The first email was sent in the wrong format. Please use this discussion thread. My apologies. — Judd
So far in July, Popular Information has exposed the obscure foundation financing "Critical Race Theory" hysteria, documented how corporations give Republicans a massive advantage in state politics, and kept the spotlight on companies donating to Republican objectors. That scrutiny resulted in Toyota reversing course and announcing that it would suspend donations to Republicans who voted to overturn the election.
Today, however, I want to hear from you. What's on your mind? What stories have you been following? What topics would you like to see Popular Information take on?
You can leave your thoughts in the discussion thread linked below, starting now. I’ll be dropping by to participate in the discussion and answer your questions at 11:00 AM Eastern, for about an hour.
And on this note, please get to the bottom of the obviously hostile exchange between Trump and Justice Kennedy as both walked together away from the podium at Kavanaugh's White House reception, and back down the hallway in the White House. Trump said something to Kennedy ("I'm glad we got your ass outta the way"?) and Kennedy stopped dead in his tracks, obviously pissed, and stuck his finger in Trump's face. There's big history in that moment. Please dig it out.
I want people to be as engaged and panicked as I am about voter suppression bills from the GQP. If we don't fix this, no election will ever matter because they will all be rigged which means no climate change, no infrastructure, nothing. It will become a regime dedicated to extremists of the Trumpicans. Rise up people and start organizing!!
It's not just voter suppression, it's also gerrymandering schemes that will go into effect next month unless S1 is passed. S1 will also provide for disclosure of big money spending an elections and for small donor matching program that will give candidates an incentive to talk to voters rather than to max contributors. Everyone on this thread should be calling your senator everyday. You can also contact Public Citizen or Indivisible or Common Cause to find out how to get more involved.
Are you following Greg Palast? He's outstanding at shining a light on the suppression tactics & bringing stories of actual people wrongfully purged from the rolls. He's @greg_palast on Twitter.
Judd, I’ve been a reader since almost the beginning of your column. I am always informed and feel better equipped to listen to other sources of news and info. I absorb what I read and hear, and I take the time to critically think and analyze what I have learned. You give me tools to help me in this analysis. You provide information I otherwise would not have known or would have learned of much later. I value what you offer. I cannot think of any particular topic I’d like to see you cover because what you cover is always of interest and value, whatever the topic. Thank you for what you do!
Who funded the insurrection of January 6? You have taught us to follow the money. But, so far, I hVe seen very little written about who paid for the busses, airfare, coordination, the big rally ahead of storming the capital, the gallows, etc. etc.
Could you further examine Florida AG Ashley Moody's role in that? She's tried to distance herself from it, saying among other things that she was out of the association by that time. I don't buy it. She's up to her neck in it. And her father's a federal judge in Tampa.
Good question, but I thought much support was garnered through online fundraisers by individuals and small groups. It would be interesting to get some numbers, though.
I have been following the trial of human rights and environmental lawyer Steven Donziger. He is now on his 700+ day of home detention in NYC for contempt of court for not turning over his laptop and cellphone to Chevron after leading a team of lawyers who won a $9,5billion settlement for the damage done in the Amazon in Ecuador. There are so many aspects of this trial that are jaw-dropping including the court appointing a private attorney to prosecute Donziger - an attorney who works at a firm that represents Chevron. mhttps://www.thenation.com/article/activism/a-new-justice-movement-emerges-to-defend-steven-donziger/
First of all thanks for all your articles! I think the filibuster needs to be changed and probably dumped. I would like an article about how it has been used through out our nations history. I know about it being used to try and stop the civil rights Act . I know it did stop an anti lynching law. Some democrats believe it can be used to stop legislation that is bad when the Republicans are the Majority in the senate. Can you give us the full story , the good, bad and the ugly.
I agree with you, Lucy. This is another example of possibly corrupt, criminal, or treasonous behavior by Trump that seems to be on Garland's "do not pursue" list. We can't pretend the last four years did not happen. Though it might be painful to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing by Trump, his family, and advisers, failing to do so will be more painful in the long run--because it will be worse next time if they believe there are no consequences.
Hey Judd, longtime reader, first time caller and all that -- I'm a nurse, and the delta variant -- and being forced to watch people die who don't have to, again -- is crushing our souls. We're experiencing a terrible labor shortage, and it's only going to get worse as basically everyone who can get out of nursing does, and 100% of nurses out there right now want another job. I've been reading this book -- https://books2read.com/yearofthenurse -- about PTSD and nurses from last year, and it explains everything coming up really well, as well as all of the reasons why.
I agree with the author, that we're gonna get hit with a wave of 'why aren't there enough nurses at the hospitals!' type articles in the next 4-6 months, and everyone's going to forget about how shitty our lives have bee for the last 1.5 years, and tell us we're 'lucky to have jobs!' as we keep having to be exposed, and re-exposed, and re-re-re-re-re-exposed to covid.
Any light you can shine on that now via your newsletter, or later, when it inevitable happens, is very welcome, thanks!
It may seem like a cliche but genuine thanks to you Erin for your work. I’m sorry you & your coworkers are having to endure another cycle of this. Know there are millions who are grateful & on your side & praying for this to get stamped out (by this I mean not just COVID but also unhelpful attitudes & people prolonging it). Hang in there!
The fact that our cable bills subsidize fox news (and by extension the destruction of America) bothers me deeply. There's petitions out there, but they strike me as pointless. What can I do to stop subsidizing white supremacist propaganda by simply paying my cable bill?
Cancel cable, switch to streaming. Most people refuse to take even this small step, just as people refuse to close their FB accounts to stop Zuckerberg's intentional destruction of democracy. If millions of people took just these 2 steps, we might have a chance to stop the hemmoraging, but they won't.
My wife and I got rid of our Facebook accounts several months ago as our cable TV. It's niceto know that we aren't supporting them any more. Hopefully more people will.
I hear you, but I need internet and it's weirdly more expensive to have just internet. As for facebook, LAST WEEK, I was literally 2 days away from completing the 30 days to delete my account, but I needed to get in contact with some people and that was the only connection I had to them. Despite all my rage, I'm still just a rat in a cage...
Keep looking. We found internet for half the cable company rate. We had both for one month to make sure it worked the same. Never been happier to leave Xfinity after decades of no other options. (Xfinity even pulled multiple stunts for a month after we canceled.)
