384 Comments

It would be sad that one Kennedy uplifted his nation while another Kennedy helped tear it down.

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I wonder how much of his checkered life can be explained by the fact that his father, who he adored, was murdered when he was 14 years old.

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A sad truth. But no excuse for his deplorable actions. And his extended family knows it. Good on them to try and balance the scales.

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K Jr. knows perfectly well what he is doing: he is helping Trump.

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His campaign chairperson said as much.

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I think that was the NY state chairperson, not the national.

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Thanks for correcting.

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nice compassionate thought..however he is very dangerous..

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RFKj has stated how devastated he was over his father's death. He fell into drug addiction, but was able to kick the habit and went on to be an environmental hero protecting you from giant corporations (Monsanto, etc.) and even our own government from wrong-doing. Check out his story. You will find it quite fascinating how he has become so successful after such a dramatic event at age 14.

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It is evident that Kennedy Jr was never vaccinated against narcissism.

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Until he stopped living in reality. He's a dangerous man advocating non-vaccinations.

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I just wrote a comment about how his history as an environmental leader is being mentioned a lot on social media. I wonder if he is losing his mind, or his sense of right and wrong.

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Like all the heirs of the rich and famous, he has nothing to market and to gather fame and attention. He like all other legacy heirs is irrelevant. No skills or talent to market, but he thirsts for fame and relevancy and controversy even if it means bringing down the country, is the only tool he has. If his name was not Robert F Kennedy Jr, you would never have heard about him..

You haven't seen the last of the names Bush and Clinton either, unless Trump does win the election.

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Except the Bush and Clinton daughters are doing quite well on helping others through charity and other venues. Their names will always be out there, but not in politics.

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Bush daughters maybe, but we will see, the family knows that there has been an over exposure of the Bush family, and if Trump wins, that's it folks, America will go like Russia and Hungary.

As regards the Clintons, they have one child Chelsea here is her bio https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelsea_Clinton

She is only 34 years old and is busy building up her resume.. With a name like Clinton or Bush, you don't waste your time running for state, local office or for the House or Representatives, the eye is on the prize, Senator or President.

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After learning about Grandfather Prescott's part in the attempted coup on FDR, I've been thinking of them as the "Bush Dynasty." And there are the cousins to keep an eye on, like John Ellis, who called the 2000 race for Fox "News," called it for his cousin W of course, after a phone call chat W and "Jebbie."

What a stinking mess that election was. Had their scent on it for sure.

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Haven’t heard much from Chelsea lately.

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You will, unless this becomes a hereditary Trump regime like North Korea. Chelsea is biding her time, accruing experience and credentials for when she breaks out upon the scene.

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Sources?

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Yeh, like she blabs to the press or has published a memoir.

Sources? An always b.s. response to something that strikes home and one doesn't particularly like.

Sources: I didn;'t state a fact, just an observation and opinion based on the Clinton family business - politics.

No sources needed. tis obvious, The only child of political royalty, studying at Stanford what other career choice is there for a legacy brat.? Time will tell, if the Oval office doesn't become an Offal office with a Trump family in charge like Korea, when I am dead and buried, she will be in her 40's and come out a roaring as a politico.

And while at it, stuff it.

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I'm sure it didn't help, but he chose the path he's on.

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Skating along on good looks, elite family connections with a famous family name and reputation, plus a verbal ability much greater than most people's-- is Mr. Kennedy just addicted to a prohibitively (for most) expensive lifestyle?

How R.F.K. Jr. Has Turned His Public Crusades Into a Private Windfall

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/16/us/rfk-jr-finances.html

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Thank you for the reference.

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He’s so nuts

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The Ydennek . . .embraced by the dimmest and the worst .. . .

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Thank you, Robert! I was on a zoom organizing call yesterday about the "Summer of Heat" and noted Kennedy's dangerous ploy and campaign funded by right wing billionaires.

BTW, NPR's Fresh Air program did a great piece yesterday touching on a few subjects you discuss, including monopolies, consolidation, and a living wage. "Fast Food Nation author Eric Schlosser says mergers and acquisitions have created food oligopolies that are inefficient, barely regulated and sometimes dangerous. His new documentary is Food, Inc. 2." I highly recommend this story for content and health.

https://www.npr.org/2024/04/18/1245541903/journalist-says-were-basically-guinea-pigs-for-a-new-form-of-industrialized-food

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Danny - ha! no wonder that npr person criticized npr for being progressively biased. they were telling the truth, and helping people to stay informed. can't have that in a fascist state.

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Bingo! I don't think they are progressive enough I have been calling them "Nice polite republicans" for some time now.

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He used to be an admired environmentalist. How far he has fallen over the past couple of decades.

