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 haven’t posted in a few days because my life has been entirely consumed by leading the opposition to the 195-ft 5G cell tower planned for my neighbor’s property. Others have warned me that this is a full time job and they weren’t joking. I was knocking on doors Thursday night til 9PM. We are making progress and I hope to have a livestream this week with attorneys. It’s incredible what I’ve learned in such a short time - and nothing good about the impending onslaught of the technosphere into our lives. Anyway, one funny moment occurred yesterday when Lily came rushing into my office during a 3.5 hour phone call and told me that “Jack did something he isn’t supposed to do.” The kids have been incredible little troopers this week; going with me to notary meetings, waiting patiently for a late dinner, dealing with mommy on the phone all the time. Hopefully life returns to quiet soon and we enjoy de-stressing without a cell tower blocking the sunset behind our farm. DON’T ...
This federal law is a great example of regulatory agency capture by big industry. It must be amended for the future of our neighborhoods or we will see cell towers everywhere. My county commission cannot vote down this proposed cell phone tower on my neighbor’s land based on health or environmental reasons or they’ll get sued due to the protections afforded in this act.
Our neighbor is planning to put up a cell tower on his property. I am sure almost everyone here is well-versed in the dangers associated with radiation emitted from these towers, especially for kids. However it’s complicated to stop their construction as these cellular companies have near-criminal protections from the federal government. You can’t vote down a tower as a local governing body based on ANY health or environmental risks. I am asking for help from people who have tried to stop these towers, whether successfully or unsuccessfully. I’d like to know what you learned so I can move forward strategically to save our farm. Please email me at: [email protected] or leave a link in the comments below. I figured my news days were behind me, now focused on a simple farm life, but this story found me. Let’s go.
