Today is Subscribe to an Independent Source of News and Commentary Day. Is that a real thing? No and yes. I just declared it, so it must be.
Joking aside, the collapse of strong, independent reporting and analysis is very much a (worrying) thing; but the rise of subscriber-supported reporting and commentary is equally a (reassuring) thing. So, in honour of my just-declared special day, I am pointing readers to two excellent and provocative pieces from a couple of my favourite, subscriber-funded sources. The Guardian and the National Observer. I may have infringed some copyrights here, and they can let me know if I have, but I believe that would be off-set by my clear citing of my sources, and my appeal, on their behalf to SUBSCRIBE TODAY.
Several years ago, I decided that I rely on – indeed democratic society depends on – independent, fact-based, courageous media. So I couldn’t afford to just sit back and assume it would always be there for me. I began to subscribe. At last count: the Guardian, the National Observer, the Narwhal, and the Energy Mix
Do I read them all from (virtual) cover to cover. No, I could never find the time, or necessarily the interest in each and every article and opinion piece. But I scan them, read some of the articles in depth, save a few, and forward a few to family and others. Most important to me, I know they are there for me. For now. So, as I sign off on this very brief post, I repeat again — SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Here is a brilliant commentary from the captain of Sea-Watch 3, Carola Rackete, on why she is proud to have taken a bold stand in favour of humanity, against the rising tide of xenophobia and hatred.
And here is a provocative opinion piece by Matthew Klippenstein from the National Observer looking at why Greta Thunberg, her youth and her frank talk are such a trigger to the (mostly older, wealthy, white and male) status quo.
David Chernushenko
Author, Burning Souls
Independent commentary and analysis