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This was an excellent video warning of the dangers of RFK Jr. - I will share it.

With that said…

There are trolls mucking up this forum who ought to be banned, kinda the way this video was removed from Tik Tok.

My advice to your devoted friends here is simply not to engage with them. Period.

Stay healthy and safe.

Anne πŸŒ»πŸ’™πŸ™

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I block them. 🚫

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How to do that? I know, it’s probably easy, like click the person’s name and then go to the 3 dots. But Substack is a strange thing to navigate. Thanks in advance!

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πŸ‘

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This guy is really dangerous. Just like Trump. He will never win withdrawal, and he will never win. He can be a spoiler just like Raphael Nader in 2000. We all must spread the word and VOTE!!!

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Anyone with a little bit of common sense would question voting for a candidate whose own family endorses someone else!! Bobby Kennedy would be so disappointed in his son right now. Bobby would have been the first in line for vaccines. He would have worked tirelessly to stop the spread of COVID. He would NEVER accept conspiracy theories!! RFK Jr. just doesn't have what his father had and trying to bank off his father's name is just disgraceful as his family's rejection shows.

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The Kennedys are loaded with money, power, and prestige to protect. Does your entire family agree with you!? This would be highly unusual. I am sick of Reich, and all of you pretending you have any idea , in this context, in this time, what JFK or RFK would have thought! Your arrogance is astonishing! You may want a Biden vote, as too little too late is better than nothing, but stop imaging you know what RFK Jrs ancestors would think. You loose your credibility.

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Neither JFK or RFK would endorse what RFK Jr is peddling- you don’t know your history at all. Your statement contradicts itself .

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Susan,

Do you speak through the airwaves with ancestors?? Woo HOO!!

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These are different times. RFK Jr knows the facts. I saw a comment on one of Rick's posts that challenge Robert wright to debate RFK and let the democracy play out. That is a brilliant comment by that person. Quite frankly it's time for liberals to wake up to the reality of the world as they are asleep in a bubble. I was a lifelong liberal until just recently and I can never look back unless they change back. We all know the Democratic party is not the party of the people anymore.

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RFK Knows very little about anything except may being an environmental Lawyer.

I think it’s one of the most crazy things of modern life where reading a story about Vaccines or watching FOX TV gives you the ability to decide complex physiological topics and then become a advocate to stop the vaccines because it’s a plot to steal our women or a pizza store in Washington DC is a headquarters for Pedophiles .

The Magic Beans Network…

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RFK did a LOT more than just read a few little articles and bits. He knows what scientists worldwide who don't follow the money know. He would not make uneducated statements.

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I don’t believe RFK knows more than the CDC - there’s nothing to substantiate that

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Yes, I would Paul. I will not vote for someone who is against vaccines and believes in conspiracy theories. I will continue to say those things. RFK Jr.'s book is rife with disinformation concerning Anthony Fauci. It is also full of conspiracy theories. I trust and believe in science. Dr. Fauci directed the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease for many years. He has the background and credentials and knows about what he is speaking. RFK Jr. is NOT a doctor and his book is nothing but his opinion. He would not be a good leader for our country.

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Exactly Peggy- these Russian Trolls are so obvious - they are unable to do thorough research and post pure CRAP - typical Russians -

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Thanks, Susan! Usually I ignore them, but sometimes I feel I need to respond so they understand exactly where I stand. I simply wouldn't vote for RFK Jr. for any political office. We need to vote out these crazy conspiracists and elect representatives that are there to serve their constituents and work for the common good.

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Paul is a salesman. Don't buy the book if you don't want.

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Do you know that there are people trying to charge Anthony fauci and others in high court. Having a hard time getting started because of the corruption of the world people. The whole world knows the corruption of Anthony fauci and his clan. Scientists all over the world including this country have been doing research on the whole covid fiasco and they're doing their homework. I'm sorry that you're so sleepy but it's time to see the world as the world sees it not as you little Democrats in a bubble see it.

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Only a moron with a lack of critical thinking skills, will read a book and become a devotee.

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Not if the book sells well.

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Evidently the book is chock full of "good truths."

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Thank you, I will share the video far and wide!

It is disgusting to see RFK Jr. smear what the name Kennedy means to America, to Americans.

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Very scary to see the comments for your video. Seems like a lot of people are being fooled by RFK, Jr and his nonsense.

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Either you get Old, Or You Die…

Being Old is Better than Becoming Dead…

You can Fool some of the people, some of the time.

You cannot Fool All of The People All Of The Time …

Biden Will Win But Keeping Politicking up until the Voting is over. Assume loss and keep Fighting Until the Fight is Done…

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yeah, hence the threat of jr.

