Many of you don't know that when I left TV news, I took a job shooting videos for the Washington Department of Natural Resources. It gave me the chance to build my independent media work in my personal time, which was not an option as a TV reporter given my contract in corporate news. When I was hired, I was encouraged to keep my social media presence. Recently, my bosses informed me that I was to stop all videos related to Covid safety, vaccines and mandates that “undermine” DNR's policies, as DNR is one of many state agencies with a vaccine mandate, though ours was enacted by Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz and separate from Gov. Inslee's order. My independent work was done on personal time with personal equipment and I never discussed my position at DNR. I also informed my bosses that I had a First Amendment right to continue, and that the policy of a state agency committed to science should align with robust discussion that includes a variety of viewpoints. They disagreed. I refused to comply and was terminated last week.
I am truly grateful for the many wildland fire fighters whose stories I’ve had the honor of telling, as well as the fuels crews fixing the forest health crisis driving historic fires. We nearly evacuated twice this year, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that the work of DNR staff across the state saved our home and thousands of others.
While there are many unknowns for our family, not the least of which is finding a new health insurance plan (any suggestions?), we are absolutely unwavering that it was the right decision. How could I continue covering censorship and allow myself to be censored on one of the most important topics of my lifetime? There are a great many people taking grave risks right now - many of them you've seen in my videos - and those of us who stand up for free speech and informed choice right now will hopefully pave the way someday for others to do so without losing their jobs. I got into journalism to follow the truth wherever it leads, and I will continue. I am planning to record a video to discuss this publicly on YouTube. Would you please let me know what questions you'd like me to answer in it? In sum, our family is incredibly grateful for your support here. I have absolutely no regrets. I said once that free speech is the hill I would die on - but just to be clear, as I've said before, I did not commit suicide. 😉 Be brave. We are in this together.
Trump’s executive order protecting glyphosate (which RFK Jr supports) is such a perfect example of how the American political system works, and one of the main reasons I became a farmer. Bayer (which acquired Monsanto in 2018) is getting sued into oblivion over claims glyphosate causes cancer, to the extent they’re paying out billions in losses and facing the real possibility of going bankrupt. Then all of a sudden, states like Georgia pass laws protecting glyphosate manufacturers from liability and the President passes a similar executive order in the name of national defense. Is this timing a coincidence? The big corporations in this country have direct influence on politicians in a way the average American can never compete - that is, unless we leave their system. We must go direct with farmers who use the kind of methods we want for our dinner. Even if we ban glyphosate, there are plenty of worse (yes, hard to believe!) chemicals waiting to take its place. There is no way out ...
The personal trainer at my gym, Charles, asked to try our raw goat milk so I brought a small sample. He said he stopped drinking milk and eating cheese because it affected his asthma, but he was curious what would happen with raw milk.
It’s not Afghanistan or Iraq. It’s not explosions or gunfire. What keeps Lynn up at night? A 5-ounce chick named Rosie who is the runt of the new chick squad but makes her mighty presence known with loud chirping whenever she poops. A word to new or potential chick owners: find a place outside in the garage or barn for their brooder instead of keeping them inside. They’re louder than you’d think! Anyone else have tricks for creative spots to keep a brooder that are safe and warm?
