I’ve dramatically reduced my intake of “news” from the MSM as they’ve shown us very clearly that their loyalty is to clickbait and the bottom line - not to journalism or democracy. What a travesty. But much better to know what and who you’re dealing with. Instead, I’ve upgraded my subscriptions to “paid” for this newsletter, and for those of Heather Cox Richardson, Joyce Vance, and Jess Craven. Please consider doing the same, and share others you’d recommend - we desperately need these voices of reason and truth right now. Robert, we value your insights, wisdom, encouragement, and persistence more than you’ll ever know. ❤️
As for Mika and Joe, I took my disappointment (note that I didn’t say “surprise” 🙄) and sent an email to Mika’s “Know Your Value” platform here: knowyourvalue@nbcuni.com
Here’s what I said FWIW:
Subject line: “I KNOW MY VALUE”
And my value means having the courage of my convictions and not bending the knee to a wannabe dictator. Covering the news is one thing; kissing the ring of a serial liar, convicted felon, narcissistic sociopath, and traitor to this country is quite another.
Please tell me and millions more like me: when did we stop caring about character?
Thanks for the link to Mika and Joe. I just sent them an email showing my displeasure. I follow all those you listed (as paid) and others as well. It's worth the money and I look at it as a good investment in our future of journalism. We have to save ourselves.
Thank you! And I agree - if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. 🙄 Maybe my son’s generation will come up with a way to get the truth out there more reliably without the influence of bad actors. Our MSM is a supreme letdown, and I trusted them for far longer than I care to admit.
Thanks for the email. I also wrote to Mika. I won't go into everything I said, but I reminded Mika of the story of the snake Trump loves to tell. I told her that that snake would be turning on her soon and that I was sorry for her -- and for us.
A friend of mine gifted me-subscribed me to Tangle News by Zach Elwood, author of “How Contempt Destroys Democracy”. He strives to give a “360-degree view of the biggest stories”. He gives examples of what the Right-biased media is writing, the Left-biased media, and then his independent take on the issue. It’s been helpful to me. Since the questionable gop win on Nov5, I have been off legacy media and stick to reliable substack writers.
I agree, Katharine, but we also need to find or create a platform that reaches an audience comparable to some of the worst right wing media, e.g., FOX and friends. Perhaps in time Substack can be that source. And while The Onion’s purchase of Alex Jones is good news, we really need smart and competent people to be developing smart messaging while using platforms like TikTok, BlueSky, and more. By smart I mean messaging to is short, targeted and resonant with targeted readers/viewers.
In a recent YouTube post, Heather Cox Richardson spoke of the importance of each of us doing our part in our respective “communities” to get the truth out there - primarily bc it’s free, and we each have a voice - she reminded how she started way back when as a small and humble newsletter, and grew without ads. While she discouraged people from having to bend over backwards and spend hours a day digging for info to share, she suggested taking what she says each day and sharing it in an easily-digestible meme format. I’m working on that now - I figured if we have her blessing, what are we waiting for?!
Thanks for link! I’ve been wondering where to send a brief comment to Mika. I stopped watching them ages ago after getting turned off by Joe’s bullshit, ego, talking over Mika, etc. Her willingness to kiss the ring in Fla was shocking!
MSNBC is bad for my health. I haven’t watched MSNBC since 2015. This resolution saved me from emotional despair. By not having to gulp Pepto-Bismol while watching MSNBC, I even saved a few dollars. On the other hand, Democracy Now! which was founded in 1996, doesn’t accept government funding, corporate sponsorship, underwriting or advertising revenue. I never stopped watching Democracy Now!, even during T’s presidency, because its reporting includes breaking daily news and in-depth interviews with people on the front lines of the world’s most pressing issues. Amy Goodman has taken risks with her own life, has supported courageous journalists across the globe, and her guests are actual experts from across the globe. Broadcast daily across the world, Democracy Now! is a “media ecosystem” worthy of profound respect and amplification. I supported and benefited from Democracy Now1 for nearly 20 years.
"The light from the Elephant Trunk Nebula managed to cross 2,400 light-years of space to reach Earth on November 18, 2024—but can still be defeated by local surface winds. There is an important lesson in that set of facts. I just don’t know what it is at this late hour."
I'd interpret those facts to mean that there is massive disinformation as well as outright ignorance in our country, that can only be defeated by an upswell in local and independent non-partisan journalism - as you rightly state, we must build our own media ecosystem, and it starts with Substack and Bluesky and all the independent sources out there, including Guardian and Semafor.
Closed too soon, meant to add,
That we each must do our part to draw into conversation our family members, neighbors, everyone we encounter within our own sphere of influence, to encourage them to seek out information from valid independent sources, because we cannot trust the existing billionaire-owned media sources.
We were just talking about Signal this morning, it is morning in my time zone. That is because that is how I communicate with my friends and family. We love it. However, my friend says, Many of the founders of Signal were initial on WhatsApp (others were from Yahoo) . They sold it to Meta. They profited from the sale. The Signal guys also helped Meta create the same encryption on their platform, so the encryption is pretty much the same. Signal is also based in the US. There is a mutualistic relationship between the two companies. I think Signal is marginally better, but not much. They are both encrypted though. Google isn’t really, so in terms of privacy, google is more problematic."
My friend's husband has used Threema. It’s a Swiss company. It’s a paid app. It’s $5.99. I like a paid app model. She is going to download it and use it with her husband to see how it goes. I am currently liking the possibility of a Swiss app.
Another friend said this morning that, "BlueSky treasure : @julieleachl.bsky.social. Her profile says "I’m Julie leach the Detroit Michigan. Am the powerball winner of $1.3Billion I’m giving out $100,000 to my first 3k followers to help need & poor Dm". She has 500+ followers right now. Her feed is full of people thanking her for giving money. Inspiring!
7m" Lots of people are going here but it is a US based platform, which means it is subject to being shut down by Musk through Trump, or Brendon Carr who they are putting over the FCC. It already does not look good for free speech. https://newrepublic.com/post/188529/donald-trump-war-press-fcc-project-2025
So, I also recommend that people who do not have them get VPNs. I know Russians have had to switch around, but it has been their only means of getting news from outside their country. Most people here have them just to access media they are used to that is blocked. I am now getting one too.
This newsletter is nearly the only news I can read - it is just the facts, to the point and without the hype and God awful punditry of MSNBC shows like even Nicole Wallace at this point. It is fantastic and I can't imagine someone not being able to read this. My cable news is still limited to only Lawrence O'Donnell. Mika & Joe have debased themselves to Trump, yet again? I will never, ever turn that show on again.
Hey Lynell (VA by way of MD&DC) have you heard of the data scientist, Stephen Spoonamore? He has written a “Duty to Report” letter to VP Harris requesting her to call for a hand recount of swing state ballots because of suspicious “Bullet Ballot” activity. His suggestion squares with my suspicion that “something happened”. Here is the link: https://substack.com/home/post/p-151721941. I reach out to you because I’m know you also are an active follower of Heathers and others of credibility. I’m not wanting to follow a conspiracy, but I don’t think this is one. My state’s Sec of State (MI) is already on record noting the vote tabulation seemed slower this time around. I’m hoping you, and others who recognize my posting name, will know I am just legitimately looking for some extra opinion about following his recommendation to VP Harris to call for a recount in the swing states.
Me either! It's amazing how much media celebrities will immediately pivot to the right to save their own skins (or in this case, their broadcast license).
I'll be your first commentary today, mainly because I'm reading your letter at 3:50am, unable to sleep much these days.
Trump's moves to nominate his own custom swamp cabinet are more frighteningly dangerous than an alteady-paniced population truly understands. Much more. Unless we organize a full-on legal attack to resist all the dystopic plans we know are coming, and define a military commitment to uphold the constitution, we'll be cooked. The war for our survival is fully on. These guys are bad boys, and we need to resist with all our might starting yesterday.
Robert writes: "This newsletter will examine the status of Trump's nominations—which are focused on implementing two of the three main pillars of his campaign—racism and white supremacy. Those themes were expressed through hostility and dehumanizing language toward immigrants."
Do other readers wonder, like I do, how the holier-than-thou Mike Johnson can be one of Trump's most visible cheer leaders? Or is he living proof that many politicians crave power and money more than they crave a reputation for integrity?
