July Newsletter

Once upon a time, in a land called America, where I was born and raised, we had something called “news.”

Facts were reported and updated as more statistics and details were discovered.

Then, around the time of the Gulf War, a company called CNN rose to the #1 network because they discovered that if they added some sensationalism to the story, their viewership would increase.

Of course, the other networks had to follow suit to raise their ratings and compete for corporate sponsorship dollars.

A vicious cycle began, and then these networks found out that by aligning with a certain political party, they could garner even higher numbers.

Eventually, news networks weren't anything like what they started out to be. They became more like opinion resources that may or may not be based in fact. Who cares, as long as the ratings and sponsorship money were there?

Then came podcasts. Now everyone has a mini TV station with a smaller audience. But how do you become a Joe Rogan or Alex Jones (now household names)? Simple. Be controversial. Embrace fringe thinking and conspiracies. Get people engaged through rage and emotion to the point that they can no longer recognize the truth.

Hype, hype, hype.

So why am I spending my time writing about this to my Lake Travis Republican Club family?

Well, first, I care about you as my friends.

Secondly, in today's world, it is incredibly easy to get caught up in the constant bombardment of hype and brainwashing.

Be smarter than that and realize that 80% of what you read and hear is filled with embellishment and half-truths.

Gen Z understands this because much of their world so far has been filled with misinformation and deception. Our experience during COVID is an excellent example. As a result, this generation questions everything. You should too. And if sometimes you find yourself wondering what to believe...

Please be smarter than those attempting to manipulate you. We are always here, and collectively we have a wealth of experience and knowledge that you can tap into for greater clarity and, hopefully, to help distinguish what is real from what is not.

On a separate thought . . . While attending the Texas Republican State Convention two weeks ago, one theme prevailed throughout the entire three-day event:

Unity Drives Victory!

Remember that the left cannot compete in this upcoming midterm election based on merit, agenda, or legislative priorities. All they have is “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS) and media-driven political spin to promote their party and create infighting within ours.

We MUST NOT BE DIVIDED.

We must work together for the common good.

I will be calling on our club family to take many necessary actions to help ensure that we can "hold the line." The stakes could not be higher than they are right now, and we must create a true synergy through unity and shared purpose.

Look for actionable opportunities to help in the coming months—and VOLUNTEER!

The Overton Window does not always need to swing the opposite way when we hold the high ground.

Thank you for being part of the solution. Together, we will prevail.

We must!