I would love to see you turn your electron microscope upon Ron DiSantis and Ashley Moody and their apparently deep involvement in the coup conspiracy that burst through the surface on January 6th, but clearly continues through the machinery of the GOP in DC and in state legislatures they control around the country. The GOP always saw its perfect unity of interest with Trump's determination to shatter public confidence in our election as a smokescreen for trying to overthrow the legitimate outcome. And so GOP has continued to be utterly aggressive in pursuit of its aim of diffusing and reducing voter turnout, using Trump's lies as its excuse - you know this. But DiSantis was apparently making calls to other GOP AFTER the election but BEFORE the inauguration urging them to reject Biden electors in states Biden won, but with GOP state legislative majorities, and instead send "faithless electors" for Trump, elected by those state majorities in legislatures, to refuse to certify Biden's win. This was the plan. This was the coup. This was DiSantis's active complicity in it. Moreover, Moody pursued the same ends, corrupting her office to join in unprecedented lawsuits against other states' election methods in PA, AZ, MI, WI to throw out not ALL votes, but millions of votes conspicuously in majority Black districts. This too was part of the plan, the coup, and the individual complicity in sedition on the part of these people. I know you know this too. But we need it ALLLLL spread out on the table for everybody to gaze at and soak in, and I don't see much of that happening in recent months.
The fossil fuel industry has been puppet-mastering the US government for as long as global climate talks have been held. This year, at COP26 in Glasgow, the stakes could not be higher. Climate policy proposals from the EU and the US are popping up, but will likely not retain any integrity or ambition throughout negotiations with governments, which are still heavily influenced by the industry that brought us the climate crisis. Will you follow the money to expose how oil and gas lobbyists are infiltrating what are arguably the most important international climate negotiations of our lifetime? (I'll be doing it too - let me know if you want to collaborate - media@corporateaccountability.org)
You are doing great work - investigative journalism is hard to come by and it is good to see it again. I guess I would like to see the investigative stories trigger more activism (i.e. petitions supporting boycotts of particularly hypocritical companies, but I know that's not your job. I will think on it and maybe some of your followers will too. Good work!
I would like a spotlight on the legislators (notably the Democrats) who are resistant to provisions in infrastructure legislation which facilitate the sort of dramatic changes we need to have a chance of meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. We need to start pushing back en masse against fossil fuel industry propaganda and making a shift toward renewables/electric transportation.
I am a new subscribed to your platform and I want to commend you for the excellent work you have already done. My interest was peaked after your piece on Critical Race Theory. As a current Criminal Justice major CRT is important to me for many reasons. With that being said, I am deeply concerned about the negative narratives on CRT from people who really do not even understand the principals behind it. I would like to hear more from scholars who realize the value it has in modern day society and why the American public needs to rally behind it as strongly as those who have shown apposition to it.
Focus on the fuel... keep following and exposing the money. Toyota is good example. Shed light on PACsham. Giving to NRSC, RSLC ect.. equates to giving to Seditionist. That drum beat needs to continue until consumers are holding donors accountable.
We have voter suppression, we have gerrymandering, we have 2 senators for each state regardless of the population of the state, we have lobbyists and huge money buying and selling our elected representatives in federal and state government at every level, we have corporations now considered 'citizens united'...and our politicians and our justices are incapable of bipartisanism. This is not democracy. I want us to be considering global warming as I think it is the most significant existential threat to life on earth but we can't even make it a priority across election cycles in our country without a functional democracy. We need more of what you've been doing Judd, we need more Judds.
Thanks Sarah. We are up to three people working on the newsletter now. Myself, Tesnim, and our new intern, Rebecca. As our readership and resources grow I'm trying to scale our capacity responsibly.
One way everyone can help is to share Judd's articles far and wide! Especially in Facebook Groups and on the Facebook platform - it's driving a massive chunk of traffic for us, even when our attention & focus is on growing other platforms. Literally almost 70%. Facebook is a big key for the left - we may hate it, but that's where the eyeballs are.
Hey Judd - I read you every day and you're one of the few sources that I trust for accurate information. I especially appreciate when you make corrections to articles after the fact. THAT is what accountability and true journalism looks like, thank you. What's the latest with Matt Gaetz? He has to be one of the most despicable people in government and it seems like his buddies in law enforcement and in other government positions have been covering for him his entire life. Why and how is this man still allowed to be a part of congress? I know he would never step down on his own because he's an evil man. The accusations against him were pretty severe and it seems like that story has just disappeared into thin air. Where do we stand on his many legal issues?
Not as big news as of yet but Rep Steve Palazzo from MS is in deep shoot through fraudulent use of campaign funds. Much the same as the convicted rep from California. And he’s using campaign funds for his defense attorney!
The successful mystification of the money-loop of the military-industrial complex.
In Vermont we have first-strike, nuclear Lockheed Martin F35 jets now based IN Burlington's civilian airport, and we can't get them out. Homes demolished for being in the high-decibel zone, mind-blowing take-off and landing decibels anytime from 9am to 10pm, and the p.r. mystification tells us it's "the sound of freedom", "jobs" (Bernie), and a "federal decision" (mayor, governor) (not true).
Is there a way to turn the focus onto decades of pure Lockheed Martin wealth lobbying behind the scenes?
Collectively, the defense contractors have production facilities in pretty much EVERY state as well as in the CDs of key House members. That is only one source of "influence" in Congress. Considering the untouchability of the Pentagon budget, "jobs" is always going to be a talking point for politicians while media campaigns (flag presentations at sporting events, takeover of holidays, etc.) make militarism accepted public reality. We have to find ways to counter the "sound of freedom" BS, which is really the public echo of defense contractor and Pentagon "kaching".
How will disinformation being spread by Fox OAN NewsMax and online be dealt with when so many are convinced that Falsehoods they've been fed are Truths...and so many are making a good living keeping fake news relevant ? Today the 1 / 6 Investigation begins...but there were 2 Impeachment hearings etc....where some very Patriotic Americans like Col Vindman....Ms Hill etc. testified ....which did not result in Impeachment since the GOP refused to Vote for it...How can we expect deluded Trump supporters etc...to suddenly see the light now...when they are still counting Votes and waiting for Trump's reinstallment as President and refuse to acknowledge Biden's win..???....Seems for too many deluded American Voters...their condition of delusion may be...permanent ?? It's the result of too much misinformation....diguised as...Truth....essentially Propaganda...and it seems to have worked to a great degree...unfortunately ! How will this be dealt with at this point of seeming no return ??
I'm not sure but there are a certain number of Trump dead-enders who will never be convinced. There is still a significant number of people, however, who are persuadable. So probably better to focus on that group.
Why not write about voter suppression relative to independents? We are not “swing voters,” we are fed up with the corruption of the two parties! So many Americans, especially younger voters, are no longer identifying with the DP or RP and for good reason! Why not include this in your reporting? Thank you.