The answer to your question is yes. Mike Johnson is a Christian Nationalist. Trump is a vessel to achieve their objectives. I guess the vilification and ousting of immigrants are collateral damage to the supreme mission.
Lanette and Swbv, good points, but I don't think Mike Johnson and like politicians "crave power and money more than they crave a reputation for integrity." A "reputation for integrity" matters zilch to these guys, if that reputation comes from liberals, intellectuals, and other urban elites. God and Trump are the only entities that matter to them. There are despicable climbers like Gaetz and Hegseth, but the true religious right warriors for Christ are fulfilling their vision of God's mandate for a white Christian nation. The disdain of others is a badge of honor. And they take delight when Mika and Joe genuflect before Trump so they might in their words open "lines of communication". Give me a break! Does Joe Scarborough think that after he and Mika departTrump will write down all the insightful points they had to say on a yellow pad and think about them. No he will count coup and declare that another two bite the dust and thus tip the balance even further toward, "those who like me" whom I then tolerate and the "horrible" people, especially women, who "don't like me" but will be punished by Big Daddy.
I have wondered about Mike Johnson as well. How does he square his “see the Bible to know my worldview” comment with his actions in support of Trump? Does he consider himself to be engaged in a Holy war sanctioned by Jesus or the Almighty Father?
Still waiting to hear about validity of the Greg Palast claim that 2.7 million votes were ditched. According to the Philly papers, where a hand recount is taking place, we lost Pa in Biden's home area, former Biden supporters. Not Gen Z. Not Blacks. Lost 2 Pa Dem house seats.
Daniel, if you have more information on this please post it. I went to an event with Dem ladies and brought this up. One of the. “Pooh-Pood” what I was saying. I would love to be able to quote a source. Thanks.
I actually haven't watched MSM news for some time now. I don't need MSM news to to remain informed. While I read many Substack essays when time allows, even just reading Robert, HCR and Joyce Vance keeps me updated. I find spending more time on the news is bad for my health, and is totally unnecessary.
While we develop and maintain our media ecosystem, how do we inform the 1/3 of apathetic eligible voters who did not exert their right this election?
Thank you Robert, your work here is vitally important.
Lynn, I'm with you, but of course Robert and Joyce and Heather get their news from mainstream sources like the NYT and WaPo, and we get it from them. Who will do the on-the-ground reporting if they completely succumb to being Trump mouthpieces? It's a very difficult question.
One key caveat to your observation, HCR does an exceptional job of integrating the news with history that informs and brings succinctness to her observations.
I might also note that each of the substack writers mentioned provide source citations or links so that critical thinkers can verify and trust their observations as something well beyond the misinformation, disinformation and lies we see coming from Trump and his sycophants.
We are at a crossroads where Republicans have an opportunity to pass some legislation they believe in and at the same time keep Trump from destroying our country. These Republicans must not allow the Trump Administration to bully our country and by pushing back now before he gets into office is critical because the Trump administration is not expecting this to happen. Congress even Republican dominated must stand up now and be counted.
Well Stephen, the Republicans needed to stand up to Trump on two previous occasions, impeachments that they simply brushed aside and genuflect to Trump’s betrayal of his oath of office and our constitution. Therein they betrayed our trust, their oath and our constitution. There is no record of their willingness to stand up to the bully.
As dire as everything is, I Love the whimsy of this photo!
There must be a late teen person who can build an unhackable democratic social media dedicated to Truth Telling (obviously this brilliant young person was raised by two loving, highly ethical and moral parents with tremendous respect and encouragement for their child). NOW is the hour for her/him to Do It!
The loss of this election was hard enough.. and now to see leaders all around us “obey in advance” is upsetting and chilling. These are people we trusted. Why did Biden so affably (smiling!) welcome the felon to the Whitehouse? Why isn’t he doing EVERYTHING (including using the immunity powers the SC gave the office of the President) to do anything and everything he can do rather than serve democracy up on a plate?
Why isn’t he issuing blanket pardons to all who may be targeted by the next regime? Why aren’t Democrats raising hell? And as for Joe and Mika, just nauseating.
How about writing President Biden as well to ask him to take a stand now while he can?
And if anyone knows how to reach Joe and Mika other than by way of X, please let me know. I think they should hear from us too.
