Jeannette Smyth 🌻
@jeannettesmyth.bsky.social
The truth is mighty, and it shall prevail.
"Not the moment we might have chosen, but the one we were made for."
-- possibly G.K. Chesterton
"Not the moment we might have chosen, but the one we were made for."
-- possibly G.K. Chesterton
Pinned
#AntiFascistActOfTheDay
Post Robert O. #Paxton's term-of-art definition to Xitter.
Buy his book from Powell's.
#boycottamazon
powells.com/book/anatomy...
Post Robert O. #Paxton's term-of-art definition to Xitter.
Buy his book from Powell's.
#boycottamazon
powells.com/book/anatomy...
One way to #Resist is to support the very best local indie journalism you can. Mine comes in the shape of @haussamen.bsky.social. In the spirit of great indie reporting, check out this excellent local enterprise story by @sheffieldtheatres.bsky.social
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/a-london-law...
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/a-london-law...
November 9, 2025 at 3:10 PM
One way to #Resist is to support the very best local indie journalism you can. Mine comes in the shape of @haussamen.bsky.social. In the spirit of great indie reporting, check out this excellent local enterprise story by @sheffieldtheatres.bsky.social
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/a-london-law...
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/a-london-law...
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
Yes, the people on your screen observing on the election should know that there's an alternative model for how to do it. It's called the citizens agenda. I have been writing about it, and advocating for it, since 2010. pressthink.org/2010/08/the-...
Errol Louis was alluding to it last night:
Errol Louis was alluding to it last night:
November 5, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Yes, the people on your screen observing on the election should know that there's an alternative model for how to do it. It's called the citizens agenda. I have been writing about it, and advocating for it, since 2010. pressthink.org/2010/08/the-...
Errol Louis was alluding to it last night:
Errol Louis was alluding to it last night:
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
New York Times editorial board has compiled "a list of 12 markers of democratic erosion." www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
This is what "not the odds, but the stakes" was all about.
During the 2024 campaign, those 12 markers could have been in place and operating to guide news coverage everywhere.
This is what "not the odds, but the stakes" was all about.
During the 2024 campaign, those 12 markers could have been in place and operating to guide news coverage everywhere.
October 31, 2025 at 2:36 PM
New York Times editorial board has compiled "a list of 12 markers of democratic erosion." www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
This is what "not the odds, but the stakes" was all about.
During the 2024 campaign, those 12 markers could have been in place and operating to guide news coverage everywhere.
This is what "not the odds, but the stakes" was all about.
During the 2024 campaign, those 12 markers could have been in place and operating to guide news coverage everywhere.
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
Zohran Mamdani is showing Democrats how to interact with the media.
Watch the full episode of Power Lines: youtu.be/xRpE9E7GQTM?...
Or listen via a podcast app: link.chtbl.com/PowerLines_S...
Watch the full episode of Power Lines: youtu.be/xRpE9E7GQTM?...
Or listen via a podcast app: link.chtbl.com/PowerLines_S...
October 31, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Zohran Mamdani is showing Democrats how to interact with the media.
Watch the full episode of Power Lines: youtu.be/xRpE9E7GQTM?...
Or listen via a podcast app: link.chtbl.com/PowerLines_S...
Watch the full episode of Power Lines: youtu.be/xRpE9E7GQTM?...
Or listen via a podcast app: link.chtbl.com/PowerLines_S...
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
38yo Andrew Otazo is a South Florida legend who wanders into the mangroves that line the coast and retrieves literally tons of garbage...then hauls it out by hand.
The Washington Post recently shadowed Otazo and documented some of his incredible work.
wapo.st/4hDuxjF 🎁🔗
The Washington Post recently shadowed Otazo and documented some of his incredible work.
wapo.st/4hDuxjF 🎁🔗
He’s cleared 35,000 pounds of trash from Miami’s mangroves and isn’t done yet
We accompanied Andrew Otazo on a trip to the mangroves. To date, the Miami man has cleared more than 17 tons of trash, mostly from the islands around Biscayne Bay.
wapo.st
October 30, 2025 at 12:36 PM
38yo Andrew Otazo is a South Florida legend who wanders into the mangroves that line the coast and retrieves literally tons of garbage...then hauls it out by hand.