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I think Bibi is going to take a lot more votes away from Biden than Kennedy ever could. My own opinion is that partnering with Bibi in the Gaza ongoing massacre has made Biden a hollow shell, and makes the US look like a rich powerful uncle to its favorite nephew, Israel.

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I am an 80 yr old Australian citizen residing in Australia. I follow US politics with interest because Australian politics is heavily influenced by the US. What continues to amaze me is the notion that with a population of 300 million citizens in US are Biden and Trump the best you have to offer as presidential candidates? Trump's personal life experiences alone should render him unsuitable for election and Biden (sadly) is obviously suffering cognitive decline (it will sadly happen to me also!). Of the three prominent candidates RFK jr is the only one who can hold a rational and objective conversation without prompting, invective or rhetoric. He is widely experienced in life and is dedicated to realistic causes that matter not only to US citizens but to the World. His views on US foreign policy (he is non-confrontational and seeks detente), the military-industrial complex ( Eisenhower warned us about abuse of power), the pharmaceutical - scientific cabal (imposing irrational edicts and corrupt practices) and the need to conserve the environment (whilst it is still live-able) are vitally important concepts that neither Biden or Trump are either willing or able to debate with RFK jr. I fear for the outcome of the forthcoming US elections because we in Australia be effected one way or another - and we don't get a say in the vote!!

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Yes it is kind of funny, who we elect to public office . We need a reformed constitution and mandatory voting but we don’t so we have the constitution that 250 + years old. No way to keep the nutters out…

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That is a real piece of convoluted logic.

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Bravo to you for producing this video! As a Canadian watching the decline of America because of Trump, I’m praying your efforts have an impact and Biden succeeds. As you say, democracy is at stake. Keep spreading the word. Debra

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Sorry.... Trump is but one of many indicators of America's decline. The root cause of it lies in our myths and culture, which is what allowed Trump to become president. Even if Biden is re-elected, count on that decline to continue.

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Apr 19Β·edited Apr 19

There's truth in that. The Horatio Alger bullshit legend is a favorite. (ol' Tovarich MAGgot likes to paint himself that way!) "Make your living doing what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life" is another. Who the bloody'ell >ever< gets to make a living doing what they love in life β€½ Anyone who can say they have is either >completely< out of touch with the vast majority of the population, or are bullshitting either you, themselves, or both, with a programmed response. Yet, I've seen "I love this job" croaked out through tears! Among my favorites is "y'got'ta start at the bottom." Yeah. Start at the bottom, know your place. and >stay< there! Those are but a few selected examples.

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Thomas, I wish you would enlighten us about our defective myths and culture. Be constructive in your criticisms.

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I’m sorry I just don’t see any sane Democrat or independent voting for RFK

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His father would be ashamed.

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His Father was a politician and politicians are never ashamed; being ashamed is for plebs, plebeians are not ashamed of anything…

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Obviously, you know little about his father and even less about the meaning of "plebians."

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Got me !

: darn english teachers,

SB not plebeian but SB patrician ???

Can’t spell dyslexic but your correct wrong term. But at this hour I m happy if I can get out of bed…

Thank You

☺️

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patricians

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The difference between the right word and almost the right word is similar to the a difference between lightning and lightning bugs- Mark twain ???

Sloppy but it’s 4:41 am sleeping πŸ’€ πŸ’€πŸ’€

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Biden is a senile stooge. And he's not in charge. Blinken et al are careening this country towards incitement of global war. Trump is a product of the media. Really a coup sponsored by it. That these two horrors are being trust down our throats is a clear indication of the corruption of our governance.

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another troll

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Correct. Gerson is a troll

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so everyone who disagrees with you is a troll. Sick.

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People or (bots) undermining our government and country without facts and reference are TROLLS

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So you are not a troll, You are a Jehovah Witness on a mission to convert.

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Yes, Shirley Smith Kirsten ; I'm against lies and false equivalencies. Go troll somewhere else!

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I find your comment to be, rude, intolerant and narrow-minded, breaching acceptable guidelines of exchange.

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That's a comment based on your perception of what are lies and false equivalencies. I suggest you widen your horizons and do some comprehensive readings from diverse sources not those influenced by special interests.

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And you are a perfect example of Dunning Kruger effect.

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That's where you are wrong, LVD. Laurie is well-versed in the political arena. She does her research and speaks the truth. That is more than I can say for some on this feed!

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Peggy, the name calling, shaming, small minded replies are exactly Trumpty's' types style. No different. Biden is unfortunately the 'rational ' voting response in a rotten , incrementalism, Citizens United , bought and paid for 2 party system of deep corruption, corporate capture that is deteriorating not only our country but our planet. Will Biden truly continue his, new in his career ,efforts to call on his 'inner FDR' or will he fall back to his corporate Delaware, lifelong, non ERA passing, Wall Street funded responses in a second term?!

