NPR Discovers X's 'Influencers' Aren't Local
The mainstream media expresses befuddlement that X (formerly Twitter) new location data suggests some accounts, particularly those weighing in on the Middle East, are operating thousands of miles from their supposed local interests. Odd, isn't it? As if foreign policy debates in Washington haven't always been 'influenced' by entities with very deep pockets and even deeper allegiances— entities
often operating well outside the zip codes of average American voters. This 'revelation' conveniently overlooks the long-established practice of well-funded lobbying groups, like AIPAC, who demonstrably influence US policy from DC, not distant conflict zones. Rep. Smith, for instance, received $450,000 from AIPAC in 2023, then voted just days later to approve billions in aid to Israel, a decision
made right there in Congress, not the West Bank. So, we're meant to be shocked that social media accounts might be deceptively located, but perfectly serene about the legislative process being overtly shaped by groups whose primary allegiance is not to the American populace. One must wonder, how many degrees of separation are acceptable before the 'influence' becomes 'foreign interference'? Is it
only problematic when the geolocator shows it, not when OpenSecrets.org does?