Thanks for your response and for all your investigative journalism, Judd. In "Nine in 20 of us identify as independents. So how can we be polarized?" David Anderson of The Fulcrum asserts: "Nine out of every 20 adults do not profess to be either a Democrat or a Republican. This fact cannot be reconciled with the assertion the electorate is polarized, no matter how much you crunch data in an effort to prove otherwise." I think that the mainstream media can't begin to grok this. They have a story to tell and it serves the two party system to tell it. But it doesn't serve the American people. I am suggesting that you begin to blow up these myths! Enlightened voices in the media are starting to report on this story -- that there is an enduring change in the American body politic -- and have opened their eyes to the fact that the rise of the independent voter is not a fluke, but a desire for a new politic in America.
There are, IMO, many kinds of independents, contrary to conventional characterizations. Some are to the left and well to the left of the Democratic Party, and not tied to any third parties. Some are ping-pongers who get pushed back and forth by wedge issues. Some are well to the right of the GOP. Some are hard-core authoritarians. And this is certainly a simplification of who independents are, politically.
I agree and that's why there needs to be a more serious discussion of what it means to be "independent" and why so many Americans are choosing to be independent in all the ways you are saying, Norm. But to say we are all "swing voters" is to deny a serious sea change in American politics and one, IMO, that can actually move the needle in a more democratic direction. The scariest thing for the DP and the RP is independent politics. I've been a grassroots organizer building independent politics since the 1980s and I see that time and time again. We are the thorn in the body politics side and I'm so glad we are!
Yes and the issue I'm raising is that this notion of "red" and "blue" states, rather than a purple nation, including independents, is so problematic. What is the issue that is killing Americans (literally)? HYPER-PARTISANSHIP!!! This is where independents come in. We are the unseen/unheard portion of the electorate! When we are mentioned in the media it is usually as "swing voters," which is a myth. We have made a decision not to participate in partisanship! When will we stop divide and conquer? What about a serious commitment to changing the culture of politics and political discourse? If we don't address these issues and real electoral reform (national nonpartisan primaries/open primaries, for example), I am afraid we are in deep trouble. This is what I mean by voter suppression!
We are in deep trouble and I'm afraid that making "a decision not to participate in partisanship" IN THE PRESENT CONTEXT is equivalent to voting electing Republicans. This is the way we end up with Trump and lose out democracy. Please re-consider!
This is exactly the issue I'm raising. Perhaps the entire endeavor needs to be reconsidered because what you are proposing is not democracy, it is the two parties controlling their power. So, with all due respect, perhaps you should reconsider what will bring true democracy to our countries. Are you comfortable leaving out what is becoming a huge chunk of Americans who do not identify or do not want to enroll in these corrupt entities. Are you comfortable with professional politicians who are in office for decades and decades taking money from corporate interests? Pelosi is equally corrupt as her Republican colleagues. Actually we ended up with Trump because of a massive failure by the DEMOCRATS. And lastly, I am not a conservative. I'm a proudly progressive independent. (Not a Democratic Socialist either.) So no, I won't reconsider. But thank you for asking :)
I would like to see publicly funded elections, no electoral college, free college, free childcare, etc., etc. My point is, we can't escape the present context, the corruption of money and power, the present shape of the SCOTUS, the easily swayed and uninformed, the racist rage, the myriad ills that beset us and so many other nations at the moment. I can't see how we get to the democracy you envision from where we are at present. There is a very real risk of us losing what we have to something far worse and more corrupt (think the Bolshevik revolution, the French revolution, etc.). Unless you know how to reform the imperfect human nature:)
Creating a new culture of politics is just that - a creative, performative activity. Of course we cannot see it yet, but is that a reason not to create it? Can we/you have a vision that sees what has yet to be born? We must perform a new world!
I agree with Marian. We mustn't be disenfranchised from choice. If you see simple choices in your politics, you must consider you are not looking closely enough. If your news is simplistic and glib, consider you are being manipulated or the author is lazy/biased. Do not subjugate yourself to mob mentality, which always comes in the extremes! And you, reader, may be part of a mob, with due respect.
PI can help with this. Some of the articles are too cut-and-dried. Corporate donations to 1/6 deniers, for example. Of course it isn't so simple - corporations are naturally more capitalistic than democratic, and calling them on anti-democratic funding decisions ignores all their other goals of supporting a candidate. Your readership is smarter than that! Complexity is what we are all struggling with, and I want more news that helps us cope with it. I tend to doubt anything I read where the answer is simplistic and easy to understand. You could explore how the power players within corporations make those decisions. How small is the deciding body? Who are they? How do average AT&T workers feel about how money is spent at the corporate level? Do corporations fund access to open business opportunities that democrats do not seem to support or are they truly anti-democracy? Etc...
A part of me feels where we are today is a multi-generation failure of education.
It disturbs me that people don't seem to have a sense of urgency about global heating. If we don't get the atmosphere under control, nothing else will matter - we'll be dead.
As a recent immigrant to the Silicon Valley who cannot vote yet, I always felt unrepresented. With your newsletter and the information you create, you empowered me (and all people like me!) to vote on a daily basis, by being more thoughtful about which companies I give my money to.
Deciding how to spend money based on your newsletter is incredibly empowering.
Having said that, I found it hard to keep track of all those corporations, and the products/brands they own over time. So a few months ago, me and a friend started building a tool to do that for us. We gave it to all our friends and so far they love it!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how we could make it more useful, and make it easier for all people to take advantage of the information you expose.
The tool can be installed on Chrome from the link below. As users surf the web, it will automatically flag corporations that have supported bad causes and flag them:
I deeply appreciate the excellent work that you're doing. I'd like to see an in-depth investigation of the poisonous Tucker Carlson. Given his close ties with many leading Repugnicants, I can only assume there must be some financial corruption to be unearthed -- ideally something that would remove him from the airwaves.
Carlson is heir to a massive fortune plus his annual salary is in the millions. His venality is motivated by power vs money. He can't be stopped because he reflects both the Trump base and Murdock's base beliefs.
Thanks, I knew he came from the upper tear of the owning class, didn't know he'd inherited gazillions. I agree that for him, it's about powerlust rather than greed . I have to hope, though, that he can be removed for _something_ -- he's so utterly mendacious that there has to be some dirt on him.
Honestly, I don't think Carlson is hiding anything, not even his disdain for his fans. This is likely the bond connecting Trump and Carlson: a delight in corrupting their devoted followers for sport, money, and power. My theory is that Carlson's political ambitions are centered on his son.
Judd, really value your work. I am constantly wondering what I can do that most effectively counters the chances of Mr Trump being elected again. Who do I support financially? What can I do?
Right now it's largely in the hands of Trump (to decide whether he runs) and Republican voters (to decide whether they nomination him). If Trump does get the nomination I'm sure there will be lots of folks eager for resources to defeat him.
