that election season never truly ends.
As far back as I can remember, election seasons have followed the same script and only the cast of candidates change. Candidates from both political parties boast of their accomplishments as though they alone navigated the bureaucratic maze to bring home funding, pass legislation, lower taxes, or reduce the cost of living for their constituents. Rather than sharing their position on relevant hot issues they are quick to rattle a list of how their opponents will do what’s not in the best interest of their constituents.
The media and internet influencers are guilty of such shameless political canvassing. Much of mainstream media and network news have become nothing but polarized political machines feeding into the minds of consumers. The troubling reality is that many people believe these influencers, assuming their positions must be correct simply because of who is endorsing them. Both the mass media and internet influencers information are presented are often half-truths, exaggerated situations and opinions represented as facts and rarely show both positive and negative sides of an issue fairly.
What ultimately prompted me to write this, however, was not another political advertisement or celebrity endorsement. It was the growing narrative that Americans can no longer afford even the basic necessities of life. One of my latest irritations is the growing focus on the claim that Americans are not merely living paycheck to paycheck, but are increasingly unable to meet even their most basic needs. Regardless of which news outlet I watch or publication I read, the message seems remarkably similar. At times, it feels as though everyone was handed the same script and instructed to emphasize the same words and phrases designed to pull at our heartstrings.
Being a recent retiree, I have become more cognizant of the cost of living and how it has gone up significantly over the past few years. I’ve learned to adjust my finances to meet my needs and still be able to live within my means. I am also quite aware we have Americans who struggle and never quite meet basic needs. I have no problem with government agencies, charities, faith-based organizations, or community groups providing assistance to people who genuinely need help. Having a safe place to live, adequate food and decent clothing are basic necessities, not luxuries. Yet, our candidates and the mass media report most Americans are earning less in terms of real dollars earned and are spending more in their basic needs of residence, food and clothing.
I am not trying to be a curmudgeon about things but…
With the holiday season just around the corner, I find myself unsettled by the growing number of holiday drive-through food giveaways. The media and influencers tell us who are as they say “privileged” to have the responsibility to donate to help those less fortunate. According to media based statistics, more than half our population lives in a food desert or faces food insecurity. The media proudly shows long lines at food distributions. Yet I find myself puzzled when some of those same scenes include newer vehicles, expensive electronics and other outward signs of financial stability.
I cannot help wondering what story I am missing when those waiting in line for food assistance arrive in late-model SUVs, carry expensive phones, and appear outwardly comfortable. While another adult chats on a newer smartphone, the children in the back seat are hushed with their tablets. Another family appears ready to be interviewed by the local news crew. I recognize these snapshots reveal only a moment in time, yet they often seem at odds with the narrative being presented. Granted, I do not know their financial situation. They may be burdened by medical debt, student loans and other rising expenses hidden from public view. Appearances can be deceiving. Even so, I cannot help but wonder if there is more to the story than what is being presented.
I wonder if these same people contribute to the record-breaking sales reported on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. We are repeatedly told the economy is struggling, prices are out of control, inflation has strained household budgets and wages have failed to keep pace with the cost of living. Yet, airlines continue filling seats despite higher fares, restaurants remain crowded and holiday shopping records seem to be broken year after year. I realize many recipients may have genuine needs. What I struggle to understand is whether the scale of the problem being described matches what I observe in everyday life.
Perhaps, poverty today does not always look the way it did a generation ago. A family may live paycheck to paycheck while still owning a late-model vehicle, carrying a smartphone, or taking an occasional trip. I understand that reality may be very different from what previous generations experienced.
Maybe someone can explain what I am missing. I find myself asking: How can millions of Americans genuinely struggle to make ends meet while record levels of spending continue on travel, entertainment, and holiday shopping? Is the media overstating the problem, or am I misunderstanding what economic hardship looks like in modern America?
What troubles me most is not whether people are struggling. I know many are. What troubles me is that the evidence around us often seems to tell conflicting stories. We are told millions cannot afford basic necessities, yet we also see crowded airports, packed restaurants, and holiday shopping lines stretching out the door.
Somewhere between the headlines and the holiday shopping lines lies the truth.
Lately, that truth seems harder to find.
Maybe seeing is not believing after all.
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