and everything feels like it’s ratcheting up. There are tons of information and opinions, but who do I believe? I’m overwhelmed with worry about the future of our Democracy and wondering if I can ever trust our government again. It’s futile to pour my feelings out by trolling MAGA on social media since the bots are quiet now.
Recently I attended an AI conference put on by the Institute for Advertising Ethics. It was an entire day of various executives debating and discussing ways the advertising industry could be as trustworthy as possible in the age of Agentic AI. There were lots of ideas and debates, but what stuck with me the most were some stats quoted by my friend and former boss, Phil Cowdell, in his keynote:
“Advertising and marketing starts with a trust deficit. People see us on the same level as car salesmen, lobbyists and Congress.”
What an insult to be in the same category as Congress. The Republican-led Congress is so compromised there were no consequences for the Trump administration weaponizing Homeland Security to terrorize one of his fiercest critics - Democratic US Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. If there was any doubt we’re in a full on authoritative state, today should be a somber affirmation.
Trump is raising the stakes for the midterms every day. Since his inauguration, we’ve endured an onslaught of shocking cruelty and incompetence. It’s been difficult to keep up with all of the damage being done to our Civil Rights, economy and healthcare system. That's why in this month’s issue of Culture Riot, we have a plethora of amazing civic-minded stories to bring everyone up to speed so we can prepare to evict the Psyop that has invaded our Democracy. Here's a sample:
Culture Riot Helps You Make a Voting Plan!
Can we vote by mail? There was a court decision right? But the USPS said they won't change anything? But I keep hearing they are? Don't worry. Journalist & researcher Geri Spieler has put together a thorough and comprehensive Voting Plan that will guide you, your family and community to cast your vote no matter what gets thrown at us!
www.cultureriotmedia.com/culture-riot-helps-you-make-a-voting-plan/
Pass or Fail? Grading the U.S. Government on Civil Rights
Everything has moved so quickly. The Executive Orders keep coming. The Supreme Court keeps ruling against the will of the people and ignoring the Constitution. Once we get past this time, how do we rebuild if we don't know what's been damaged? No worries! Culture Riot has put together a Civil Rights Report Card to take a look at how well the Constitution has been able to hold up through the constant encroachments. Methodically crafted by Valerie Bolden-Barrett, the Culture Riot Civil Rights Report card provides an efficient view of what all of the EO's have been doing to undermine the Constitution.
www.cultureriotmedia.com/pass-or-fail-grading-the-u-s-government-on-civil-rights/
It's critical that going into the midterms everyone is as informed as possible. Culture Riot has content about everything you need to know from The (K-Shaped) economy, Healthcare, AI campaign misinformation to the updated definition of "Progressive." This election is so critical that Culture Riot is making available ALL POLITICAL content (including from last month) without a paywall through Election Day, Tuesday November 3rd. All you have to do is sign up for membership to be a Rioter (which is free). ~ Editor Nikki
Ava Duvarney debuted a documentary about the Fourteenth Amendment at the New York Film Fesitval. It's called "14th" and it's getting rave reviews. It's a companion to her previous masterpiece, "13th" and will be released buy Netflix later this year.
Controversial film "Musk" by accomplished documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney has also been getting rave reviews for it's unflinching look at the life of Elon. With Musk donating $276 million to Republicans that need saving for the midterms, the nearly 4 hour film is worth a look at the foreign agent that has inserted himself in our Democracy.
Rapper Chuck D launched a Hip Hop art "magpaper" with UK hobby publishers, Silverback Publishing. The latest issue features a cover with Ludacris and Questlove and will be in print format "...to spend time with, collect and come back to, made for people who care about the music and the culture behind it."