Mandate that everyone flying is fully vaccinated. More agencies do what the VA did - mandate all employees be fully vaccinated. Quit pandering to the unvaccinated racist trash in this country.
It seems like things are headed in that direction with state and local governments also requiring vaccinations. These things have momentum because each entity that decides to mandate vaccinations makes it easier for the next.
I am following the student loan pause and potential cancellation story. Since the most recently extended Covid forbearance period is set to expire in a few months, I have seen articles start to mention organizations and/or banks being unprepared to resume handling payments. I have been curious why this could be. After the search for justice for the seditious and corrupt actions of Trump and his many accomplices and the ongoing climate collapse, the student loan issue has what's left of my attention.
I would like an investigation of the Inland Port set up and run by Utah State Legislature to the detriment of the city of Salt Lake and its people. They have taken over land and appointed special committee to run.
You are wonderful. Thank you. Can pres. Biden make Election Day a holiday. That would take away a lot of obstacles. I don’t hear anyone suggesting this. Also, The press helped get
“Plump” elected. Why are they now giving him free time eveywhere. Cut him off.
How do you see this attack on Roe v. Wade being played out? Is the landmark decision in danger of being overturned? If so, will it have an affect on the 2022 midterms that I'm worried about. Thanks!
What can be done if Republicans actually begin to overturn elections, or attempt to re-install Trump as President? Does the country have existing checks on acts of insurrection like these?
Trump will not be reinstalled as president but there really is no constitutional check on people willing to ignore the constitution other than more people saying, no, you can't do that. This is what happened after November's election.
Because you’re so good at following the money may I suggest you tackle the HB 6 / Larry Householder / First Energy situation in Ohio. It has all the elements for a good story: bribery, new allegations of dark money, involvement at the highest levels of state government (who knows how far that involvement extends) and the highest levels at First Energy. Local news seems to be trying to get to the heart of the story, but Ohioans know there is so much more to uncover.
I keep wondering who stands to gain by our recent involvement in both the Haitian and Cuban crises - it reminds me a great deal of our actions in Honduras, when Clinton dispatched her top crony to play her role in appeasing the oligarchs there.
Your work is amazing, sir. You are truly the best source out there for following the money!
Why do people (persons) believe the Big Lie? I would like to know why some people cannot be dissuaded from the belief that the election was stolen. Maybe some interviews with ordinary people about why they can't give up the lie. I think it's the greatest (dangerous) mystery at this time.
I would like more info about the economy around climate change. Is wind and solar progressing in a way that is adding to the economy. What about fossil fuels? Of course, the politics behind it but some hard reporting on if and how good sustainable energy is for the economy would be good.
Following the money like you’re doing currently has become your niche. I’m interested in the money behind Kavanaugh and the Justice Kennedy retirement; what Trump’s benefits as TFG are and how he is spending; and Rupert Murdoch.
I’d like to understand how anti-Vaxxers are organized and funded, who they are, and to figure out strategies for countering anti vax mythologies. Ditto climate change denialism—is this a single mythology (with offshoots) or are there multiple mythologies to be divided and conquered?
Patricia, one place you might start is with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. I understand that he is one of about a dozen anti-vaccine advocates who are the sources spread the most anti-vaccine information online. His involvement in anti-vax activity seems to have begun in the 1990s, around the time he co-founded the Food Allergy Initiative.
Kennedy has many highly compelling platforms from which to publicise causes he supports: the power of influence and adoration associated with the Kennedy name, his admirable high-profile, longterm work in environmental advocacy which included efforts to defend Indigenous Rights, the fight to confront the fossil fuel industry over cleaner energy, his access to and influence in high powered Hollywood elite circles, his legal advocacy work for The Hudson Riverkeepers (the 30 year effort to clean up the Hudson River) and the inspiring story of his deep involvement with falconry, starting at age 11, which led to his interest in environment advocacy. (I knew RFK Jr. very tangentially through the birds of prey conservation movement, wildlife education and rehabilitation network and falconry network.)
I suggest starting to look for the answers to your questions about the Anti-Vaxxers with research on RFK Jr. simply because he’s very high profile and there’s an enormous amount of accessible published information about him from many varied points of view. Good luck digging out the truths you seek.
I think it's difficult to prove in court the motivations of the people who rioted at the capitol on January 6. People likely had different reasons. And prosecutors don't like to lose cases.
I am curious as to why I've read very little about the big money arranged to be donated to Republicans by the Koch brothers and how that has been a big contributor to the corruption that has consumed the Republican Party, particularly at the national level. The Koch brother who is still alive stated, of course in a joking way, how he would like to destroy Washington D.C. by dragging it out into the ocean and drowning it: a quick way to get rid of all branches of our government that were created by The Founders.
It's clear that Murdoch is attacking the very heart of America via his Fox and print channels. What can we truly do to wipe out his stock price? I've unplugged, don't watch Fox (even local), and have boycotted Fox advertisers when advertiser lists are posted.
I would like contacts for the companies that have continued to support the Republicans who voted to overturn the election. Thank you for your hard work.
Find the money that paid off Kavanaugh's debts. I know you can do it! Good hunting.
And on this note, please get to the bottom of the obviously hostile exchange between Trump and Justice Kennedy as both walked together away from the podium at Kavanaugh's White House reception, and back down the hallway in the White House. Trump said something to Kennedy ("I'm glad we got your ass outta the way"?) and Kennedy stopped dead in his tracks, obviously pissed, and stuck his finger in Trump's face. There's big history in that moment. Please dig it out.
I want people to be as engaged and panicked as I am about voter suppression bills from the GQP. If we don't fix this, no election will ever matter because they will all be rigged which means no climate change, no infrastructure, nothing. It will become a regime dedicated to extremists of the Trumpicans. Rise up people and start organizing!!
It's not just voter suppression, it's also gerrymandering schemes that will go into effect next month unless S1 is passed. S1 will also provide for disclosure of big money spending an elections and for small donor matching program that will give candidates an incentive to talk to voters rather than to max contributors. Everyone on this thread should be calling your senator everyday. You can also contact Public Citizen or Indivisible or Common Cause to find out how to get more involved.
What Charlie said.
Are you following Greg Palast? He's outstanding at shining a light on the suppression tactics & bringing stories of actual people wrongfully purged from the rolls. He's @greg_palast on Twitter.
Judd, I’ve been a reader since almost the beginning of your column. I am always informed and feel better equipped to listen to other sources of news and info. I absorb what I read and hear, and I take the time to critically think and analyze what I have learned. You give me tools to help me in this analysis. You provide information I otherwise would not have known or would have learned of much later. I value what you offer. I cannot think of any particular topic I’d like to see you cover because what you cover is always of interest and value, whatever the topic. Thank you for what you do!
