๐๏ธ County Supervisor's Social Media Post Sparks Outrage on Conservative Radio
๐ฒ๐ฝ Immigrant Communities Under Fire: Radio Show's Harmful Narratives ๐ซ Silencing Dissent: Calls to Censor County Supervisor Over Facebook Post
Based on the 9/16/24 Wake Up Tucson Show on KVOI-1030AM.
Dr. JoAnn โKarenโ di Filippo: "I feel threatened by what Adelita Grijalva posted on Facebook as a representation of Pima County, Southern Arizona, and creating this rhetoric that is destructive."
โฎ๏ธ ICYMI: From the Last Showโฆ
๐ฝ Keepinโ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
๐ง๐พโ๐พ๐ฆ๐พ
๐ป A radio show in Tucson talked about some grown-up stuff that wasn't very nice. ๐ They said mean things about people who come from other countries ๐ and leaders who try to help everyone. The people on the show were upset about how money is spent ๐ฐ and thought schools weren't teaching the right things ๐ซ. They also didn't trust how voting works ๐ณ๏ธ. It's important to remember that everyone deserves respect, no matter where they're from or what they believe! ๐ค
๐๏ธ Takeaways
๐ฃ๏ธ Conservative radio show promotes harmful stereotypes about immigrants and progressive leaders
๐ธ Hosts misrepresent county spending on immigrant services, ignoring economic contributions
๐๏ธ Local official targeted for alleged social media post critical of MAGA supporters
๐ฎ "Soft on crime" narrative pushed without addressing systemic issues in criminal justice
๐ซ Public education demonized as "indoctrination," ignoring its crucial role in communities
๐ณ๏ธ Baseless claims about election integrity threaten to undermine democratic processes
๐ป Radio Show Topics
๐๏ธ Local Politics: Pima County Supervisors Under Fire
The hosts heavily criticized Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Adelita Grijalva for an alleged social media post containing vulgar language directed at MAGA supporters.
They called for her censure or removal from the chair position, arguing that such behavior is unbecoming of an elected official.
The show also targeted other progressive county officials, including County Attorney Laura Conover, accusing her of implementing "soft on crime" policies.
๐ Immigration: Framed as Financial Burden
The show presented immigration as a significant financial burden on the county. Hosts cited figures claiming Pima County has spent over $117 million on services for undocumented immigrants since April 2021. This framing ignores immigrants' economic contributions and the complex factors driving migration.
๐ฎ Crime and Law Enforcement: Fearmongering Tactics
Crime was a significant topic, with hosts promoting a narrative of rising crime rates due to progressive policies.
They specifically targeted County Attorney Laura Conover, accusing her of being "soft on crime" and causing increased costs for local courts.
This perspective ignores evidence-based approaches to crime reduction and the root causes of criminal behavior.
๐ซ Education: Attacking Public Schools
The hosts expressed strong opposition to public education, framing it as indoctrination into liberal ideology.
They celebrated parents pulling children from public schools during COVID-19, ignoring the vital role of public education in society and the negative impacts of educational inequity.
๐ณ๏ธ Election Integrity: Baseless Doubts Sown
There were concerning discussions about election integrity, with hosts promoting unfounded doubts about the security of elections. This rhetoric undermines public trust in democratic institutions and can suppress voter turnout.
๐๏ธ Media Criticism: Claims of Liberal Bias
The show devoted significant time to criticizing mainstream media, accusing it of liberal bias and complicity in spreading left-wing propaganda. This narrative seeks to delegitimize factual reporting that contradicts conservative viewpoints.
๐บ๐ธ National Politics: Trump as Victim
The hosts discussed alleged assassination attempts on Donald Trump, using this to portray conservatives as victims of political persecution. This framing ignores Trump's role in promoting divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.
๐ Dr. JoAnn di Filippo's Commentary: A Critical Analysis
Dr. JoAnn di Filippo, a regular guest on "Wake Up Tucson," provided extensive commentary on various local issues during the show.
While positioned as an expert voice, her statements often reflect a conservative bias and merit closer examination from a progressive perspective.
๐๏ธ Criticism of Adelita Grijalva
Dr. di Filippo's most pointed criticism was directed at Adelita Grijalva, Chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
According to the show's host, Chris DeSimone:
"Ms. Grijalva, this is day six of everyone who would like to know if your father's still alive, also has a thing on her Facebook page. Welcome to Tucson with a little emoji of like a kiss with a heart kind of thing with an and then it has a basically in Spanish F to MAGA, F your MAGA basically in Spanish. And then it says no more orange (no mas naranja)."
