I understand your decision to wear a mask in the video. I have a job that could be described the same way as you described yours. Thank you for sharing your words. I look forward to reading the piece.
Definitely looking forward to your letter on 7/27. I have found others hide behind "I don't like to talk politics." It became quite the division between a friend and me last weekend. After she elevated her voice over mine as I tried to speak, I knew it would be an awkward silence to our destination because I shut up. Thanked her for driving, and went in. I will not make an effort to see or speak with her again.
Thank you for sharing that, Jane—it really resonates. So many hide behind “no politics” while letting harm slide. I’m sorry you had to go through that, but your clarity and boundaries are powerful.
I feel more peaceful about you wearing the mask for your talk. It is your words and wisdom that shine a light on those situations that need our attention. Keeping this pipeline of hope open will help all of us. I will continue to follow all of your writing.
Listening to this now. As a person with a Jewish father and a gentile mother, I would have been marked as they would have. I’d like to think they would have fled, but if not, rounded up or part of the resistance if possible.
My personal experience in several highly dysfunctional academic and workplace environments suggests that the vast majority of people are cowards, who persuade themselves, incorrectly of course, that whatever shitstorm rolls through will miraculously bypass them. The problem for others who do not fall into this category is not a lack of either interest or will, but rather a lack of information and the contacts necessary to organize an effective resistance. It’s not as if one can go on “Revenge.com” to ID like-minded individuals.
While I’ve received threats and vitriol on Substack, much of what I referred to in the video comes from years of activism and resistance at the local and state level. Some of it was online. Some aired on TV, radio, or appeared in print. Much of it was in person. And all of it was under my real name.
I chose to start over with this persona on Substack to keep those nefarious forces at bay. To speak freely again, without the weight of being named or targeted. I haven’t stopped telling the truth. I’ve just changed how I deliver it.
While I worry that the video—and even this message—might come off as self-important or paranoid, that’s not what this is. I’m not trying to make myself a martyr or be grandiose. But the pressure, the scrutiny, the threats—they add up.
So you are not only a deep state nutcase but a coward behind the mask. Thanks for posting your nonsense so that your followers reveal themselves to the authorities for appropriate action.
I understand your decision to wear a mask in the video. I have a job that could be described the same way as you described yours. Thank you for sharing your words. I look forward to reading the piece.
Thank you, Cathy!
I am looking forward to you piece on the 27th. I love reading your brilliant letters; they give me hope and courage. Thank you.
Thank you, Gayle!
Wisdom is not easy to find. Thank you for yours.
And thank you Mersault.
Thank you, Teacher in the Rye!
Remarkable prelude to your upcoming essay. Spot on. A challenge and an example for all Americans.
Thanks from a fellow Stranger.
Thank you, Thomas!
Definitely looking forward to your letter on 7/27. I have found others hide behind "I don't like to talk politics." It became quite the division between a friend and me last weekend. After she elevated her voice over mine as I tried to speak, I knew it would be an awkward silence to our destination because I shut up. Thanked her for driving, and went in. I will not make an effort to see or speak with her again.
Thank you for sharing that, Jane—it really resonates. So many hide behind “no politics” while letting harm slide. I’m sorry you had to go through that, but your clarity and boundaries are powerful.
Ditto
I feel more peaceful about you wearing the mask for your talk. It is your words and wisdom that shine a light on those situations that need our attention. Keeping this pipeline of hope open will help all of us. I will continue to follow all of your writing.
Thank you, Susan!
Thank you so much Mr.Mersault. Your writing is exceptional and very important.
Where would I have been? In the resistance, if I wasn't gunned down or taken to a concentration camp. I'm a Jew.
Listening to this now. As a person with a Jewish father and a gentile mother, I would have been marked as they would have. I’d like to think they would have fled, but if not, rounded up or part of the resistance if possible.
My personal experience in several highly dysfunctional academic and workplace environments suggests that the vast majority of people are cowards, who persuade themselves, incorrectly of course, that whatever shitstorm rolls through will miraculously bypass them. The problem for others who do not fall into this category is not a lack of either interest or will, but rather a lack of information and the contacts necessary to organize an effective resistance. It’s not as if one can go on “Revenge.com” to ID like-minded individuals.
If you agree, it might be helpful to share the threats you’ve gotten with your readers. We can’t let them win through intimidation and fear.
While I’ve received threats and vitriol on Substack, much of what I referred to in the video comes from years of activism and resistance at the local and state level. Some of it was online. Some aired on TV, radio, or appeared in print. Much of it was in person. And all of it was under my real name.
I chose to start over with this persona on Substack to keep those nefarious forces at bay. To speak freely again, without the weight of being named or targeted. I haven’t stopped telling the truth. I’ve just changed how I deliver it.
While I worry that the video—and even this message—might come off as self-important or paranoid, that’s not what this is. I’m not trying to make myself a martyr or be grandiose. But the pressure, the scrutiny, the threats—they add up.
Thank you.
So you are not only a deep state nutcase but a coward behind the mask. Thanks for posting your nonsense so that your followers reveal themselves to the authorities for appropriate action.
I disagree.