The Washington Post recently shadowed Otazo and documented some of his incredible work.
wapo.st/4hDuxjF 🎁🔗
The Washington Post recently shadowed Otazo and documented some of his incredible work.
wapo.st/4hDuxjF 🎁🔗
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
Huge news - Parliament is going to debate the #parkypetition on November 17th
October 25, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Huge news - Parliament is going to debate the #parkypetition on November 17th
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
MacKenzie Scott triples down on DEI with $40 million donation to African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
MacKenzie Scott triples down on DEI with $40 million donation to African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund | Fortune
In 2021, the billionaire donated $20 million to the same organization, dedicated to preserving U.S. sites associated with Black history.
fortune.com
October 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM
MacKenzie Scott triples down on DEI with $40 million donation to African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
Interesting idea. A entire news market will get a public editor.
Indianapolis will be the first local media market to get its own Public Editor, who will monitor all the newsrooms in town. tinyurl.com/2s44zxe8
Indianapolis will be the first local media market to get its own Public Editor, who will monitor all the newsrooms in town. tinyurl.com/2s44zxe8
Poynter launches public editor project to serve news audiences in Indianapolis - Poynter
Partner newsrooms will publish the editor’s independent analysis of local news coverage across the market.
tinyurl.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Interesting idea. A entire news market will get a public editor.
Indianapolis will be the first local media market to get its own Public Editor, who will monitor all the newsrooms in town. tinyurl.com/2s44zxe8
Indianapolis will be the first local media market to get its own Public Editor, who will monitor all the newsrooms in town. tinyurl.com/2s44zxe8
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
"Why I'm handing in my Pentagon press pass" by Tom Bowman of NPR. www.npr.org/2025/10/14/g... Recommended.
A thing frequently forgotten or ignored is that journalism is one of the few professions people will die for. [Via @brianstelter.bsky.social ]
A thing frequently forgotten or ignored is that journalism is one of the few professions people will die for. [Via @brianstelter.bsky.social ]
Opinion: Why I'm handing in my Pentagon press pass
Tom Bowman has held his Pentagon press pass for 28 years. He says the Pentagon's new media policy makes it impossible to be a journalist, which means finding out what's really going on behind the scen...
www.npr.org
October 14, 2025 at 2:59 PM
"Why I'm handing in my Pentagon press pass" by Tom Bowman of NPR. www.npr.org/2025/10/14/g... Recommended.
A thing frequently forgotten or ignored is that journalism is one of the few professions people will die for. [Via @brianstelter.bsky.social ]
A thing frequently forgotten or ignored is that journalism is one of the few professions people will die for. [Via @brianstelter.bsky.social ]
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
Careful and powerful analysis by @gregsargent.bsky.social of the New York Times treating Trump's propagandists as "provocateurs" and decision to treat MAGA's ideologically-driven lies as part of a legitimate clash of perspectives in describing Portland.
newrepublic.com/article/2016...
newrepublic.com/article/2016...
MAGA Implodes over Kristi Noem’s “Stare Down” with Man in Chicken Suit
A good New York Times piece on Portland nevertheless demonstrates how the conventions of objective reporting fail to accurately capture the bad faith driving pro-Trump propaganda.
newrepublic.com
October 11, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Careful and powerful analysis by @gregsargent.bsky.social of the New York Times treating Trump's propagandists as "provocateurs" and decision to treat MAGA's ideologically-driven lies as part of a legitimate clash of perspectives in describing Portland.
newrepublic.com/article/2016...
newrepublic.com/article/2016...
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
Small win: #CDC privacy office survived the weekend chaos. Big concerns remain about how HHS, Palantir & others may use STLT data. If agencies must share, we recommend the bare minimum—aggregate if possible—and use high caution and good judgement to protect residents against unsanctioned data use.
⚠️ STATES, LOCALS, TRIBAL NATIONS, TERRITORIES ⚠️
HHS has eliminated EVERY SINGLE SAFEGUARD FOR DATA PROTECTION AT CDC. Giving data to CDC is no longer safe and puts your residents at risk.
Unless and until all CDC’s data protections are restored you should consider CDC a bad actor.
HHS has eliminated EVERY SINGLE SAFEGUARD FOR DATA PROTECTION AT CDC. Giving data to CDC is no longer safe and puts your residents at risk.
Unless and until all CDC’s data protections are restored you should consider CDC a bad actor.
October 13, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Small win: #CDC privacy office survived the weekend chaos. Big concerns remain about how HHS, Palantir & others may use STLT data. If agencies must share, we recommend the bare minimum—aggregate if possible—and use high caution and good judgement to protect residents against unsanctioned data use.
