I wrote a response to the Trump administration today but it applies most to Humboldt

 

This was a tweet today on the Trump administration Rapid Response account.

Independent journalists and citizen/watchdog groups or journalists who truly benefit the people are rare. Those who are not beholden to power, money and speak to truth are few; that is if they aren't silenced or driven out and the very people they speak up for are nowhere to be found when it matters most.

Whether it is Minnesota or California, those who report for the people, take risks and do a thankless job have faced challenges and every decade it is harder.

I responded to the tweet.

"President Trump and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt should then support independent journalists & citizens by strengthening media protections for freelancers & locals who actually do real reporting for the people. Fake News includes media on the right; not just the left.""

There is no funding for reporters risking to report news for the people. Elon Musk could promote accounts that cannot afford to compete with special interest funds & resources. It takes $ to run any business & make a living. Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder."

For 22 years I have given a lot to Humboldt; for free. Humboldt has made a choice. 

Locals either support me or they don't. There is nothing stopping people from supporting me privately. The ones who do it openly and defend me are courageous and a few. 

The same people who attack me like cowards, behind my back, anonymously, lie about me, have tried to silence me, blacklist me, retaliate against me, harass my supporters and used me will remain the worthless, mean,ungrateful losers they are. What Humboldt has cost me and continues to; there is no amount of money or apology that could ever fix the injustice, hate and backstabbing.

For years and months, I explained to people about changes, asked for subscriptions, asked for boundaries. There will always be people in Humboldt who are myopic, selfish and do not listen.

I don't have to explain my worth, my effectiveness; to anyone. Look at the ads in all other local media and you will see good ole boys, gals and businesses I have exposed. 

Most local media are owned or run by the good ole boys and sycophants who hob nob with the very people they cover. If only I knew my place and did selective coverage. 

My reporting should and needs to be supported by the people.

I have already made changes; I am making more in 2026. I am not explaining those anymore. What content I cover depends on a lot of factors. 

If you haven't subscribed or advertised; you have until December 31, 2025 to take advantage of this year's rate and flexibility on subscriptions. 

I do not need the blog, Facebook or any other platform to reach people; especially in Humbodt. I could go subscription only and it is a daily choice to keep access for all.

Next year's local elections and who wins and who loses makes no difference in my life. It does in your life and your business.

I am not improving or paying for a site, a donate button or doing a go fund for Humboldt. All this requires funds  After 22 years, Humboldt is not getting anything for free or me using the money I make despite challenges to benefit anyone else.

This is a business. I need to cover expenses and I need to make a living. Do not use my phone number or email address and demand anything for free. I am not waiting for most of Humboldt to do the right thing anymore. Those who have been there for me and invest in me will have access to my time and my skills.