Thank you Betsy.
Who funded the insurrection of January 6? You have taught us to follow the money. But, so far, I hVe seen very little written about who paid for the busses, airfare, coordination, the big rally ahead of storming the capital, the gallows, etc. etc.
The Republican Attorneys General Association played a role, as I reported here: https://popular.info/p/after-riot-major-corporations-suspend
Could you further examine Florida AG Ashley Moody's role in that? She's tried to distance herself from it, saying among other things that she was out of the association by that time. I don't buy it. She's up to her neck in it. And her father's a federal judge in Tampa.
Good question, but I thought much support was garnered through online fundraisers by individuals and small groups. It would be interesting to get some numbers, though.
1) The 1/6 Commission and how it is (at best) being ignored by Fox News, als, or (more often) being disparaged.
2) The way the Mango Menace has actually increased his control over the Republican Party since the 1/6 insurrection and his departure from office.
3) Can the Democrats maintain control of the House and/or Senate in 2022--this is something that really, really worries me.
Thanks for all of your hard work, Judd!
You too, Ian!
I have been following the trial of human rights and environmental lawyer Steven Donziger. He is now on his 700+ day of home detention in NYC for contempt of court for not turning over his laptop and cellphone to Chevron after leading a team of lawyers who won a $9,5billion settlement for the damage done in the Amazon in Ecuador. There are so many aspects of this trial that are jaw-dropping including the court appointing a private attorney to prosecute Donziger - an attorney who works at a firm that represents Chevron. mhttps://www.thenation.com/article/activism/a-new-justice-movement-emerges-to-defend-steven-donziger/
First of all thanks for all your articles! I think the filibuster needs to be changed and probably dumped. I would like an article about how it has been used through out our nations history. I know about it being used to try and stop the civil rights Act . I know it did stop an anti lynching law. Some democrats believe it can be used to stop legislation that is bad when the Republicans are the Majority in the senate. Can you give us the full story , the good, bad and the ugly.
This is dated, but nags me to this day. Can we find the translator’s notes from Mango’s meeting with Putin?
I agree with you, Lucy. This is another example of possibly corrupt, criminal, or treasonous behavior by Trump that seems to be on Garland's "do not pursue" list. We can't pretend the last four years did not happen. Though it might be painful to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing by Trump, his family, and advisers, failing to do so will be more painful in the long run--because it will be worse next time if they believe there are no consequences.
Hey Judd, longtime reader, first time caller and all that -- I'm a nurse, and the delta variant -- and being forced to watch people die who don't have to, again -- is crushing our souls. We're experiencing a terrible labor shortage, and it's only going to get worse as basically everyone who can get out of nursing does, and 100% of nurses out there right now want another job. I've been reading this book -- https://books2read.com/yearofthenurse -- about PTSD and nurses from last year, and it explains everything coming up really well, as well as all of the reasons why.
I agree with the author, that we're gonna get hit with a wave of 'why aren't there enough nurses at the hospitals!' type articles in the next 4-6 months, and everyone's going to forget about how shitty our lives have bee for the last 1.5 years, and tell us we're 'lucky to have jobs!' as we keep having to be exposed, and re-exposed, and re-re-re-re-re-exposed to covid.
Any light you can shine on that now via your newsletter, or later, when it inevitable happens, is very welcome, thanks!
It may seem like a cliche but genuine thanks to you Erin for your work. I’m sorry you & your coworkers are having to endure another cycle of this. Know there are millions who are grateful & on your side & praying for this to get stamped out (by this I mean not just COVID but also unhelpful attitudes & people prolonging it). Hang in there!
The fact that our cable bills subsidize fox news (and by extension the destruction of America) bothers me deeply. There's petitions out there, but they strike me as pointless. What can I do to stop subsidizing white supremacist propaganda by simply paying my cable bill?
Cancel cable, switch to streaming. Most people refuse to take even this small step, just as people refuse to close their FB accounts to stop Zuckerberg's intentional destruction of democracy. If millions of people took just these 2 steps, we might have a chance to stop the hemmoraging, but they won't.
My wife and I got rid of our Facebook accounts several months ago as our cable TV. It's niceto know that we aren't supporting them any more. Hopefully more people will.
I hear you, but I need internet and it's weirdly more expensive to have just internet. As for facebook, LAST WEEK, I was literally 2 days away from completing the 30 days to delete my account, but I needed to get in contact with some people and that was the only connection I had to them. Despite all my rage, I'm still just a rat in a cage...
Keep looking. We found internet for half the cable company rate. We had both for one month to make sure it worked the same. Never been happier to leave Xfinity after decades of no other options. (Xfinity even pulled multiple stunts for a month after we canceled.)
What did you find to substitute for Xfinity? I want out with them.
TMobile
Judd, write about municipal internet (and TV). Check out Anacortes, WA, which strikes me as a better, less expensive plan than even Chattanooga.
I would love to see you turn your electron microscope upon Ron DiSantis and Ashley Moody and their apparently deep involvement in the coup conspiracy that burst through the surface on January 6th, but clearly continues through the machinery of the GOP in DC and in state legislatures they control around the country. The GOP always saw its perfect unity of interest with Trump's determination to shatter public confidence in our election as a smokescreen for trying to overthrow the legitimate outcome. And so GOP has continued to be utterly aggressive in pursuit of its aim of diffusing and reducing voter turnout, using Trump's lies as its excuse - you know this. But DiSantis was apparently making calls to other GOP AFTER the election but BEFORE the inauguration urging them to reject Biden electors in states Biden won, but with GOP state legislative majorities, and instead send "faithless electors" for Trump, elected by those state majorities in legislatures, to refuse to certify Biden's win. This was the plan. This was the coup. This was DiSantis's active complicity in it. Moreover, Moody pursued the same ends, corrupting her office to join in unprecedented lawsuits against other states' election methods in PA, AZ, MI, WI to throw out not ALL votes, but millions of votes conspicuously in majority Black districts. This too was part of the plan, the coup, and the individual complicity in sedition on the part of these people. I know you know this too. But we need it ALLLLL spread out on the table for everybody to gaze at and soak in, and I don't see much of that happening in recent months.
The fossil fuel industry has been puppet-mastering the US government for as long as global climate talks have been held. This year, at COP26 in Glasgow, the stakes could not be higher. Climate policy proposals from the EU and the US are popping up, but will likely not retain any integrity or ambition throughout negotiations with governments, which are still heavily influenced by the industry that brought us the climate crisis. Will you follow the money to expose how oil and gas lobbyists are infiltrating what are arguably the most important international climate negotiations of our lifetime? (I'll be doing it too - let me know if you want to collaborate - media@corporateaccountability.org)
This is definitely of interest. Let's be in touch.
