About 30 or so states have what is known as shield laws protecting a journalist’s agreement to keep secret anonymous sources. But the United States does not allow for shield laws, thanks to a 1972 Supreme Court decision (the Branzburg case).
So, yes. Journalists during the Trump administration may well face some pretty rough times. Just look what’s happened in the WH press office and briefing room. Only loyal reporters (plus a very few others). And the AP, I guess, is still banned.
There is no doubt. I just said this exact thing in a post. This is why Trump defends the Saudi prince, Netanyahu, and any other dictator. He really wishes he could do what they do without any blowback. Speak bad about me, you’re gone. This is why he’s blowing up boats, a way of getting his sociopathic thoughts out of his head.
It’s looking like reporters/whistleblowers are going to have to resort to old fashioned methods of pen, paper and disappearing ink all mailed to a PO Box where an unknown person with a key can pick up and keep in a secure location in case something bad happens. We know how Putin deals with those he considers pests; random gunshot, poison or high windows. Reporters had better start treating life as if they are in a war zone and take precautions. Protect your family as best you can then try to do your job. These are very dangerous times and it’s people like you Miles and so many others who are keeping us informed at your own risk. A ‘Thank You’ feels inadequate but will have to do for now.
It can't be clearer. The First Amendment is under attack, and Trump is leading the effort. Sadly, there are few Republicans - and none who can effect change - speaking out against him and the Supreme Court seems well in his pocket.
I used to think all the hysteria about Trump and Epstein's death were total conspiracy bunk. These days I sometimes wonder what this guy is capable of based on recent actions.
I’m not surprised that Trump is attacking the press that he doesn’t like. It’s what he’s done to people his entire adult life. It was what he learned from his father and Roy Cohen. But I’m 72 years old, so I’ve got years of knowing this. What truly baffles me is that so many people don’t thoroughly investigate people who are trying to get into our government. Especially nowadays, when most of this stuff is at one’s fingertips. Yes, I’m a proud Democrat, but I use to be a Republican. Thankfully I jumped ship back in 2006. I didn’t like what they were doing even back then.
Are independent journalists (such as Substack writers) more insulated? These are the voices we all need if we are to survive. When I watch people like you, Rick Wilson and others whose lives have been blown up by Trump and his toadies, and who have rebuilt them (admittedly, with a strong security net around you) state that you will not be intimidated, it should give us all courage. We need to continue to step forward and make ourselves seen and heard with increasing volume and vigor.
Too many Americans are saying essentially; the ends justify the means. Breaking into a house in OK and stealing $3,000, breaking into an apartment building forcing US citizens into the street half naked in Chicago, using pepper spray on a child in NC, murdering civilians in boats - calling them drug traffickers, are all crimes and unconstitutional. Local law enforcement agencies and Congress need to investigate these crimes and arrest the perpetrators. There is no immunity for those who actually perpetrated these crimes nor any immunity for those whose orders placed the perpetrators in a position to commit such crimes.
Not so long ago it would have been considered a joke to warn reporters to stay away from small boats but today there appears to be no bottom to the moral and ethical swamp into which Trump has dragged the (lower case gop) gutless obsequious puppets party. Who would stand up for threatened reporters? Pam Bondi? Kash Patel? Mike Johnson?
Back in 2015/16, Vanity Fair had a lengthy article on Trump and his association with Roy Cohn. It was then and there that my detestment of him was set in stone.
We are in dark times. I'm still waiting to see the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel". I don't put much stock in the pervasive stories of Trump's imminent fall. He has proven to be all too adept at escaping the consequences of his actions. I am waiting for the "Sisters of Fate" to finish their measuring.
Trump has no morals, no principles, no integrity, no character. The majority of Americans knew this, yet they made him President anyway. And why? Prices were too high. When given a choice between a good person and cheaper groceries, they chose money. I’m beginning to think that’s all Americans care about.
I’m watching “The American Revolution” on PBS right now. I think people today would’ve stayed with the king. It took courage, a strong spine, and the spirit of patriotism to go to war for freedom.
People today are afraid to stand up to a corrupt lawless bully.
Excellent! Great brief fit this branch of your broadcasting, Miles! And brilliant episode! Love the old time intro too! Thanhs again for all that you do for our democracy!
Trump’s mantra now is “try and stop me”. Seems things are going to get much worse before they get better. Stay safe Miles..
About 30 or so states have what is known as shield laws protecting a journalist’s agreement to keep secret anonymous sources. But the United States does not allow for shield laws, thanks to a 1972 Supreme Court decision (the Branzburg case).