Thank you Robert! I have called my Senators (in VT) and it felt exhilarating!! Also, if we build our own news ecosystem won’t we simply create 2 or more distinct silos of news? How does that help us reach those who are watching Fox and conservative radio, social media, etc…?
In conversations with conservatives and progressives alike, my mantra has ever been : "Live your truth"-not your fever dreams and fantasies, your truth. Brendan Carr may succeed, temporarily, in shuttering liberal and progressive broadcasting, but eventually, he will start to turn on conservative outlets-for not being "conservative enough". It's the way of the beast-more begets an appetite for even more.
I’ve dramatically reduced my intake of “news” from the MSM as they’ve shown us very clearly that their loyalty is to clickbait and the bottom line - not to journalism or democracy. What a travesty. But much better to know what and who you’re dealing with. Instead, I’ve upgraded my subscriptions to “paid” for this newsletter, and for those of Heather Cox Richardson, Joyce Vance, and Jess Craven. Please consider doing the same, and share others you’d recommend - we desperately need these voices of reason and truth right now. Robert, we value your insights, wisdom, encouragement, and persistence more than you’ll ever know. ❤️
As for Mika and Joe, I took my disappointment (note that I didn’t say “surprise” 🙄) and sent an email to Mika’s “Know Your Value” platform here: knowyourvalue@nbcuni.com
Here’s what I said FWIW:
Subject line: “I KNOW MY VALUE”
And my value means having the courage of my convictions and not bending the knee to a wannabe dictator. Covering the news is one thing; kissing the ring of a serial liar, convicted felon, narcissistic sociopath, and traitor to this country is quite another.
Please tell me and millions more like me: when did we stop caring about character?
I would add Jay Kuo to the list, also on Substack.
Thanks for the link to Mika and Joe. I just sent them an email showing my displeasure. I follow all those you listed (as paid) and others as well. It's worth the money and I look at it as a good investment in our future of journalism. We have to save ourselves.
Thank you! And I agree - if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. 🙄 Maybe my son’s generation will come up with a way to get the truth out there more reliably without the influence of bad actors. Our MSM is a supreme letdown, and I trusted them for far longer than I care to admit.
Many thanks! He’s great.
I definitely second this opinion
I am really disappointed in Mika and Joe. They have bent the knee to Trump, and given in to a dictator in advance.
Write them and tell them!!
Obeying in advance.
Thanks for the email. I also wrote to Mika. I won't go into everything I said, but I reminded Mika of the story of the snake Trump loves to tell. I told her that that snake would be turning on her soon and that I was sorry for her -- and for us.
Thanks for doing that!
A friend of mine gifted me-subscribed me to Tangle News by Zach Elwood, author of “How Contempt Destroys Democracy”. He strives to give a “360-degree view of the biggest stories”. He gives examples of what the Right-biased media is writing, the Left-biased media, and then his independent take on the issue. It’s been helpful to me. Since the questionable gop win on Nov5, I have been off legacy media and stick to reliable substack writers.
Actually, your friend gave you a subscription. Gift is an intransitive verb.
Awesome! Sounds great - I appreciate the info!
I agree, Katharine, but we also need to find or create a platform that reaches an audience comparable to some of the worst right wing media, e.g., FOX and friends. Perhaps in time Substack can be that source. And while The Onion’s purchase of Alex Jones is good news, we really need smart and competent people to be developing smart messaging while using platforms like TikTok, BlueSky, and more. By smart I mean messaging to is short, targeted and resonant with targeted readers/viewers.
In a recent YouTube post, Heather Cox Richardson spoke of the importance of each of us doing our part in our respective “communities” to get the truth out there - primarily bc it’s free, and we each have a voice - she reminded how she started way back when as a small and humble newsletter, and grew without ads. While she discouraged people from having to bend over backwards and spend hours a day digging for info to share, she suggested taking what she says each day and sharing it in an easily-digestible meme format. I’m working on that now - I figured if we have her blessing, what are we waiting for?!
I have done the same for the past 5+ years with HCR’s posts.
That’s amazing. So important. Good job
Doing the same!
