dskotch

Brewer, Wine Maker, and Guitar Enthusiast living in Los Angeles

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@ADT just got off a call with the sales department to replace my battery powered carbon monoxide detector for $300? They range from $25-$50. Just, how? I’m in awe.

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@Brcremer Don’t realize they’re the Pharisees

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@krassenstein Shart of the Deal

[dskotch @Dskotch]

Eager to see the jobs report after these last 2 weeks…

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@ChrisTrue1973 @JasmineForUS Auto register and auto issue free IDs and problem solved. The problem is passports and DL’s are not free and not everyone has one. No fed or state ID is compulsory. Make it mandated and free, done deal.

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@CalltoActivism The party of “Christ” and “pro-life”. Have more kids but good luck supporting them.

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@George_1984Well @YourTurdliness @CalltoActivism Lol ok. I’ve traveled allover the country and the world. I'll let you be mad, i chose kindness and empathy. Last reply to you. Truely wish you and your family health and happiness. Much love bro

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@Larry33077561 @YourTurdliness @CalltoActivism Btw, facts is modern slang for agreement. See my other replies on thread. As a native Angeleno, I'm appalled at all the arm chair experts who don't understand the situation.

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@Larry33077561 @YourTurdliness @CalltoActivism Facts

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@Adam78411110 @CalltoActivism They have to make them easy and free. One of issues is the beauracracy and time to get one and they cost money to get and renew. Same with passports. Make them compulsory and free and problem solved.

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@YourTurdliness @CalltoActivism Then lets not contribute to the negativity of the situation. Real people lost everything and lost their lives (I know many). i know its not sexy to be kind on this app, but try.

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@YourTurdliness @CalltoActivism Mate, you ain't from LA. You have no clue about the topography. This isn't LA either. That's Orange County. And no amount of raking stops 100mph winds spreading any spark once it starts.

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@YourTurdliness @CalltoActivism Please show me the forests of urban Los Angeles. Lifelong Angeleno. Answer: they don't exist.

[dskotch @Dskotch]

To all the non-angelenos commenting on wildfires, sincerely, shut up. The insanely stupid takes and criticism are mind numbingly stupid. We need empathy for those that lost everything and support our first responders. They’re fighting hurricane force winds up to 100mph.

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@patriottakes Sounds like she’s pretty in favor of gun law reform. We could all get behind being able to go about our day or go to church without being harassed.

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@MattWalshBlog Almost like rolling back safety regulations have negative impacts

[dskotch @Dskotch]

@TaylorMatthewD The part that is so ridiculous is that they put the Devil on par with God. If you truly believe God is all powerful and omnipotent, he’s pretty weak in this scenario if he can’t even win an election, lol.

[Dan Rather @DanRather]

If I may, there’s something I need to get off my chest.

As democracy remains under siege, it has been frustrating to watch how the press covers politics these days.

I am reminded by lessons that came to me during the Nixon years as a CBS News correspondent, which I’ll add here:

1. Enough with Both-sides-ism

When one side lies intentionally and repeatedly, they are no longer entitled to the benefit of the doubt. They should be held to account, right away. Do not simply repeat the narratives they spew.

2. Prioritize Live Fact-Checking

Rigorous and robust fact-checking is the best defense against misinformation, intentional lies, and deflection.

If Trump says the sky is green, the story isn’t that the sky is now green; the story is that the sky is still blue and Trump got it wrong.

3. Ask Lawmakers Hard Questions

Ask about the fundamental principles of democracy. Push them to go on the record that Biden won the 2020 election.

Ask if they support the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

This writing is not to offer any claim of knowing it all. Your correspondent has made his share of mistakes, but after more than seven decades I believe I have picked up a few useful guideposts.

Good journalism is always worth it. Our democracy depends on it.

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For the rest of my list, please see my the latest post of my independent newsletter – the link is in my Twitter biography.