It’s that season again. No, it’s not all about pumpkins and raking those fallen leaves, it’s that time when politicians take over the television and radio stations to tell us how they will save the world from their enemies. Ironically, the Federal Trade Commission, which is charged with ensuring that the public isn’t duped by false advertising, seems to turn a blind eye for those running for public office, including seats within the federal government
This is the first mid-term election since President Trump took office. As such, the majority of politicians and voters see this as a judgment on how well the current administration is fulfilling its tasks. According to the current round of political ads, the other party is the boogie man that will kick your dog, steal your children’s candy and put your grandmother in a rundown nursing home. Some of the ads have been caught telling outright lies, but there is no end in sight.
Neither party wants to be seen as having failed in the earning the public trust, but blatant lies in advertisements do not engender trust and confidence. Along with the misappropriation of facts, many of the ads have sunk to outright name-calling. If these ads are to be believed, then Democrats are the worst party on the planet who want to take away your jobs and your homes while giving everything to immigrants who enter the country illegally. On the other hand, Republicans will take away your medical insurance and give big businesses as much money as they want while they pollute the planet.
Sadly, there are some kernels of truth in all of these ads; otherwise they would probably be pulled. However, the truth has been twisted so much that even a pretzel-maker would marvel at the design. The usual formula features dark and sinister music and a grave voice-over that tells the public just how evil a candidate is and how he or she will totally destroy the life we have come to cherish. Just as we are convinced that all hope will be lost if we vote for that particular person, the music and mood shift to happy music that promises that this other candidate is the superhero that will restore the world to order and that everyone will enjoy the prosperity to which they are entitled.
It’s true that the public needs to be informed of the issues facing the country and how each candidate will try to handle the next crisis. However, politics have become a game that is won they those who spend the most money and make the biggest impression – for good or for bad. Possibly, if all candidates were forced to ensure that all of the claims they make are rooted in facts, then it might be possible for voters to make an informed decision, rather than relying of fear and hate to swing a voter one way or another. Truth in advertising? Wouldn’t that be a refreshing change?
Writer Bio: Angela Mose
I am a mom of 7 who has successfully homeschooled for 20 years. I was married for more than 25 years and have recently started my life over. I have a passion for writing and music and when the two can be combined, it is utopia. A Maryland native, I am planning to relocate north in the near future and will continue to strive to learn and experience new things on a regular basis. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home while exploring new ways to increase my knowledge and skills and help improve the lives of those around me.
