Fake news

I was thinking about fake news today.  (And upon starting this post I realized the previous one is also about fake news - d'oh! Still on my mind). Recently Facebook posted about filtering out fake news from their news feeds. I didn't really think much of it, I know there are several entities out there fighting it, they are just another on the list, but then my cousin posted about it. She pointed out that she doesn't need Facebook to tell her what's fake news or not, she can do her own research, so now I was intrigued.

Intuitively I know that Facebook is a liberal entity (please tell me if you think I'm wrong), so having them program code that weeds out news they deem fake can immediate cause concern. How unbiased will the programming be? What is their criteria for fake news? Will their code research the source and author? Does it take into account opinion papers/articles? So, yeah, I get it now, this could be a concern. My ideals probably align well with their ideals, so, personally I may enjoy the new coding, but those of opposing opinions may never see information aligned with their opinions.

Upon closer inspection I also realize it's becoming more and more difficult to find accurate information. The current U.S. administration has even caused many journalists to throw unbiased writing out the window (again, I realize this could also be my own bias relating this to the current administration, but I digress) and attack ideals, executive orders, and comments that, they may otherwise, agree with in a different time and place. [OK, wait, I see it now, many people rejected the Affordable Healthcare Act because it was dubbed Obamacare - same idea right? Different place, different time and many protesters would be on board]. Really though? How can I find the time to research articles from various news sources along with the background of the author?

I still stand by my previous post - check out fact-checking websites, at least it's a good place to start. Listen in on Sean Spicer's daily press conferences (get the stories straight from the horse's mouth instead of the media ranting about his mistakes later on). Also, talk to each other. My mom and I have opposing views and have never discussed politics before, but have managed at least 2 civilized discussions in the past 3 months, at least I know a little about where she is coming from.

It's difficult navigating in this new world but soldier on fellow Americans!

ACA (Obamacare) and the first efforts of our new senators

In January I started sharing a lot of articles and information about my political beliefs on Facebook. In the few weeks since I have realized that it may not be the best place to make these statements, so I am moving some of my FB posts to this Blog to continue the work. Some may be a bit outdated but I want to keep track of where I am going here and where I would like to end up.

Here is my first political post of 2017 (Jan. 4):

I have family members and students that have benefited from the ACA, I'm really worried about what is going to happen if it's fully repealed and there's no back up plan. Are they going to leave those in need floundering for health care?!?!

A close family member was paying $700 a month or more before ACA and even though the premiums are going up the monthly payment is significantly less than before, it's perfect for a fixed budget. If ACA goes away insurance won't be affordable again 

The first act of some senators - even before they were confirmed - was to attack the ACA. Here is the article that was posted with the above statement:

Replacing Obamacare with be difficult, Repealing it could be just as hard

I agree that the Affordable Care Act is not perfect, but it has set us on the right path. Making changes and updates to the system could make it better.

What I think has gone right:

a. Allowing 26 year olds to still be a part of their parents' insurance plans (this would have been great for me after college, sometimes you just need a few years to get fully on your feet).

b. Requiring health insurers to take on people with existing conditions (I have known family and friends with existing conditions who have, in the past, frequently had trouble getting affordable health insurance (or even insurance at all)).

c. Creating a competitive market for people to find insurance that can match their needs (My husband and I took advantage of this for several months during a major life change).

d. Encouraging, ok, pretty much requiring, people to have insurance (there are plenty of twenty-somethings that just do not opt in and when they are sick and cannot pay, taxpayers do anyway).

This list can go on and on, but these 4 immediately come to my mind as to why it has been effective.

A second FB post from January 12:

Approximately 1 in 18 people in the US is currently benefiting from Obamacare (ACA). No matter if you are for or against the Senate shutting it down I highly recommend finding someone benefiting from it right now and asking them about pros and cons.

Here's the article too:

The senate just took it's first step toward repealing Obamacare

Currently I know several people taking advantage of ACA, please share your stories as to why it's helpful to you or your family.

There are several people that I know whom are against it too, please share your stories here too.

Thanks for reading!

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