Substack asks you for feedback when you become a paid subscriber of this publication. I came across it by accident the other day and it was informative, inspiring and sometimes amusing so I thought I would share a small selection of your answers to being asked why you subscribed:
Having lived in California my entire life, traveled only to Mexico and Canada briefly, my world view is confined to media. My age and current responsibilities make it unlikely that will change. Therefore I seek out voices that give me insights to other cultural and societal perspectives. I no longer have the time to delve as I once did so I have been forced to refine my reading and viewing choices. You are on the permanent list due to your depth of knowledge and rational reasoning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You had me at "worshipping at the feet of Saint Greta of Climate Change." I stayed because you continue to speak up for what is good and decent, and to expose what is not.
I guess I keep on reading your substack because I have not come cross anyone like you out there in this arising new media, and you intrigued me. I am still trying to figure you out and what you are all about. Even after reading your book, your cause and goals are vague. However, that is why I respect you so much. You are not trying to make another group or tribe. You are a truth teller, and you don't say it for the clicks. You are the embodiment of the little boy who pointed out that the king wasn't wearing any clothes. I find that very brave, especially in the current climate. You are my hero. You are also brilliant at pointing out relevant problems and giving good guidance in looking at solutions, especially in political problems. There are things I disagree with what you say and how you say it, but it also challenges my thought process and urges me to think in a different way and that's what I love about your writing. Never write what others want you to write or how they want you to write it. Stay exactly as your. I love my heart and mind to be challenged and that is what your writing does. Always write what you are passionate about and what guides you to be that boy who points out the truth. I may whinge sometimes about the things you write but that is me getting out all that rattles inside my head and heart, so I can finally sleep. I guess the truth sometimes is hard to swallow. Sending you immense gratitude with love 🤗
I'd been away from the conventional world of political discourse and social issues for years, any time I looked its way - it seemed like a cesspit of poor underachievers getting lorded over by rich incompetent nepotistic.....well you get the idea. You were my gateway to nuance (had to double check the spelling on that one) and so that led to the FSU and beyond. I know I'm not fit for "polite" society but at least it's now relatable.
I liked your way of approaching topics from the beginning (YouTube). I have noticed that I incline to like people with a Jewish background. I am not Jewish but lived with a Jewish family for a year as a teenager in the 60s and really appreciated their pragmatic and logical approach to life. So I wonder about that. How much does your Jewish ancestry (a diluted culture in the Soviet Union, I imagine) impact your way of thinking?
Having lived in California my entire life, traveled only to Mexico and Canada briefly, my world view is confined to media. My age and current responsibilities make it unlikely that will change. Therefore I seek out voices that give me insights to other cultural and societal perspectives. I no longer have the time to delve as I once did so I have been forced to refine my reading and viewing choices. You are on the permanent list due to your depth of knowledge and rational reasoning. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You had me at "worshipping at the feet of Saint Greta of Climate Change." I stayed because you continue to speak up for what is good and decent, and to expose what is not.
I read your column and watch you and Francis for the humor and the level-headed reasoning. This is in addition to all the reasons other people listed.
I guess I keep on reading your substack because I have not come cross anyone like you out there in this arising new media, and you intrigued me. I am still trying to figure you out and what you are all about. Even after reading your book, your cause and goals are vague. However, that is why I respect you so much. You are not trying to make another group or tribe. You are a truth teller, and you don't say it for the clicks. You are the embodiment of the little boy who pointed out that the king wasn't wearing any clothes. I find that very brave, especially in the current climate. You are my hero. You are also brilliant at pointing out relevant problems and giving good guidance in looking at solutions, especially in political problems. There are things I disagree with what you say and how you say it, but it also challenges my thought process and urges me to think in a different way and that's what I love about your writing. Never write what others want you to write or how they want you to write it. Stay exactly as your. I love my heart and mind to be challenged and that is what your writing does. Always write what you are passionate about and what guides you to be that boy who points out the truth. I may whinge sometimes about the things you write but that is me getting out all that rattles inside my head and heart, so I can finally sleep. I guess the truth sometimes is hard to swallow. Sending you immense gratitude with love 🤗
I'd been away from the conventional world of political discourse and social issues for years, any time I looked its way - it seemed like a cesspit of poor underachievers getting lorded over by rich incompetent nepotistic.....well you get the idea. You were my gateway to nuance (had to double check the spelling on that one) and so that led to the FSU and beyond. I know I'm not fit for "polite" society but at least it's now relatable.
I liked your way of approaching topics from the beginning (YouTube). I have noticed that I incline to like people with a Jewish background. I am not Jewish but lived with a Jewish family for a year as a teenager in the 60s and really appreciated their pragmatic and logical approach to life. So I wonder about that. How much does your Jewish ancestry (a diluted culture in the Soviet Union, I imagine) impact your way of thinking?
I value smart people speaking honestly about reality.
Not easy to find that combination now.