Another important Substack is Judd Legum's Popular Information - for serious investigative reporting.
did the same - agree with all - thanks
Thanks for link! I’ve been wondering where to send a brief comment to Mika. I stopped watching them ages ago after getting turned off by Joe’s bullshit, ego, talking over Mika, etc. Her willingness to kiss the ring in Fla was shocking!
MSNBC is bad for my health. I haven’t watched MSNBC since 2015. This resolution saved me from emotional despair. By not having to gulp Pepto-Bismol while watching MSNBC, I even saved a few dollars. On the other hand, Democracy Now! which was founded in 1996, doesn’t accept government funding, corporate sponsorship, underwriting or advertising revenue. I never stopped watching Democracy Now!, even during T’s presidency, because its reporting includes breaking daily news and in-depth interviews with people on the front lines of the world’s most pressing issues. Amy Goodman has taken risks with her own life, has supported courageous journalists across the globe, and her guests are actual experts from across the globe. Broadcast daily across the world, Democracy Now! is a “media ecosystem” worthy of profound respect and amplification. I supported and benefited from Democracy Now1 for nearly 20 years.
Someone here mentioned ProPublica -----They are incredible. Everyone should include them in their news feed.
Agree. Amy Goodman is one of the few journalists with integrity. I count PBS News as another inspiring news source.
I strongly endorse this recommendation of Amy Goodman and Democracy Now as a daily news source.
Democracy Now! has also beenunflinchingin its coverage of Gaza.
Robert writes:
"The light from the Elephant Trunk Nebula managed to cross 2,400 light-years of space to reach Earth on November 18, 2024—but can still be defeated by local surface winds. There is an important lesson in that set of facts. I just don’t know what it is at this late hour."
I'd interpret those facts to mean that there is massive disinformation as well as outright ignorance in our country, that can only be defeated by an upswell in local and independent non-partisan journalism - as you rightly state, we must build our own media ecosystem, and it starts with Substack and Bluesky and all the independent sources out there, including Guardian and Semafor.
Closed too soon, meant to add,
That we each must do our part to draw into conversation our family members, neighbors, everyone we encounter within our own sphere of influence, to encourage them to seek out information from valid independent sources, because we cannot trust the existing billionaire-owned media sources.
We were just talking about Signal this morning, it is morning in my time zone. That is because that is how I communicate with my friends and family. We love it. However, my friend says, Many of the founders of Signal were initial on WhatsApp (others were from Yahoo) . They sold it to Meta. They profited from the sale. The Signal guys also helped Meta create the same encryption on their platform, so the encryption is pretty much the same. Signal is also based in the US. There is a mutualistic relationship between the two companies. I think Signal is marginally better, but not much. They are both encrypted though. Google isn’t really, so in terms of privacy, google is more problematic."
Bluesky is based in the US. We are looking at this list of messenger platforms. Which countries they are based in matters to us. https://www.messenger-matrix.de/messenger-matrix-en.html
My friend's husband has used Threema. It’s a Swiss company. It’s a paid app. It’s $5.99. I like a paid app model. She is going to download it and use it with her husband to see how it goes. I am currently liking the possibility of a Swiss app.
Another friend said this morning that, "BlueSky treasure : @julieleachl.bsky.social. Her profile says "I’m Julie leach the Detroit Michigan. Am the powerball winner of $1.3Billion I’m giving out $100,000 to my first 3k followers to help need & poor Dm". She has 500+ followers right now. Her feed is full of people thanking her for giving money. Inspiring!
7m" Lots of people are going here but it is a US based platform, which means it is subject to being shut down by Musk through Trump, or Brendon Carr who they are putting over the FCC. It already does not look good for free speech. https://newrepublic.com/post/188529/donald-trump-war-press-fcc-project-2025
So, I also recommend that people who do not have them get VPNs. I know Russians have had to switch around, but it has been their only means of getting news from outside their country. Most people here have them just to access media they are used to that is blocked. I am now getting one too.
Hi Linda, just a note. The Julie Leach account is fake and a scam that has been around for about 5 years. She isn't giving money away. It's all fake.
I can’t seem to wean my husband from the NYT. He likes to send opinion pieces out to family and friends. A lot.
This newsletter is nearly the only news I can read - it is just the facts, to the point and without the hype and God awful punditry of MSNBC shows like even Nicole Wallace at this point. It is fantastic and I can't imagine someone not being able to read this. My cable news is still limited to only Lawrence O'Donnell. Mika & Joe have debased themselves to Trump, yet again? I will never, ever turn that show on again.
