Keeping a Close Eye on Things

Seagull in Flight
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
February 17, 2022

 The seagull was keeping a close eye on the activities occurring nearby. There might have been food available nearby. 

I have been assaulted by campaign ads on the TV of late. Seems there is a very important election on the horizon. 

Campaign ads are worth watching to understand the motivations of the candidates. I came across ads that made wildly false claims. For instance, one ad, posted by a candidate for governor of Florida, falsely claimed that the other candidate intended to tax Social Security, tips, and other personal income sources. However, Florida doesn’t have a personal income tax. Recently, the same candidate has been alleging that the other candidate has a hurricane tax plan that will cost every family in Florida $1,000 per year. Upon researching this allegation, I found that it is entirely false. Moreover, the sources listed in the ad either don’t exist or are intended for a different program that doesn’t tax Florida residents. 

Florida does not need another fact fabricator as governor.

I would report the ads with the evidence I found, however, For actual lies in campaign ads, there is no Florida state agency with authority to adjudicate their truthfulness. Voters, the press, and the courts are the primary checks on false political speech. (ChatGPT)

We must stay sober and keep a close eye on things. 

Truth is out there, we need to work to find it.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL