Elections 2024

Based on questions I asked AI generators, I have compiled the following list of criticisms to Veep pick Tim Walz:

1. Socialist Economic Policies: Walz’s support for increasing the minimum wage and expanding government spending on social programs contributes to higher taxes and increased government intervention in the economy, resulting in increased poverty over time.
2. Strict COVID-19 Lockdowns: Walz’s implementation of strict lockdowns and public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic harmed businesses and individual freedoms (including retarding childhood development).
3. Anti-Police Policies: Walz’s advocacy for police reform and measures addressing “systemic racism,” particularly in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, was ineffective. He should have implemented real police reforms, which would include things like ending Qualified Immunity and requiring police to carry personal liability insurance.
4. Climate Meddling: Walz’s stance on environmental issues and climate change legislation will lead to job losses and has significant economic drawbacks.
5. Strict Gun Control: Walz’s support for stricter gun control measures, including background checks and restrictions on certain types of firearms, is likely to be opposed by all who prioritize our Constitutionally-protected Second Amendment rights.
6. Socialized Medicine: Walz’s efforts to expand healthcare access, including support for government-funded healthcare options (for things like abortions and gender reassignment surgery) will be criticized by those who prefer market-based solutions and understand that increased government involvement in healthcare reduces healthy outcomes.
7. Raising Taxes: Walz’s policies involve raising taxes to fund public services and social programs. These are generally opposed by all who advocate for lower taxes and reduced government spending. (Those who understand the magnitude of government waste and want to keep more of their own money to spend as they see fit.)
8. Against Education Reform: Walz’s push for increased funding for public schools aligns him with teachers’ unions, thereby stifling education reform and school choice initiatives, which most parents support. (More choices, more better.)
9. Immigration Stance: Walz’s support for open immigration policies, including protections for undocumented immigrants and supporting refugee resettlement programs, are opposed by Americans who favor the crazy notion that only Americans should vote in our elections.
10. Negative Job Creation: Walz’s strong support for labor unions and workers’ rights, including advocating for collective bargaining and opposing right-to-work laws, hinder economic growth and job creation, leading to more unemployment.
11. Responsible for Significant Increases in Violent Crime: Under Tim Walz’s governorship, crime rates in Minnesota experienced a notable increase. Here are some key points regarding the rise in crime during his tenure:

a. Violent Crime Spike: From 2019 to 2021, Minnesota saw a sharp rise in violent crime, reaching its highest level in more than a decade. This includes significant increases in murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and human trafficking​ (Minnesota Compass)​ (Alpha News).

b. Record Homicides: The state set all-time records for homicides in consecutive years, with 201 homicides in 2021, a substantial increase from 104 in 2018, the year before Walz took office​ (Alpha News).

c. Aggravated Assaults and Carjackings: Aggravated assaults rose by 33.7% from 2020 to 2021, and for the first time, the state tracked carjackings, reporting 779 incidents statewide in 2021​ (Alpha News).

d. Increased Crime in Metro Areas: The increase in violent crime was particularly pronounced in the seven-county metro area, where it rose by 23.9%, compared to a 16% increase in Greater Minnesota​ (Alpha News).

e. Criticism of Public Safety Policies: Critics argue that Walz’s public safety policies, including judicial appointments and sentencing guidelines, have contributed to the rise in crime. They claim these policies have been lenient on violent offenders, leading to a perception of reduced accountability​ (Star Tribune).

This lead me to this, just FYI:

Tell me more about the news source “alpha news”… when did it start, who are the funders, etc., giving a comprehensive summary

ChatGPT

Searched 6 sites

Alpha News is a Minnesota-based online news network that launched in 2015. The platform primarily covers state and local government issues, with a strong emphasis on topics favored by the political right. It was initially promoted by the Minnesota Tea Party Alliance, reflecting its conservative leanings.

Alpha News is known for its right-leaning bias and has been categorized as a questionable source by Media Bias/Fact Check due to poor sourcing, promotion of conspiracy theories, and a lack of transparency regarding ownership and funding. The platform relies on revenue from advertising and private donors, although specific funders are not disclosed publicly​ (Media Bias/Fact Check)​ (InfluenceWatch)​ (Star Tribune).

The content on Alpha News often includes stories that are critical of progressive policies and public figures, and it has been criticized for spreading misinformation and engaging in Islamophobic rhetoric. The site has a small team of journalists, including notable figures like Liz Collin, a former WCCO-TV reporter who has won multiple Emmy Awards​ (A Better Minnesota)​ (Alpha News).

For more detailed information, you can visit their official website or refer to comprehensive reviews on platforms like Media Bias/Fact Check and Influence Watch.

do the same analysis for Media Bias/Fact CheckChatGPT

Searched 5 sites

Overview of Media Bias/Fact Check

History and Purpose: Media Bias/Fact Check (MBFC) was founded in 2015 by Dave Van Zandt. The website aims to educate the public on media bias and deceptive news practices, striving to promote straightforward news reporting and combat misinformation. MBFC evaluates the political bias and factual accuracy of news sources using a combination of objective measures and subjective analysis.

Methodology: MBFC follows a strict methodology for determining the biases of sources, which involves examining article content, language, and the presence of partisan bias. They classify sources into categories such as “Left,” “Left-Center,” “Least Biased,” “Right-Center,” and “Right.” The assessments are carried out by a team led by Van Zandt, with support from volunteers who assist in research and evaluations.

Funding: The website is funded through reader donations, third-party advertising, and membership subscriptions. The use of third-party advertising is intended to prevent bias by not selecting specific ads, although it can result in politically biased ads appearing based on users’ browsing history and site content.

Content and Services: MBFC provides several services, including:

• Fact-checks of news stories from around the world.
• Original articles on media bias and important news stories, particularly in U.S. politics.
• A searchable database of media sources with bias and credibility ratings.

Criticism and Challenges: Despite its mission, MBFC has faced criticism regarding its methodologies and the subjective nature of bias classification. Some argue that its ratings can oversimplify complex biases present in media sources. Additionally, the site’s reliance on advertising has led to occasional criticism about the types of ads displayed.

For more information, you can visit the Media Bias/Fact Check website or check out their methodology and funding details.

Sources:

• Media Bias/Fact Check
• Poynter
• Wikipedia
• Countering Disinformation

DISCLAIMER: I don’t trust the AI generators, and neither should you, but I want to capture this information for posterity.