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This is the MAGA propaganda from before the State of the Union. It hasn't worked so they're moving on to other lies. If you're going to troll for Trump, at least try to keep up. πŸš«πŸ™„

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Apr 21Β·edited Apr 21

Comment was NOT for Laurie. It was for the Gerson troll

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My sincere apologies, LVD. The trolls are out in force today and their comments were annoying me. I just reacted. I will try to follow the lines from now on. Once again, I am sorry.

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Thanks Vladi - we’ll file this in the round file

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🚫

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Professor Reich: there's some issues with RFK Jr's speech. is this fixable?

that said ... i'm absolutely gobsmacked to be reminded once again that almost half of all amerikkkans are proving how deplorable they are by planning to vote for trump. it's the stuff of nightmares. i still cannot believe they think they will somehow magically be able to avoid the wrath of trump and his minions that will be set loose upon them if he gets back into the white house, that they believe that a trump presidency spells anything but worldwide nuclear war. but maybe this is their plan afterall? maybe they want to destroy the planet in fulfilment of a myth alluded to in revelations?

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GrrlScientist ; I don't trust any poll that suggests that "almost half" of voters will vote for tRump. That's like saying that "almost half of voters are cool with the reversal of Roe". I just keep remembering that in the last 7 elections ; the Presidential , the mid terms and the special elections in various states : Blue votes won.

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thank you, laurie, for reminding me that most american voters are not vapid lunatics. i like most people (i imagine), need to be reminded of this from time to time.

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GrrlScientist ; I need to remind myself from time to time, of what facts I know to be true. The media, even the "good" media can be overwhelmingly misinforming, we must be vigilant, and pay attention! Their lies and insinuations are truly insidious. They work for the billionaires who own them ; at least most media. The truth is better than nuggets of gold, if it can be found. That's why I'm here, at Robert Reich's Substack!

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indeed, Laurie. but even good journalists can be misleading because of the demand they "balance" their stories with opposing views -- it's rather like creationists versus evolutionary biologists (a battle i was part of a few years back) or flat earthers versus ... round earthers? but the ridiculousness doesn't end there, as we all know and live with daily. a better goal than journalistic "balance" -- which is just not possible in a world gone mad and irrational -- is journalistic "objectivity" ... a battle which is being played out at this moment at NPR, to be specific.

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I avoid NPR Like the plague, because they have been 'defanged' for a long time, thanks to the 'support' they get from corporate and private "interests". And "friends" who have their own agendas, instead of the Common Good foremost. In mind.

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i am a subscriber. have been for years. well, i specifically subscribe to WNYC, which is a flawed but still worthy news provider, IMO.

where do you get your news? print? radio? TV? i mostly get mine via print -- New Republic, Jacobin, Mother Jones and ByLine Times (which I've $upported ever since their inception), to name just a few -- but listening to WNYC/NPR is great for when my hands and eyes are busy but my brain is not, particularly when cleaning parrot cages and cooking.

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Laurie - These days I truly miss the journalist who made it his mission to fact check trump almost daily. While it has never been perfect at least back then the news organizations seemed to have a spine when it came to reporting the truth.

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Anon ; The news hires "journalists" who tell stories that keep the owners of news media empires and their friends, wealthy. They want to misinform and distract US from the truth. Culture wars, lies and distractions keep US from seeing clearly and not asking questions. Like 'how do we rid ourselves a corrupt 'Supreme Court'? A Congress full of election deniers and coup supporters? A Crooked Jerome Powell who wants to screw US with more interest rate hikes? A Federalist Society that stacks our courts with Constitution busting religious edicts? People like Leonard Leo who solicit billions in contributions to the Federalist Society, and other groups like the "heritage foundation"? As a Nation of immigrants, Native Americans and descendants of slaves ; Whose "heritage' are we keeping or preserving? If the Constitution is an important part of this heritage, they are treating it shabbily indeed!

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Laurie - Agee - what is currently happening is appalling.

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Laurie, you have golden eyes, so says Chucksky.

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Trump is a Putin enabler; he tore the Iran nuclear treaty, and he surrendered Afghanistan to the Taliban. Only a person devoid of morality can support Donald Trump, and Kennedy Jr. knows that he is doing precisely that.

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Trump the peacemaker: Give Putin what he demands, crush Ukraine and Iran, finish off the Palestinians.

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Better red than dead huh, you freaking coward. Paul

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Can you have your staff clean up the trolls? Just block them. They are an annoying distraction.

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