How media spreads false information.

Editor's note:

False information is toxic in the societal consciousness. False information distorts community norms and atittudes contributing to societal dysfunction. The computer meme is "garbage in, garbage out."

Just as we are aware of the idea of "caveat emptor", let the buyer beware, in our economic interactions, we should be aware of media distortions and strive to be "media literate" so we can develop immunity to toxic misinformation.

Self regulation lessons with Cookie Monster

Holding anti-immigration extremists accountable in Arivaca, Arizona

There is increasing evidence that Trumpism, hating the other, has brought out the worst in American democracy.

There is growing evidence that hate speech and hate crimes are on the rise.

Local citizens, however,  have organized and resisted and held white supremicists and vigilante groups accountable.

One such example is Arivaca, Arizona. You can read about it in the May/June, 2019 issue of Mother Jones in an article entitled, "Not In My Backyard: How One Arizona Desert Town United To Fight Off Anti-Immigration Extremists" by Eric Reidy.

For more click here.

Editor's comment - Many of my clients are demoralized and depressed by the immoral and unethical behavior of their leaders and fellow citizens. It is not mentally healthy to see oneself as a victim.

There are many things that individuals, small groups, and communities can do to resist the immoral and unethical policies and behavior of Trumpism which is defined as the scapegoating of the other.

When bullying and scapegoating is occuring it is very important for the audience, whom the bullies are playing to, to call it out and refuse to support it.

Megan Davern, a bartender at La Gitana in Arivaca, Arizona did just that. Her witness is prophetic and should be emulated to create a world with more justice, equity, and compassion. Every person has inherent worth and dignity and deserves respect. Megan is a brave and courageous woman as are her fellow citizens who took action to limit the activities of the anti-immigrant vigilantes.

How the media spreads false information

Editor's note:

False information is toxic in the societal consciousness. False information distorts community norms and atittudes contributing to societal dysfunction. The computer meme is "garbage in, garbage out."

Just as we are aware of the idea of "caveat emptor", let the buyer beware, in our economic interactions, we should be aware of media distortions and strive to be "media literate" so we can develop immunity to toxic misinformation.

Articles worth reading - Most Of What We Think of As “Love” is Bullshit

As a marriage counselor, I hear people say all the time that they love somebody or somebody told them that they loved them and when I ask "How do you define love?" most people seem irritated, annoyed, put on the spot, and defensive.

What is "love" and what isn't "love." This is an important question that haunts us our whole lives. "Most Of What We Think Of As "Love" is Bullshit" is an important article which gives a lot of ideas for thought and reflection.

Access it by clicking here.

Articles worth reading - "Where Our New World Begins; Politics, power, and the Green New Deal"

For the article in the May 2019 issue of Harper's click here.

Gambling is a state sponsored addiction especially with state run lotteries

Gambling addiction is a big deal to the person suffering from it and the person's family and community.

Gambling addicition is a government sponsored and encouraged addiction. All but six states run lotteries (Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, Utah).

About 95% of problem gamblers play state sponsored lotteries.

10 - 15% of people buy 80% of lottery tickets.

Lotteries brought in $17.7 billion in 2015.

For more click here.

To learn where to get help with a gambling problem click here.