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
NEW: We just filed a Hatch Act complaint against several Trump administration officials, including Karoline Leavitt, Scott Bessent, Kristi Noem and Peter Navarro, for making partisan statements about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s campaign.
CREW files Hatch Act complaint against Trump administration officials - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Trump officials likely violated the Hatch Act by making partisan statements about Zohran Mamdani’s campaign in their official capacities.
www.citizensforethics.org
October 13, 2025 at 4:01 PM
NEW: We just filed a Hatch Act complaint against several Trump administration officials, including Karoline Leavitt, Scott Bessent, Kristi Noem and Peter Navarro, for making partisan statements about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s campaign.
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
I still haven't seen any answer that makes sense to me. Why is an opinion journalist running CBS News as editor in chief? How did that happen, and what is the logic of that appointment? It still isn't clear to me.
October 9, 2025 at 10:32 PM
I still haven't seen any answer that makes sense to me. Why is an opinion journalist running CBS News as editor in chief? How did that happen, and what is the logic of that appointment? It still isn't clear to me.
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
"Republicans estimate that 32% of Democrats are LGBT when in reality it is 6%; Democrats estimate that 38% of Republicans earn over $250,000 per year when in reality it is 2%"
Reading an academic article on "political sectarianism.:"
Reading an academic article on "political sectarianism.:"
October 9, 2025 at 1:39 AM
"Republicans estimate that 32% of Democrats are LGBT when in reality it is 6%; Democrats estimate that 38% of Republicans earn over $250,000 per year when in reality it is 2%"
Reading an academic article on "political sectarianism.:"
Reading an academic article on "political sectarianism.:"
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government’s claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed.
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
Attorney for woman shot by Border Patrol claims officer said 'Do something b-----' before shooting
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government's claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed. A judge ordered Martinez and a co-defendant released pending trial.
trib.al
October 6, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government’s claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed.
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
No mainstream leaders, pundits, media, will treat her life as important as Kirk's.
None will see this shooting as dangerous as Kirk's.
None will value a brown woman as much as that white man.
This isn't just about Republicans. It's the values at the heart of leadership & institutions in America.
None will see this shooting as dangerous as Kirk's.
None will value a brown woman as much as that white man.
This isn't just about Republicans. It's the values at the heart of leadership & institutions in America.
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government’s claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed.
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
Attorney for woman shot by Border Patrol claims officer said 'Do something b-----' before shooting
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government's claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed. A judge ordered Martinez and a co-defendant released pending trial.
trib.al
October 7, 2025 at 1:08 AM
No mainstream leaders, pundits, media, will treat her life as important as Kirk's.
None will see this shooting as dangerous as Kirk's.
None will value a brown woman as much as that white man.
This isn't just about Republicans. It's the values at the heart of leadership & institutions in America.
None will see this shooting as dangerous as Kirk's.
None will value a brown woman as much as that white man.
This isn't just about Republicans. It's the values at the heart of leadership & institutions in America.
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
1/ This is so f'ing outrageous. You cannot safely restrain people on their stomachs. They're going to kill people.
This is very well known now.
This is very well known now.
ICE is hog tying protesters in Portland and removing them on Dollies.
This is dangerous and could cause serious injury.
The Department of Homeland Security thinks it’s a joke.
They’ve shared this video with the tagline “Refuse to Walk? We’ll give you a ride”.
Stay strong Portland.
This is dangerous and could cause serious injury.
The Department of Homeland Security thinks it’s a joke.
They’ve shared this video with the tagline “Refuse to Walk? We’ll give you a ride”.
Stay strong Portland.
October 6, 2025 at 2:22 AM
1/ This is so f'ing outrageous. You cannot safely restrain people on their stomachs. They're going to kill people.
This is very well known now.
This is very well known now.
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
ICE reportedly opened fire on rapid responders on the southwest side this afternoon.
There are *very few* details on this available at this time. Treat all rumors with caution until verified.
This Sun-Times article cites a DHS statement that should be treated, as always, with extreme skepticism:
There are *very few* details on this available at this time. Treat all rumors with caution until verified.
This Sun-Times article cites a DHS statement that should be treated, as always, with extreme skepticism:
Shooting involving federal agents in Brighton Park under investigation
According to the Department of Homeland Security, a woman allegedly "boxed in" federal authorities, who opened fire.
chicago.suntimes.com
October 4, 2025 at 5:47 PM
ICE reportedly opened fire on rapid responders on the southwest side this afternoon.
There are *very few* details on this available at this time. Treat all rumors with caution until verified.