You are doing great work - investigative journalism is hard to come by and it is good to see it again. I guess I would like to see the investigative stories trigger more activism (i.e. petitions supporting boycotts of particularly hypocritical companies, but I know that's not your job. I will think on it and maybe some of your followers will too. Good work!
I would like a spotlight on the legislators (notably the Democrats) who are resistant to provisions in infrastructure legislation which facilitate the sort of dramatic changes we need to have a chance of meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. We need to start pushing back en masse against fossil fuel industry propaganda and making a shift toward renewables/electric transportation.
Yes, Manchin has been quite outspoken that he doesn't want the country to transition away from fossil fuels. And there are others.
Also interested in Kavanaughs debts. This topic seems like it would be very much in your wheelhouse and he’s in the news again.
Hi Judd,
I am a new subscribed to your platform and I want to commend you for the excellent work you have already done. My interest was peaked after your piece on Critical Race Theory. As a current Criminal Justice major CRT is important to me for many reasons. With that being said, I am deeply concerned about the negative narratives on CRT from people who really do not even understand the principals behind it. I would like to hear more from scholars who realize the value it has in modern day society and why the American public needs to rally behind it as strongly as those who have shown apposition to it.
You have a keen eye for news that needs to be known. Keep up the excellent work. Stay well.
Focus on the fuel... keep following and exposing the money. Toyota is good example. Shed light on PACsham. Giving to NRSC, RSLC ect.. equates to giving to Seditionist. That drum beat needs to continue until consumers are holding donors accountable.
We have voter suppression, we have gerrymandering, we have 2 senators for each state regardless of the population of the state, we have lobbyists and huge money buying and selling our elected representatives in federal and state government at every level, we have corporations now considered 'citizens united'...and our politicians and our justices are incapable of bipartisanism. This is not democracy. I want us to be considering global warming as I think it is the most significant existential threat to life on earth but we can't even make it a priority across election cycles in our country without a functional democracy. We need more of what you've been doing Judd, we need more Judds.
Thanks Sarah. We are up to three people working on the newsletter now. Myself, Tesnim, and our new intern, Rebecca. As our readership and resources grow I'm trying to scale our capacity responsibly.
One way everyone can help is to share Judd's articles far and wide! Especially in Facebook Groups and on the Facebook platform - it's driving a massive chunk of traffic for us, even when our attention & focus is on growing other platforms. Literally almost 70%. Facebook is a big key for the left - we may hate it, but that's where the eyeballs are.
I share every sentiment here. Every day I feel like crying knowing what the GOP & dark money is doing to destroy our democracy.
Hey Judd - I read you every day and you're one of the few sources that I trust for accurate information. I especially appreciate when you make corrections to articles after the fact. THAT is what accountability and true journalism looks like, thank you. What's the latest with Matt Gaetz? He has to be one of the most despicable people in government and it seems like his buddies in law enforcement and in other government positions have been covering for him his entire life. Why and how is this man still allowed to be a part of congress? I know he would never step down on his own because he's an evil man. The accusations against him were pretty severe and it seems like that story has just disappeared into thin air. Where do we stand on his many legal issues?
I recommend The Daily Beast's coverage of Gaetz. I may get into it at some point but I don't think I have much to add to their coverage yet.
Not as big news as of yet but Rep Steve Palazzo from MS is in deep shoot through fraudulent use of campaign funds. Much the same as the convicted rep from California. And he’s using campaign funds for his defense attorney!
I very much appreciate your dedication to following the money and truth involving political and corporate corruption.
My funds are very limited; still, I find PI a great resource. Concise & well documented. Thanks!
The successful mystification of the money-loop of the military-industrial complex.
In Vermont we have first-strike, nuclear Lockheed Martin F35 jets now based IN Burlington's civilian airport, and we can't get them out. Homes demolished for being in the high-decibel zone, mind-blowing take-off and landing decibels anytime from 9am to 10pm, and the p.r. mystification tells us it's "the sound of freedom", "jobs" (Bernie), and a "federal decision" (mayor, governor) (not true).
Is there a way to turn the focus onto decades of pure Lockheed Martin wealth lobbying behind the scenes?
I'm not sure but this is an interesting issue. I think the F35 program is endemic to many of the problems with our politics.
I would be interested in all things that you and your team reveal to be “endemic to many of the problems with our politics.”
Collectively, the defense contractors have production facilities in pretty much EVERY state as well as in the CDs of key House members. That is only one source of "influence" in Congress. Considering the untouchability of the Pentagon budget, "jobs" is always going to be a talking point for politicians while media campaigns (flag presentations at sporting events, takeover of holidays, etc.) make militarism accepted public reality. We have to find ways to counter the "sound of freedom" BS, which is really the public echo of defense contractor and Pentagon "kaching".
Climate change and disseminators of disinformation... for obvious reasons
"Disseminators of disinformation..." Do you know the documentary, found at: https://www.thebrainwashingofmydad.com ?
It includes footage by Frank Luntzh, the author of so many highly successful slogans for the Right. Friends and I have found it compelling.
(($; -)}™
How will disinformation being spread by Fox OAN NewsMax and online be dealt with when so many are convinced that Falsehoods they've been fed are Truths...and so many are making a good living keeping fake news relevant ? Today the 1 / 6 Investigation begins...but there were 2 Impeachment hearings etc....where some very Patriotic Americans like Col Vindman....Ms Hill etc. testified ....which did not result in Impeachment since the GOP refused to Vote for it...How can we expect deluded Trump supporters etc...to suddenly see the light now...when they are still counting Votes and waiting for Trump's reinstallment as President and refuse to acknowledge Biden's win..???....Seems for too many deluded American Voters...their condition of delusion may be...permanent ?? It's the result of too much misinformation....diguised as...Truth....essentially Propaganda...and it seems to have worked to a great degree...unfortunately ! How will this be dealt with at this point of seeming no return ??
I'm not sure but there are a certain number of Trump dead-enders who will never be convinced. There is still a significant number of people, however, who are persuadable. So probably better to focus on that group.
Why not write about voter suppression relative to independents? We are not “swing voters,” we are fed up with the corruption of the two parties! So many Americans, especially younger voters, are no longer identifying with the DP or RP and for good reason! Why not include this in your reporting? Thank you.
I'm not sure exactly what you are suggesting but yes, polling has shown independents generally oppose efforts to restrict voting.
