The primary reason our nation has become the most ignorant in the world is directly related to the actions and words of two failed institutions: Fox News and today’s Republicans in Name Only: RINOs

First, a fact. One of the great weaknesses of humans is that we are willing to believe lies if those lies contain either our own unfounded beliefs, or ideas we would like to become reality. This is how Fox and its political party calling themselves Republicans exist today.

Informed citizens are a danger to governments. It has often been said that “all governments are bad, some are worse than others” is all too true. Over the last 40 years the government of the United States has become the worst in the world.

Few politicians would have their positions of power and privilege if the American people knew the truth about them prior to election day. Our leaders are elected to serve the people, not rule over them. However, one entire party continues to support special interests and ignore the needs and wishes of the majority.

This party is supported by a propaganda machine which calls itself a “news” network. In 1986 Rupert Murdoch created “Fox News” with the assistance of Roger Ailes. It was apparent from day one that the only purpose for the cable network was to support all Republicans regardless of their abilities or interest in the future of the American people. Murdoch’s premise is “divide and conquer.” By dividing the American people with lies and half-truths, honest discussion would become non-existent, even among family members.

I witnessed this during the Bush 43 administration, and it is far worse under Trump’s illegitimate presidency.

Moscow Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, Louie Gohmert, Steve King, Jim Jordan, Chuck Grassley, and many other RINOs would never win their elections if voters ignored Fox and learned the truth about their personal ambitions and how they have failed to perform the jobs for which they were elected.

All American politicians share one fact. Every time they find it necessary to hide their corrupt actions and crimes, the issue involved suddenly becomes “a matter of national security.” Let’s be clear; the ‘nation’ is composed of 330 million people. It is not a compilation of buildings, the men and women who work in Washington, or even the land which exists between two oceans. A nation is people. We have the right to know everything which happens related to our elected officials and in the Capitol building and the White House. Secrecy is censorship.

One fact which continues to be hidden from the American people demonstrates the dangers and the evil of censorship.

In October 2016, one month prior to the election, the CIA and FBI confirmed that Russian agents were making efforts to assist Donald John Trump’s bid for the Presidency of the United States.

A meeting was held in the White House between President Obama, Vice President Biden, Moscow Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, and the Directors of the FBI and CIA. After everyone heard the information, a heated discussion ensued. The American people have never learned exactly what was said in the Oval Office, but we do know the results. We were prevented from knowing that a foreign nation was interfering in our election. More censorship.

There is little doubt that if voters had received information they had a right to know, Hillary Clinton would be living in the White House today, and Trump would be living in exile inside his garish golden tower.

Informed voters are a powerful force. If you waste your only weapon against the tyranny of government by voting for a candidate based on the letter “R” or “D” next to his or her name you are wasting your opportunity to do the right thing for yourself and your family. Electing the best candidate will restore the values and principles of our nation which have been greatly damaged over the past three years.

“The Truth Lives Here”

Op-ed by James Turnage

My eight novels, including “Tales from Between the Sheets,” are exclusively available on Amazon; CLICK HERE, the Kindle app is a free download