So, yes. Journalists during the Trump administration may well face some pretty rough times. Just look what’s happened in the WH press office and briefing room. Only loyal reporters (plus a very few others). And the AP, I guess, is still banned.
There is no doubt. I just said this exact thing in a post. This is why Trump defends the Saudi prince, Netanyahu, and any other dictator. He really wishes he could do what they do without any blowback. Speak bad about me, you’re gone. This is why he’s blowing up boats, a way of getting his sociopathic thoughts out of his head.
It’s looking like reporters/whistleblowers are going to have to resort to old fashioned methods of pen, paper and disappearing ink all mailed to a PO Box where an unknown person with a key can pick up and keep in a secure location in case something bad happens. We know how Putin deals with those he considers pests; random gunshot, poison or high windows. Reporters had better start treating life as if they are in a war zone and take precautions. Protect your family as best you can then try to do your job. These are very dangerous times and it’s people like you Miles and so many others who are keeping us informed at your own risk. A ‘Thank You’ feels inadequate but will have to do for now.
It can't be clearer. The First Amendment is under attack, and Trump is leading the effort. Sadly, there are few Republicans - and none who can effect change - speaking out against him and the Supreme Court seems well in his pocket.
it's a depressing time for our country.
I used to think all the hysteria about Trump and Epstein's death were total conspiracy bunk. These days I sometimes wonder what this guy is capable of based on recent actions.
Nope. Trump is a criminal and always has been.
For sure - I think we all knew that as well as what a total grifter he is. The "hysteria" I was referring to related to the death of Epstein.
I’m not surprised that Trump is attacking the press that he doesn’t like. It’s what he’s done to people his entire adult life. It was what he learned from his father and Roy Cohen. But I’m 72 years old, so I’ve got years of knowing this. What truly baffles me is that so many people don’t thoroughly investigate people who are trying to get into our government. Especially nowadays, when most of this stuff is at one’s fingertips. Yes, I’m a proud Democrat, but I use to be a Republican. Thankfully I jumped ship back in 2006. I didn’t like what they were doing even back then.
Are independent journalists (such as Substack writers) more insulated? These are the voices we all need if we are to survive. When I watch people like you, Rick Wilson and others whose lives have been blown up by Trump and his toadies, and who have rebuilt them (admittedly, with a strong security net around you) state that you will not be intimidated, it should give us all courage. We need to continue to step forward and make ourselves seen and heard with increasing volume and vigor.
Too many Americans are saying essentially; the ends justify the means. Breaking into a house in OK and stealing $3,000, breaking into an apartment building forcing US citizens into the street half naked in Chicago, using pepper spray on a child in NC, murdering civilians in boats - calling them drug traffickers, are all crimes and unconstitutional. Local law enforcement agencies and Congress need to investigate these crimes and arrest the perpetrators. There is no immunity for those who actually perpetrated these crimes nor any immunity for those whose orders placed the perpetrators in a position to commit such crimes.
Not so long ago it would have been considered a joke to warn reporters to stay away from small boats but today there appears to be no bottom to the moral and ethical swamp into which Trump has dragged the (lower case gop) gutless obsequious puppets party. Who would stand up for threatened reporters? Pam Bondi? Kash Patel? Mike Johnson?
Back in 2015/16, Vanity Fair had a lengthy article on Trump and his association with Roy Cohn. It was then and there that my detestment of him was set in stone.
We are in dark times. I'm still waiting to see the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel". I don't put much stock in the pervasive stories of Trump's imminent fall. He has proven to be all too adept at escaping the consequences of his actions. I am waiting for the "Sisters of Fate" to finish their measuring.
Trump has no morals, no principles, no integrity, no character. The majority of Americans knew this, yet they made him President anyway. And why? Prices were too high. When given a choice between a good person and cheaper groceries, they chose money. I’m beginning to think that’s all Americans care about.
I’m watching “The American Revolution” on PBS right now. I think people today would’ve stayed with the king. It took courage, a strong spine, and the spirit of patriotism to go to war for freedom.
People today are afraid to stand up to a corrupt lawless bully.
Miles, do ever you intend on having a general Q &A session?
Also, thank you so much for your extremely dedicated and courageous work to protect our country, both before and after Trump was president.
When Trump speaks about the old days, he is talking about having heads on a platter.
Excellent! Great brief fit this branch of your broadcasting, Miles! And brilliant episode! Love the old time intro too! Thanhs again for all that you do for our democracy!