Thanks for your response and for all your investigative journalism, Judd. In "Nine in 20 of us identify as independents. So how can we be polarized?" David Anderson of The Fulcrum asserts: "Nine out of every 20 adults do not profess to be either a Democrat or a Republican. This fact cannot be reconciled with the assertion the electorate is polarized, no matter how much you crunch data in an effort to prove otherwise." I think that the mainstream media can't begin to grok this. They have a story to tell and it serves the two party system to tell it. But it doesn't serve the American people. I am suggesting that you begin to blow up these myths! Enlightened voices in the media are starting to report on this story -- that there is an enduring change in the American body politic -- and have opened their eyes to the fact that the rise of the independent voter is not a fluke, but a desire for a new politic in America.
There are, IMO, many kinds of independents, contrary to conventional characterizations. Some are to the left and well to the left of the Democratic Party, and not tied to any third parties. Some are ping-pongers who get pushed back and forth by wedge issues. Some are well to the right of the GOP. Some are hard-core authoritarians. And this is certainly a simplification of who independents are, politically.
I agree and that's why there needs to be a more serious discussion of what it means to be "independent" and why so many Americans are choosing to be independent in all the ways you are saying, Norm. But to say we are all "swing voters" is to deny a serious sea change in American politics and one, IMO, that can actually move the needle in a more democratic direction. The scariest thing for the DP and the RP is independent politics. I've been a grassroots organizer building independent politics since the 1980s and I see that time and time again. We are the thorn in the body politics side and I'm so glad we are!
As AOC put it, they are not red states -- they are voter-suppressed states.
Yes and the issue I'm raising is that this notion of "red" and "blue" states, rather than a purple nation, including independents, is so problematic. What is the issue that is killing Americans (literally)? HYPER-PARTISANSHIP!!! This is where independents come in. We are the unseen/unheard portion of the electorate! When we are mentioned in the media it is usually as "swing voters," which is a myth. We have made a decision not to participate in partisanship! When will we stop divide and conquer? What about a serious commitment to changing the culture of politics and political discourse? If we don't address these issues and real electoral reform (national nonpartisan primaries/open primaries, for example), I am afraid we are in deep trouble. This is what I mean by voter suppression!
We are in deep trouble and I'm afraid that making "a decision not to participate in partisanship" IN THE PRESENT CONTEXT is equivalent to voting electing Republicans. This is the way we end up with Trump and lose out democracy. Please re-consider!
This is exactly the issue I'm raising. Perhaps the entire endeavor needs to be reconsidered because what you are proposing is not democracy, it is the two parties controlling their power. So, with all due respect, perhaps you should reconsider what will bring true democracy to our countries. Are you comfortable leaving out what is becoming a huge chunk of Americans who do not identify or do not want to enroll in these corrupt entities. Are you comfortable with professional politicians who are in office for decades and decades taking money from corporate interests? Pelosi is equally corrupt as her Republican colleagues. Actually we ended up with Trump because of a massive failure by the DEMOCRATS. And lastly, I am not a conservative. I'm a proudly progressive independent. (Not a Democratic Socialist either.) So no, I won't reconsider. But thank you for asking :)
I would like to see publicly funded elections, no electoral college, free college, free childcare, etc., etc. My point is, we can't escape the present context, the corruption of money and power, the present shape of the SCOTUS, the easily swayed and uninformed, the racist rage, the myriad ills that beset us and so many other nations at the moment. I can't see how we get to the democracy you envision from where we are at present. There is a very real risk of us losing what we have to something far worse and more corrupt (think the Bolshevik revolution, the French revolution, etc.). Unless you know how to reform the imperfect human nature:)
Creating a new culture of politics is just that - a creative, performative activity. Of course we cannot see it yet, but is that a reason not to create it? Can we/you have a vision that sees what has yet to be born? We must perform a new world!
I agree with Marian. We mustn't be disenfranchised from choice. If you see simple choices in your politics, you must consider you are not looking closely enough. If your news is simplistic and glib, consider you are being manipulated or the author is lazy/biased. Do not subjugate yourself to mob mentality, which always comes in the extremes! And you, reader, may be part of a mob, with due respect.
PI can help with this. Some of the articles are too cut-and-dried. Corporate donations to 1/6 deniers, for example. Of course it isn't so simple - corporations are naturally more capitalistic than democratic, and calling them on anti-democratic funding decisions ignores all their other goals of supporting a candidate. Your readership is smarter than that! Complexity is what we are all struggling with, and I want more news that helps us cope with it. I tend to doubt anything I read where the answer is simplistic and easy to understand. You could explore how the power players within corporations make those decisions. How small is the deciding body? Who are they? How do average AT&T workers feel about how money is spent at the corporate level? Do corporations fund access to open business opportunities that democrats do not seem to support or are they truly anti-democracy? Etc...
A part of me feels where we are today is a multi-generation failure of education.
It disturbs me that people don't seem to have a sense of urgency about global heating. If we don't get the atmosphere under control, nothing else will matter - we'll be dead.
Hi Judd,
I'm a huge fan of you work.
As a recent immigrant to the Silicon Valley who cannot vote yet, I always felt unrepresented. With your newsletter and the information you create, you empowered me (and all people like me!) to vote on a daily basis, by being more thoughtful about which companies I give my money to.
Deciding how to spend money based on your newsletter is incredibly empowering.
Having said that, I found it hard to keep track of all those corporations, and the products/brands they own over time. So a few months ago, me and a friend started building a tool to do that for us. We gave it to all our friends and so far they love it!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how we could make it more useful, and make it easier for all people to take advantage of the information you expose.
The tool can be installed on Chrome from the link below. As users surf the web, it will automatically flag corporations that have supported bad causes and flag them:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/because/kdbijcojbieefjabldpdihadonmfgglp
Hello, Judd, Just want to thank you for all your good work.
I deeply appreciate the excellent work that you're doing. I'd like to see an in-depth investigation of the poisonous Tucker Carlson. Given his close ties with many leading Repugnicants, I can only assume there must be some financial corruption to be unearthed -- ideally something that would remove him from the airwaves.
Carlson is heir to a massive fortune plus his annual salary is in the millions. His venality is motivated by power vs money. He can't be stopped because he reflects both the Trump base and Murdock's base beliefs.
Thanks, I knew he came from the upper tear of the owning class, didn't know he'd inherited gazillions. I agree that for him, it's about powerlust rather than greed . I have to hope, though, that he can be removed for _something_ -- he's so utterly mendacious that there has to be some dirt on him.
Honestly, I don't think Carlson is hiding anything, not even his disdain for his fans. This is likely the bond connecting Trump and Carlson: a delight in corrupting their devoted followers for sport, money, and power. My theory is that Carlson's political ambitions are centered on his son.
Judd, really value your work. I am constantly wondering what I can do that most effectively counters the chances of Mr Trump being elected again. Who do I support financially? What can I do?