Heather Cox Richardson is no slouch when it comes to reporting real news. Check out her today's Letters from an American:
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/november-18-2024
Hey Lynell (VA by way of MD&DC) have you heard of the data scientist, Stephen Spoonamore? He has written a “Duty to Report” letter to VP Harris requesting her to call for a hand recount of swing state ballots because of suspicious “Bullet Ballot” activity. His suggestion squares with my suspicion that “something happened”. Here is the link: https://substack.com/home/post/p-151721941. I reach out to you because I’m know you also are an active follower of Heathers and others of credibility. I’m not wanting to follow a conspiracy, but I don’t think this is one. My state’s Sec of State (MI) is already on record noting the vote tabulation seemed slower this time around. I’m hoping you, and others who recognize my posting name, will know I am just legitimately looking for some extra opinion about following his recommendation to VP Harris to call for a recount in the swing states.
I like her as well, but sometimes a bit too long of a read for me.
Likewise. I still find Lawrence ODonnell
… helpful. 😁
Me either! It's amazing how much media celebrities will immediately pivot to the right to save their own skins (or in this case, their broadcast license).
Me either!!
Dear Robert -
I'll be your first commentary today, mainly because I'm reading your letter at 3:50am, unable to sleep much these days.
Trump's moves to nominate his own custom swamp cabinet are more frighteningly dangerous than an alteady-paniced population truly understands. Much more. Unless we organize a full-on legal attack to resist all the dystopic plans we know are coming, and define a military commitment to uphold the constitution, we'll be cooked. The war for our survival is fully on. These guys are bad boys, and we need to resist with all our might starting yesterday.
In this instance only I am ok with military coup placing Kamala as President. Also ---can Joe drop out and Kamala take his place?
Robert writes: "This newsletter will examine the status of Trump's nominations—which are focused on implementing two of the three main pillars of his campaign—racism and white supremacy. Those themes were expressed through hostility and dehumanizing language toward immigrants."
Do other readers wonder, like I do, how the holier-than-thou Mike Johnson can be one of Trump's most visible cheer leaders? Or is he living proof that many politicians crave power and money more than they crave a reputation for integrity?
The answer to your question is yes. Mike Johnson is a Christian Nationalist. Trump is a vessel to achieve their objectives. I guess the vilification and ousting of immigrants are collateral damage to the supreme mission.
Lanette and Swbv, good points, but I don't think Mike Johnson and like politicians "crave power and money more than they crave a reputation for integrity." A "reputation for integrity" matters zilch to these guys, if that reputation comes from liberals, intellectuals, and other urban elites. God and Trump are the only entities that matter to them. There are despicable climbers like Gaetz and Hegseth, but the true religious right warriors for Christ are fulfilling their vision of God's mandate for a white Christian nation. The disdain of others is a badge of honor. And they take delight when Mika and Joe genuflect before Trump so they might in their words open "lines of communication". Give me a break! Does Joe Scarborough think that after he and Mika departTrump will write down all the insightful points they had to say on a yellow pad and think about them. No he will count coup and declare that another two bite the dust and thus tip the balance even further toward, "those who like me" whom I then tolerate and the "horrible" people, especially women, who "don't like me" but will be punished by Big Daddy.
I have wondered about Mike Johnson as well. How does he square his “see the Bible to know my worldview” comment with his actions in support of Trump? Does he consider himself to be engaged in a Holy war sanctioned by Jesus or the Almighty Father?
I was wondering.... can anyone name even 1 of the 10 Commandments that Trump abides by? Curious that he wants them posted in all our schools.
Joe and Mika have burned their reputations down.
DOJ needs to read this and immediately ACT accordingly. https://substack.com/inbox/post/151721941?r=1nic41&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true
Still waiting to hear about validity of the Greg Palast claim that 2.7 million votes were ditched. According to the Philly papers, where a hand recount is taking place, we lost Pa in Biden's home area, former Biden supporters. Not Gen Z. Not Blacks. Lost 2 Pa Dem house seats.
Merrick Garland won't do anything!
