The headline for a recent article on CNBC.com declares, “The 7 most affordable U.S. states to retire—and none of them are Florida” illustrates the intellectual dishonesty that is prevalent in today’s media. The article states that Michigan is the most affordable state in which to retire according to a study issued by Bankrate. This is true, but it’s not the whole truth.
While the headline is true, it is very misleading. Florida is not the most affordable state for retirees. However, Bankrate looked at more than the cost of living and tax rates. The study also examined wellness, culture, weather, and crime. When all of these factors were considered, Florida was rated as the best state for retirement. But the CNBC article makes no mention of this fact.
The media relishes any opportunity to make conservative governors, such as Rick DeSantis and Greg Abbott, look bad. Given some of the foolish policies advocated by the two state’s governors and legislatures, there is no reason to resort to misrepresentation.
This is just a reprise of the endless media attacks on Trump. To the media, Trump, DeSantis, and Abbott can do nothing right. Certainly, politicians deserve criticism when they advocate bad policies. But they also deserve credit and praise when they support good policies. To do that, one must be objective, a characteristic in short supply in today’s media.
Michigan may be the most affordable state for retirees, but the last time I checked, retirees were not flocking to Michigan. Affordability is only one criteria individuals use when choosing where to live. Many other factors are a part of the equation. To make that evaluation, one must consider the whole truth.