National Issues Are Local Issues

In this moment, we are being manipulated by unprecedented misrepresentation on social media, texts, podcasts, ads, and constant opinion-based news sources that can easily brainwash us. This is dangerous for our democracy. My goal at The Bradenton Times is simple: educate our community, publish facts, admit mistakes and correct them openly, avoid blind partisanship, and hold government accountable.

Today, more than ever, I share the same concern many of you have: Where are we headed as a nation? Are we really “making America great”? Just saying the words does not make them true. We must talk about facts, concerns, and solutions — even if the messengers must endure stones thrown their way.

There is too much money influencing decisions that are not in the best interest of citizens. Right here in Manatee County, developer-backed wetland policy changes are a clear example. Locally, state-level, and nationally, big money drives outcomes that affect every one of us.

Most of us prefer the middle — not the extremes. Yet we now see an unprecedented and aggressive use of presidential power. Government moves in cycles: too far left, then too far right. The correction always comes from citizens getting involved.

Look at the seven million people who recently rallied peacefully to send a message: the current situation is not acceptable. This is exactly what the Constitution expects from us. Yet our local Representative, Vern Buchanan, refuses to challenge Speaker Johnson’s false narrative that this was “anti-American.” Compare that peaceful protest to the violent assault on our U.S. Capitol on January 6 aimed at stopping the certification of a President. Regardless of political party, the "No Kings Rally" is what a lawful protest should look like.

To move forward, we must ask essential questions:

What Should Constitutional Power Look Like?

Does the Constitution allow a president to demolish the White House, blow up drug boats in international waters, send masked federal agents into apartments to zip-tie U.S. citizens — all without due process? To remove from their workplace citizens and hold them like a criminal just because they look  Hispanic, even when they show proof of citizenship? Does the president have the power to set tariffs in retaliation for what a court is doing in another country? Is he really following the Constitution by withdrawing visas and green cards of people in our country legally, because he does not like what they are saying?

Do the ends justify the means? What does the “end” even look like?

What Does Patriotism Really Mean?

Was the peaceful “No Kings Rally” really about “hating America,” or was it about loving a free nation so much that citizens refuse to lose it?

Isn’t the freedom to protest — and to hold leaders accountable — exactly what America is?

Who Decides What Justice Looks Like?

Why are politicians allowed to knowingly mislead citizens while businesses would be prosecuted for fraud?

Why can a president threaten retaliation for political reasons — something that would be extortion if done by anyone else?

Should any single person have the power to pardon convicted criminals?

How Should We Treat Immigrants Seeking Help?

Is an asylum seeker a criminal just because they seek safety?

Is it Christian to separate families with no convictions, while politicians insist a convicted criminal like George Santos “deserves a second chance,” but refugees do not?

Why Does Congress Refuse to Work Together?

Why won’t Republicans negotiate to open the government? Why claim they “did their job” when doing the job requires two parties agreeing?  If, as Speaker Johnson said, "we have done our job," yet have failed to adopt the budget, necessitating a continuing resolution, is the job done? 

There are countless issues Congress can still tackle — including a real budget — yet one person, Speaker Johnson, can render a branch of government nearly useless.

If Republicans and Democrats agree on lowering health-care costs, why not simply craft a bill and pass it? Why are Republicans in the House mixing policy changes within a budget bill? 

Where Is the Fiscal Responsibility?

More than a decade ago, Congressman Vern Buchanan said he ran for Congress because of the national debt. It was about $8.5 trillion when he was first elected. Today it is approaching $38 trillion. Shouldn’t someone who fails at their stated mission be held accountable — just as a CEO would be fired for that performance?

Why should members of Congress get paid during a shutdown while military families and air traffic controllers go without? Why are air traffic controllers not considered just as essential as our miltary? Both defend our lives!

These questions deserve answers because these are national issues that impact us locally. Staying silent is not an option.

One reason we are stuck without a consensus is that Congressman Buchanan refuses to hold open town hall meetings. Is that the representative government we voted for? He could start by simply answering the questions above. Maybe if he actually talked to the community, he would know that his votes may not be in the best interest of his (our) community.

As a local news source, we will continue to refine our approach. We aim to protect our democracy — and our freedoms — by providing a place where community discussion can thrive. We encourage thoughtful disagreement and civil debate.

Do not fall into a bubble of one-sided information. That is how manipulation — even brainwashing — happens.

How Brainwashing Works

• Repetition of Propaganda: Messages, slogans, and doctrines are repeated constantly and consistently without variation to discourage independent thinking and promote conformity.
• Love Bombing: Often seen in cultic contexts, new recruits are initially showered with excessive affection, attention, and flattery to create an intense feeling of belonging and attachment.
• ​By creating a highly controlled, high-stress environment, the process seeks to reduce the subject's ability to think critically, induce a state of extreme dependency, and make them receptive to the new, controlling ideology.

We must remain vigilant. Democracy survives when citizens stay informed, engaged, and unafraid to speak truth — especially when it’s uncomfortable. The Bradenton Times has become the best local news source offering fact-based news, investigations, and opinions, all focused on keeping our community informed.  It is a great responsibility we have, and if you ever find we have missed the facts, let us know. If you don't agree with our opinions,  write up a proper response based on your facts.  By sharing diverse views and finding consensus, we can preserve this great nation!

Joe McClash is the publisher of The Bradenton Times. He is a Manatee High graduate and Marine Corps veteran who served on the Manatee County Commission from 1990 to 2012.