The Power of Simple Lies
Don’t let your friends fall for obvious fake news—and when they do, correct it each time. If you’re like most people, you probably have old friends or coworkers who occasionally post the most debunked talking points found on social media. This isn’t necessarily all their fault. It’s just the unfortunate world we currently live in—drowning in misinformation.
The prevailing lie I keep seeing is that victims of the California wildfires would only receive a one-time payment of $770. This falsehood is not new—it’s the same exact lie that emerged after Hurricane Helene. Right-wing media during the 2024 presidential campaign amplified the claim of a $750 payment to bolster Trump’s image and sow discord following the hurricane’s impact on North Carolina. Now, the same misinformation is repeating itself, being used once again as a political tool.
There’s no need to get into the weeds—a quick Google search will debunk this claim in about 10 minutes. Articles and resources for natural disaster victims are easy to find. The real issue, however, is that fewer people seem willing to call out misinformation when it arises. If the major outlets aren’t pushing back, we have to do it ourselves—post by post. A simple lie can be incredibly effective: it’s an easy headline designed to engage and enrage.
Propaganda and Division
Then comes the second wave: hatred for Ukraine. The common refrain is, “How could the government give a suffering American only $700 while sending billions to Ukraine to fight a war we don’t care about?” This is clearly Russian propaganda, designed to erode U.S. support for Ukraine and further weaken the Democratic Party.
I’m exhausted, and it’s going to be a tough four years ahead. But we can’t stop fighting misinformation, no matter where it appears. Don’t let your friends fall for propaganda. Don’t let them sink into despair. Don’t let them be caught in webs of transphobia or racism. Call it out.
For years, Democratic politicians have been rightfully criticized for failing to grasp the type of information that resonates with the average voter. My advice to them: pay closer attention to nontraditional media with massive followings. The post that inspired this article came from WorldStar Hip Hop, an account with over 46 million followers, often featuring misleading headlines. While these accounts may appear harmless at first, they are, at their core, misinformation machines that thrive on appealing to low-information voters. Don’t let them get away with it.
FEMA Welfare Queens?
Now, back to the $770 payment. We can all agree that if we lost our homes and possessions in a natural disaster, a one-time payment of $770 wouldn’t go far—especially in a state like California. However, if people are truly serious about fixing this issue, we can and should make changes. So, what would be a fair amount for a one-time critical needs assistance payment? $1,200? $2,500? Surely, a Republican-controlled House, Senate, and Presidency would be interested in boosting FEMA’s budget, right?
And how long before we see predictable outrage from Republicans when someone inevitably posts a video of a disaster victim spending their relief money on a luxury item? Sometimes, it all feels too predictable.