Right now it's largely in the hands of Trump (to decide whether he runs) and Republican voters (to decide whether they nomination him). If Trump does get the nomination I'm sure there will be lots of folks eager for resources to defeat him.
I'd almost welcome a re-run by Trump. The devil we know, the devil we beat in 2020...
My money is on Desantis. I can’t wait till he and Trump duke it out.
Now that I’m thinking about it Pence is out. If Trump does run he is surely to bring on Desantis as VP. I think I’m getting sick.
Of course it’s possible DJT will be behind bars by then, isn’t it?
Mandate that everyone flying is fully vaccinated. More agencies do what the VA did - mandate all employees be fully vaccinated. Quit pandering to the unvaccinated racist trash in this country.
It seems like things are headed in that direction with state and local governments also requiring vaccinations. These things have momentum because each entity that decides to mandate vaccinations makes it easier for the next.
Judd, You are a real gem. Thanks for the hard work.
I am following the student loan pause and potential cancellation story. Since the most recently extended Covid forbearance period is set to expire in a few months, I have seen articles start to mention organizations and/or banks being unprepared to resume handling payments. I have been curious why this could be. After the search for justice for the seditious and corrupt actions of Trump and his many accomplices and the ongoing climate collapse, the student loan issue has what's left of my attention.
I would like an investigation of the Inland Port set up and run by Utah State Legislature to the detriment of the city of Salt Lake and its people. They have taken over land and appointed special committee to run.
Great work, overall. Keep going.
You are wonderful. Thank you. Can pres. Biden make Election Day a holiday. That would take away a lot of obstacles. I don’t hear anyone suggesting this. Also, The press helped get
“Plump” elected. Why are they now giving him free time eveywhere. Cut him off.
An election day holiday would be a great idea! I think Biden would need Congress to act, as they did creating the new Juneteenth federal holiday.
How do you see this attack on Roe v. Wade being played out? Is the landmark decision in danger of being overturned? If so, will it have an affect on the 2022 midterms that I'm worried about. Thanks!
I think with the current composition of the Supreme Court it is in danger of being overturned. It's not a certainty but it is a possibility.
What can be done if Republicans actually begin to overturn elections, or attempt to re-install Trump as President? Does the country have existing checks on acts of insurrection like these?
Trump will not be reinstalled as president but there really is no constitutional check on people willing to ignore the constitution other than more people saying, no, you can't do that. This is what happened after November's election.
Because you’re so good at following the money may I suggest you tackle the HB 6 / Larry Householder / First Energy situation in Ohio. It has all the elements for a good story: bribery, new allegations of dark money, involvement at the highest levels of state government (who knows how far that involvement extends) and the highest levels at First Energy. Local news seems to be trying to get to the heart of the story, but Ohioans know there is so much more to uncover.
I keep wondering who stands to gain by our recent involvement in both the Haitian and Cuban crises - it reminds me a great deal of our actions in Honduras, when Clinton dispatched her top crony to play her role in appeasing the oligarchs there.
Your work is amazing, sir. You are truly the best source out there for following the money!
Why do people (persons) believe the Big Lie? I would like to know why some people cannot be dissuaded from the belief that the election was stolen. Maybe some interviews with ordinary people about why they can't give up the lie. I think it's the greatest (dangerous) mystery at this time.
I would like more info about the economy around climate change. Is wind and solar progressing in a way that is adding to the economy. What about fossil fuels? Of course, the politics behind it but some hard reporting on if and how good sustainable energy is for the economy would be good.
I definitely want to do more on climate change.
Following the money like you’re doing currently has become your niche. I’m interested in the money behind Kavanaugh and the Justice Kennedy retirement; what Trump’s benefits as TFG are and how he is spending; and Rupert Murdoch.
I’d like to understand how anti-Vaxxers are organized and funded, who they are, and to figure out strategies for countering anti vax mythologies. Ditto climate change denialism—is this a single mythology (with offshoots) or are there multiple mythologies to be divided and conquered?
These are tough questions but I hope to be able to provide some insight on both in the future.
Patricia, one place you might start is with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. I understand that he is one of about a dozen anti-vaccine advocates who are the sources spread the most anti-vaccine information online. His involvement in anti-vax activity seems to have begun in the 1990s, around the time he co-founded the Food Allergy Initiative.
Kennedy has many highly compelling platforms from which to publicise causes he supports: the power of influence and adoration associated with the Kennedy name, his admirable high-profile, longterm work in environmental advocacy which included efforts to defend Indigenous Rights, the fight to confront the fossil fuel industry over cleaner energy, his access to and influence in high powered Hollywood elite circles, his legal advocacy work for The Hudson Riverkeepers (the 30 year effort to clean up the Hudson River) and the inspiring story of his deep involvement with falconry, starting at age 11, which led to his interest in environment advocacy. (I knew RFK Jr. very tangentially through the birds of prey conservation movement, wildlife education and rehabilitation network and falconry network.)
I suggest starting to look for the answers to your questions about the Anti-Vaxxers with research on RFK Jr. simply because he’s very high profile and there’s an enormous amount of accessible published information about him from many varied points of view. Good luck digging out the truths you seek.
Why weren’t any of those that staged the insurrection charged with treason and facing much longer sentences.
I think it's difficult to prove in court the motivations of the people who rioted at the capitol on January 6. People likely had different reasons. And prosecutors don't like to lose cases.
I am curious as to why I've read very little about the big money arranged to be donated to Republicans by the Koch brothers and how that has been a big contributor to the corruption that has consumed the Republican Party, particularly at the national level. The Koch brother who is still alive stated, of course in a joking way, how he would like to destroy Washington D.C. by dragging it out into the ocean and drowning it: a quick way to get rid of all branches of our government that were created by The Founders.
Koch by the way is sole producer of Dixie Cups, Vanity Fair paper goods, and all things Georgia-Pacific -- 100% privately owned.
wow, such a sense of humor on that guy. Not.
It's clear that Murdoch is attacking the very heart of America via his Fox and print channels. What can we truly do to wipe out his stock price? I've unplugged, don't watch Fox (even local), and have boycotted Fox advertisers when advertiser lists are posted.
Not much to do as long as cable companies continue to pay Fox massive carriage fees. I wrote about that here: https://popular.info/p/tucker-lachlan-and-subsidized-speech
I wish advertisers would remove ads from all of Fox News rather the just Tucker.
I read that and it offered great information. How about targeting advertisers for boycott similar to Toyota?
I would like contacts for the companies that have continued to support the Republicans who voted to overturn the election. Thank you for your hard work.
I’m in the U.K. and I want to know how much American money is funding U.K. politics and anti-politics.
This is beyond our current capacity but I'd love to start a UK version of Popular Information one day