Kittens Holmes

Kitten sisters Mycroft (ginger) and Sherlock (calico).

[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.

↓

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

[Rogue Fisher-Hill @jamarish]

This is so funny Liam just looks at his watch and I guess he decides it's cuddling Taliesin time? Nothing else seems to prompt it? They just reached hug your friend time? #CriticalRole

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

@esseksoup @merindab Also from a tweet I saw a while ago:

C1 Vax dies
C2 sam makes a character dedicated to protecting Liam’s

C2 Molly dies
C3 Sam makes a character dedicated to protecting Tal’s

[Kingfisher & Wombat @UrsulaV]

Divergent evolution in plague doctors.

(I am nearly sure this idea has been done before, but I couldn’t resist the shoebill version.)

[Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources @waDNR]

Update: The Twitter wildfire is at 44 billion acres and 0% contained.

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Hello it’s been a minute. We moved to Minnesota and have been adjusting. But we’re enjoying the new views.

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Duet

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Even stretched out sleeping they need to be touching

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Mycroft says she likes hugs, don’t judge her.

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Long kitty

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

@cathsears

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Siblings

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Fuzzy baby

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

They were touching paws

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

My little bookends

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Sherlock says no knit only pet

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Sherlock doesn’t want a bigger car bed. This one is fine. And apparently Mycroft doesn’t mind.

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Sherlock laid on her sister, who promptly started cleaning her.

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Comfy baby

[Kittens Holmes @kittensholmes]

Mirroring