JoAnn expressed outrage over an alleged social media post by Grijalva, stating:
"I feel threatened by what Adelita Grijalva posted on Facebook as a representation of Pima County, Southern Arizona, and creating this rhetoric that is destructive."
This statement is problematic on multiple levels.
First, it employs the language of victimhood ("I feel threatened") to criticize a Latina elected official, a tactic often used to silence and delegitimize leaders from marginalized communities.
Second, it fails to acknowledge the context of frustration and anger many feel towards MAGA ideology, which has been associated with xenophobic and racist rhetoric.
๐ฐ County Finances and Transparency
Dr. di Filippo raised concerns about the transparency of Pima County's financial reporting:
"Supervisors do not get copies of the financial report."
While government transparency is crucial, this criticism appears to be part of a broader conservative narrative that paints government institutions as inherently inefficient or corrupt.
It's worth noting that progressive governance often emphasizes transparency and community involvement. This suggests that if there are indeed issues with financial reporting, they should be addressed through reform rather than used as a pretext to undermine public institutions.
๐ Immigration and Resource Allocation
A significant portion of Dr. di Filippo's commentary focused on county spending related to immigration:
"Since April of 2021, Pima County has blown 117 million 695 thousand 999 dollars that's a hell of a number uh on the illegal immigrant."
This framing of immigration spending as money "blown" on "illegal immigrants" is deeply problematic. It ignores the complex realities of migration, the economic contributions of immigrants, and our humanitarian obligations as a community. The use of the term "illegal immigrant" is itself dehumanizing and fails to recognize the often desperate circumstances that drive people to seek refuge or opportunity in the United States.
Furthermore, when one โblowsโ money on human beings, it is to feed them, to clothe them, and house them. All of this requires resources from local businesses, which stimulates the economy. Local businesses provide the food and other resources to help out our brothers and sisters.
๐ฎ Crime and Law Enforcement
Dr. di Filippo echoed the hosts' criticisms of County Attorney Laura Conover's approach to criminal justice:
"Laura Conover being a huge soft on crime County Attorney."
This "soft on crime" rhetoric is a common conservative talking point that oversimplifies complex issues of criminal justice. It ignores evidence-based approaches to reducing crime and recidivism, instead favoring punitive measures that have historically disproportionately impacted communities of color.
๐ซ Education and Public Schools
While not extensively quoted in the transcript, Dr. di Filippo supported the hosts' negative views on public education. This stance fails to recognize the vital role of public schools in providing equitable access to education and serving as community anchors, particularly in underserved areas.
๐ณ๏ธ Election Integrity
Dr. di Filippo's comments on election integrity seemed to align with the hosts' unfounded doubts about election security. This rhetoric is particularly dangerous as it can suppress voters and undermine faith in democratic processes.
Dr. JoAnn di Filippo's commentary on "Wake Up Tucson" reflects a conservative worldview that often conflicts with progressive values of inclusivity, social justice, and evidence-based policymaking. Her statements, while presented as expert analysis, frequently echo right-wing talking points that oversimplify complex issues and scapegoat marginalized communities.
As progressive journalists and engaged citizens, it's crucial that we critically examine such commentary, provide context for the issues discussed, and amplify voices that offer more nuanced, compassionate, and solution-oriented perspectives on our community's challenges.
๐ฆ Three Sonorans Commentary
Unmasking the Rhetoric: Wake Up Tucson's Assault on Progress and Justice
In a recent episode of the conservative radio show "Wake Up Tucson," hosts Chris DeSimone and Matt Neely, along with guest Dr. JoAnn di Filippo, launched a barrage of attacks on progressive values, immigrant communities, and social justice initiatives.
As a voice for the marginalized and a champion of truth, we must deconstruct and challenge the harmful narratives being pushed by such platforms.
Demonizing Immigrants: A Tired and Dangerous Tactic
The show's hosts made the outrageous claim that Pima County has "blown" over $117 million on services for undocumented immigrants. This framing not only dehumanizes our immigrant neighbors but also grossly misrepresents the economic realities of immigration.
Let's be clear: immigrants, documented or not, are a vital part of our community and economy. They pay taxes, start businesses, and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the Southwest. The services provided to support immigrant communities are not money "blown" but investments in the strength and diversity of our region.
Attacking Progressive Leadership: The Case of Adelita Grijalva
The Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair, Adelita Grijalva, found herself in the crosshairs of the show's vitriol. The hosts and Dr. di Filippo expressed outrage over an alleged social media post by Grijalva critical of MAGA supporters.
While the language of the alleged post may be controversial, the reaction from "Wake Up Tucson" reeks of hypocrisy.
