Wendell Berry wrote, “In a society in which nearly everybody is dominated by somebody else’s mind or by a disembodied mind, it becomes increasingly difficult to learn the truth about the activities of governments and corporations, about the quality or value of products, or about the health of one’s own place and economy.” It is this thinking that causes those of us at DemCast to seek to empower people, to offer solid journalism as a means to educate themselves. We’ve spent far too much time allowing others to decide what we believe, and with a 2020 election on the horizon, DemCast is preparing to help citizens educate themselves.
Consider our ranking in different areas out of the 50 states:
- Healthcare 43
- Education 35
- Economy 12
- Infrastructure 13
- Opportunity 26
- Fiscal Stability 1
- Crime and Corrections 43
- Natural Environment 37
Healthcare: Tennesseeans have seen what has grown to now $7billion left on the table since refusing to accept Medicaid expansion. 300,000 Tennesseans are left uninsured. 11 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. There is much to know and understand about Medicaid Expansion, and until you know the facts, it’s too easy to believe whatever a lawmaker tells you. DemCast will provide fact-based articles to allow each citizen to clearly understand what they aren’t hearing from their present sources.
Education: The problem with Education is in its tie to that ‘Fiscal Stability’ ranking. We might be #1 in Fiscal Stability, but it’s because our lawmakers have elected to not spend money on things that matter, such as Education. Teachers are sorely lacking in compensation, in addition to the fact that their bargaining rights have been removed. Imagine how much healthier the state would be with a better-supported education system and less concern about the appearance of the bank account. The voucher question is a hot topic for Tennesseans, and it’s encouraging to see how people adjust their thinking when they are educated about how it actually works, or doesn’t work for lower-income families. DemCast will bring solid information to help citizens understand what is being discussed by the lawmakers, what changes will mean for families, and what they can do to support or speak out about the issue.
Economy/Infrastructure/Opportunity: Most ranked areas tie together. The kinds of opportunities being provided for employment will be decided by the infrastructure in place, and the economy will suffer or celebrate based on the outcome of those other areas. Recognizing that healthcare, education, the environment, and crime levels are also intertwined with opportunities and the economy, DemCast is working to bring together the facts that will help each Tennessean make educated choices in voting.
The goal of DemCast will be to amplify the grassroots and local stories that don’t always make it above the fold but that affect the lives of Tennesseans. We aim to provide sources that offer dependable, reputable, believable reporting.
If you are or know of a great site/publication/podcast you believe matches our vision and that could use this kind of amplification, let us know! As a good friend once said, we all do better when we all do better.