This Sun-Times article cites a DHS statement that should be treated, as always, with extreme skepticism:
There are *very few* details on this available at this time. Treat all rumors with caution until verified.
This Sun-Times article cites a DHS statement that should be treated, as always, with extreme skepticism:
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
America tips into fascism" By Garrett Graff
@vermontgmg.bsky.social
Recommended.
www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/america-ti...
@vermontgmg.bsky.social
Recommended.
www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/america-ti...
August 27, 2025 at 10:48 AM
America tips into fascism" By Garrett Graff
@vermontgmg.bsky.social
Recommended.
www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/america-ti...
@vermontgmg.bsky.social
Recommended.
www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/america-ti...
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
"The top story of the moment is the one story that our most influential newsrooms won’t touch: That the United State has become an authoritarian state." — Dan Froomkin @froomkin.bsky.social
presswatchers.org/2025/08/we-h...
presswatchers.org/2025/08/we-h...
August 27, 2025 at 9:28 AM
"The top story of the moment is the one story that our most influential newsrooms won’t touch: That the United State has become an authoritarian state." — Dan Froomkin @froomkin.bsky.social
presswatchers.org/2025/08/we-h...
presswatchers.org/2025/08/we-h...
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
Linked to this yesterday, but I am re-upping today because this is the best piece of practical research I have seen lately. It deals with what's gone wrong in political coverage.
"If we want different results, we have to abandon standard practice."
YES.
Finally, someone put together what I and many other critics have been saying about political coverage — then took it further. reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/harm-reducti...
Author Michael Hauser Tov is 28 years old.
YES.
Finally, someone put together what I and many other critics have been saying about political coverage — then took it further. reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/harm-reducti...
Author Michael Hauser Tov is 28 years old.
October 3, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Linked to this yesterday, but I am re-upping today because this is the best piece of practical research I have seen lately. It deals with what's gone wrong in political coverage.
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
"If we want different results, we have to abandon standard practice."
YES.
Finally, someone put together what I and many other critics have been saying about political coverage — then took it further. reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/harm-reducti...
Author Michael Hauser Tov is 28 years old.
YES.
Finally, someone put together what I and many other critics have been saying about political coverage — then took it further. reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/harm-reducti...
Author Michael Hauser Tov is 28 years old.
October 2, 2025 at 5:18 PM
"If we want different results, we have to abandon standard practice."
YES.
Finally, someone put together what I and many other critics have been saying about political coverage — then took it further. reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/harm-reducti...
Author Michael Hauser Tov is 28 years old.
YES.
Finally, someone put together what I and many other critics have been saying about political coverage — then took it further. reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/harm-reducti...
Author Michael Hauser Tov is 28 years old.
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
A question every outrage news media viewer should be asking themselves: "am I watching things on television that are different from what's happening?" Yes, yes, you are.
This is an absolutely extraordinary, revelatory quote. Why is the NBC affiliate in Portland the only place reporting it? www.kgw.com/article/news...
Trump seems to back off Portland military plan: 'Am I watching things on television that are different from what's happening?'
President Trump had said he will send troops to Portland to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, which he said were "under attack."
www.kgw.com
September 29, 2025 at 2:51 PM
A question every outrage news media viewer should be asking themselves: "am I watching things on television that are different from what's happening?" Yes, yes, you are.
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
Civil society helps uphold democracy and provides built-in resistance to authoritarianism
theconversation.com/civil-societ...
theconversation.com/civil-societ...
Civil society helps uphold democracy and provides built-in resistance to authoritarianism
There are growing signs that American civil society is becoming more vulnerable to the president’s preferences and dictates – something that happens in authoritarian countries.
theconversation.com
October 1, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Civil society helps uphold democracy and provides built-in resistance to authoritarianism
theconversation.com/civil-societ...
theconversation.com/civil-societ...
Reposted by Jeannette Smyth 🌻
My latest:”Through gossamer tributes, Kirk’s cruel condemnation of transgender people & his racist throwback views abt Black Americans were no longer anathema but instead are being treated as just another political view to be respectfully debated —like a position on tax rates or health care policy.”
What the Public Memory of Charlie Kirk Revealed
www.nytimes.com
September 28, 2025 at 3:04 PM
My latest:”Through gossamer tributes, Kirk’s cruel condemnation of transgender people & his racist throwback views abt Black Americans were no longer anathema but instead are being treated as just another political view to be respectfully debated —like a position on tax rates or health care policy.”