In the era of what some media critics call “fake news,” some politicians are warning their constituents to be aware of the difference between propaganda and news.
All voters should “understand that 90 percent of what they see and hear from the mainstream media is filtered through 270 executives,” said Bill Fawell, a Galena Republican running for Congress in the 17th District.
Fawell made his remarks during an interview before the primary with Rock Island Today.
Fawell, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) of Moline in the fall, champions what he calls “liberty legislation,” a three-part platform comprising congressional term limits and support for both the REINS (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny) Act and the Federal Reserve Transparency Act.
According to TheHill.com, the REINS Act is aimed at giving “Congress more oversight on spending” by requiring congressional approval of executive-branch regulations – as long as it costs a minimum of $100 million.
The Federal Reserve Transparency Act, which would allow the Fed to be audited, has failed to muster Senate approval on three previous attempts at passage.
Despite the potential for media bias – or because of it – Fawell encouraged his constituents to head to the ballot box and participate in the system, despite its flaws.
“It is their duty as Americans and their vote counts,” Fawell said. In regards to any ballot initiatives, he suggested each voter educate themselves to their best ability.
“Look within yourself, dig deep and think for yourself,” he added. “If we can all discipline ourselves to come to our own conclusions, together we should come out all right.”
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