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.
I woke up Sunday to find that my trusty stead of 32 (almost 33) years, Sassy, had a swollen cheek with a rather hard lump. Our vet, Dr Julia Simonson, came to examine her and I thought it would be interesting for folks to hear it “right from the horse’s mouth.” Examining a horse’s mouth without sedation can be tricky but thankfully Sassy is rather tame because I harassed her so much as a kid. 🤣 We saw what appears to be an ulcer or abscess likely from some kind of cut or foreign object. No signs of infection and it is slowly healing itself. I really appreciate having a veterinarian who supports the “monitor and support nutritionally” approach, and does not intervene pharmaceutically unless she believes it’s truly medically necessary. It’s very difficult to find a vet (or a human doctor frankly) these days with this mindset.
I hate to admit this but we just took down our Christmas tree a few days ago, weeks after our neighbors had decorations up for Valentine’s Day. I would blame it on the farm but we have always been late getting rid of our tree. I think our record is early March. At least this year we have a free tree removal service!
For weeks the feed store has had a sign out saying “chicks coming soon!” Today we drove by it and I did a double take. “Chicks are here!” So the kids and I made a dramatic u-turn with plans to just “see” the chicks. And we did see them. In fact, we still see them because they came home with us! 🤣Whoops. We got 4 Easter eggers and 2 Olive eggers. Lynn if you’re reading this, the little buggers begged to come home with us - how could we say no?!
I remember when so-called conservatives were adamantly against the "Fairness Doctrine". Hypocrisy never ends. Cries for fairness doctrine is always a clear sign of who knows they have lost support.
I don't support any side.
Bring back the fairness doctrine - Washington Examiner
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/patriotism-unity/3849785/bring-back-fairness-doctrine-charlie-kirk-fcc-opposing-viewpoints/