You know, the easiest place to suppress votes that are against your candidate would be where they are most likely to happen.
Daniel, if you have more information on this please post it. I went to an event with Dem ladies and brought this up. One of the. “Pooh-Pood” what I was saying. I would love to be able to quote a source. Thanks.
The substack is attached above. Palast. https://www.gregpalast.com/
The place to bring it up is with DOJ, your US Attorney, Anderson Clayton should be all over this.
I actually haven't watched MSM news for some time now. I don't need MSM news to to remain informed. While I read many Substack essays when time allows, even just reading Robert, HCR and Joyce Vance keeps me updated. I find spending more time on the news is bad for my health, and is totally unnecessary.
While we develop and maintain our media ecosystem, how do we inform the 1/3 of apathetic eligible voters who did not exert their right this election?
Thank you Robert, your work here is vitally important.
Lynn, I'm with you, but of course Robert and Joyce and Heather get their news from mainstream sources like the NYT and WaPo, and we get it from them. Who will do the on-the-ground reporting if they completely succumb to being Trump mouthpieces? It's a very difficult question.
One key caveat to your observation, HCR does an exceptional job of integrating the news with history that informs and brings succinctness to her observations.
I might also note that each of the substack writers mentioned provide source citations or links so that critical thinkers can verify and trust their observations as something well beyond the misinformation, disinformation and lies we see coming from Trump and his sycophants.
Yes, but I will not be able to do my part if I overindulge in the news cycles.
Yes, like I said, I am with you. I am grateful to those who wade through the terrible legacy media coverage for us.
We are at a crossroads where Republicans have an opportunity to pass some legislation they believe in and at the same time keep Trump from destroying our country. These Republicans must not allow the Trump Administration to bully our country and by pushing back now before he gets into office is critical because the Trump administration is not expecting this to happen. Congress even Republican dominated must stand up now and be counted.
Well Stephen, the Republicans needed to stand up to Trump on two previous occasions, impeachments that they simply brushed aside and genuflect to Trump’s betrayal of his oath of office and our constitution. Therein they betrayed our trust, their oath and our constitution. There is no record of their willingness to stand up to the bully.
As dire as everything is, I Love the whimsy of this photo!
There must be a late teen person who can build an unhackable democratic social media dedicated to Truth Telling (obviously this brilliant young person was raised by two loving, highly ethical and moral parents with tremendous respect and encouragement for their child). NOW is the hour for her/him to Do It!
GOOGLE Indivisible
Check out their
👉TRUTH BRIGADE
Join up!
Morning Joe's "surrender" to Trump is very disappointing. I think we should wait to hear their real reason for their visit before passing judgment.
I wonder how their regular guests feel?
Plus, Trump blasted him yesterday, in predictable fashion. The price to pay for one's dignity is high.
The loss of this election was hard enough.. and now to see leaders all around us “obey in advance” is upsetting and chilling. These are people we trusted. Why did Biden so affably (smiling!) welcome the felon to the Whitehouse? Why isn’t he doing EVERYTHING (including using the immunity powers the SC gave the office of the President) to do anything and everything he can do rather than serve democracy up on a plate?
Why isn’t he issuing blanket pardons to all who may be targeted by the next regime? Why aren’t Democrats raising hell? And as for Joe and Mika, just nauseating.
How about writing President Biden as well to ask him to take a stand now while he can?
And if anyone knows how to reach Joe and Mika other than by way of X, please let me know. I think they should hear from us too.
Do not forget Schumer and Durbin---nothing to see here
Pamsy, look at Katharine’s post(top post) for a link.
Re: Perspective
The lesson is: All politics are local.
You win the internet today!
Thank you Robert! I have called my Senators (in VT) and it felt exhilarating!! Also, if we build our own news ecosystem won’t we simply create 2 or more distinct silos of news? How does that help us reach those who are watching Fox and conservative radio, social media, etc…?
Thank you for taking action!
In conversations with conservatives and progressives alike, my mantra has ever been : "Live your truth"-not your fever dreams and fantasies, your truth. Brendan Carr may succeed, temporarily, in shuttering liberal and progressive broadcasting, but eventually, he will start to turn on conservative outlets-for not being "conservative enough". It's the way of the beast-more begets an appetite for even more.