These are the same voices that cry "free speech" when defending hate speech yet call for censure when a Latina leader expresses frustration with a political movement that has often targeted her community.
The "Soft on Crime" Myth: Ignoring Evidence-Based Justice
County Attorney Laura Conover was lambasted as being "soft on crime," a tired refrain used to attack progressive criminal justice reforms. This simplistic narrative ignores the failure of punitive "tough on crime" policies that have devastated communities of color for generations.
Conover's approach, which emphasizes rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of crime, aligns with evidence-based practices that actually reduce recidivism and improve community safety. The fearmongering about crime rates serves only to justify over-policing and mass incarceration, systems that disproportionately target Black and Brown individuals.
Education Under Fire: Defending Public Schools
The hosts celebrated parents pulling children from public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, framing it as a positive development for "saving America." This dangerous rhetoric undermines one of the most critical institutions for ensuring equity and opportunity in our society.
Public education is not "indoctrination," as these conservative voices claim. It's a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy. Attacks on public schools are often thinly veiled attempts to resist teaching accurate history that acknowledges systemic racism and the struggles of marginalized communities.
Undermining Democracy: The Danger of Election Misinformation
Perhaps most alarmingly, "Wake Up Tucson" continues to sow doubts about election integrity, echoing the baseless claims that have become a staple of right-wing media. This rhetoric is a direct threat to our democratic processes and disproportionately impacts voter turnout in minority communities.
As defenders of justice and equality, we must stand firm against these attempts to undermine faith in our elections. The real threat to democracy comes not from imaginary fraud but from voter suppression tactics often championed by the very voices crying foul.
The divisive and harmful rhetoric promoted by shows like "Wake Up Tucson" cannot go unchallenged. As progressive voices, we are responsible for countering these narratives with facts, compassion, and a vision for a more just and equitable society.
We must continue to advocate for immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, quality public education, and the protection of our democratic institutions. Only by standing united against the forces of regression and division can we hope to build a Tucson and an America that truly lives up to its ideals of liberty and justice for all.
La lucha sigue. The struggle continues.
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๐ฏ People Mentioned
Chris DeSimone
Host of Wake Up Tucson
Promotes conservative viewpoints and policies
Critical of progressive politicians and policies
Quote: "The silver lining from COVID is all the kids that were pulled out of K through 12 government schools, and those are the kids that will help save America in the future."
Matt Neely
Co-host of Wake Up Tucson
Supports conservative positions
Often agrees with and reinforces Chris DeSimone's statements
Dr. JoAnn di Filippo
A regular guest on Wake Up Tucson
Provides conservative analysis of local politics and policies
Critical of Pima County government and progressive officials
Quote: "I feel threatened by what Adelita Grihalva posted on Facebook as a representation of Pima County, Southern Arizona, and creating this rhetoric that is destructive."
Adelita Grijalva
Chair of Pima County Board of Supervisors
Target of criticism from show hosts for alleged social media post
Accused of using vulgar language against MAGA supporters
Quote attributed to her post: "F to Maga, F your Maga basically in Spanish"
Donald Trump
Former President
Portrayed as a victim of assassination attempts and media bias
Hosts support his policies and potential 2024 run
Quote about him: "Trump had record low unemployment for minorities 50-year records including Hispanics right, and the highest number of women-owned started businesses" - Matt Neely
Laura Conover
Pima County Attorney
Criticized for "soft on crime" policies
Accused of causing increased costs for local courts
Quote about her: "Laura Conover being a huge soft on crime County Attorney" - Chris DeSimone
Rex Scott
Pima County Supervisor
Criticized for raising taxes
Hosts question his sincerity in calls for civil discourse
Jan Lesher
Pima County Administrator
Criticized for lack of transparency in financial reporting
Richard Carmona
Former U.S. Surgeon General
Mentioned as participating in press conference about crime issues
Kamala Harris
Vice President
Criticized for debate performance and alleged lack of interviews
Amazing, isn't it? << The show devoted significant time to criticizing mainstream media, accusing it of liberal bias and complicity in spreading left-wing propaganda. >>
91 percent of talk-radio is Right-wing/"conservative" [source: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/talk-radio-by-the-numbers/]
Most-watched TV news? Fox -- even after Murdoch admitted that the station lied about the last election. [https://www.javatpoint.com/top-10-news-channels-in-the-world]
Of the "top-three" newspapers, #1 is *The Wall Street Journal* (owned by Murdoch) and #3 is Gannett's conservative-leaning *USA Today*! [https://www.agilitypr.com/resources/top-media-outlets/top-10-daily-american-newspapers/]
This prompts my question: WHAT "liberal bias" in the news media?