SigMT

ese days, much of my reading and podcast listening involves sourcing my information from people of the le, but those that are sane and articulate arguments rather than spewing talking points. While I usually disagree with their conclusions, once they gain my respect as reasonable thinkers, they challenge me to formulate counterarguments. Let's be clear. ose of us who champion free expression and speech necessarily must appreciate the ability to hear opposing points of view. If we only want to hear ideas we agree with, who needs free speech? is is an excellent place to introduce some interesting thought leaders. And yes, while most are what we would consider heterodox thinkers, all proudly proclaim their status as 'liberals' or of being 'of the le.' Dark Horse Podcast Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying were two le-wing professors at Evergreen State College when, in 2017, Weinstein made the seemingly innocuous comment, "On a college campus, one's right to speak — or to be — must never be based on skin color." is caused all hell to break loose. Ultimately, they (husband and wife) were run off of the campus and eventually reached a half a million-dollar selement with the College. As evolutionary biologists, they are staunch defenders of the scientific method. is has led them to raise questions about conventional wisdom, most recently regarding Covid-19 and possible treatments, including ivermectin. Bemoaning the unscientific basis for worshiping at the idol of 'the science,' to the exclusion of contrary hypotheses, their unconventional ideas have labeled them, 'far right' or "quacks." Just listen to them. ey are thoughtful and analytical, and their droll, married back and forth style is quite charming. Blocked and Reported is podcast is presented by two leist writers, Katie Herzog (a married lesbian referred to as a "TERF") and Jesse Singal (New York Times, e Atlantic), and usually focuses on the internet outrage of the moment. Katie and Jesse are both 'very online,' and their discussions are enlightening and amusing—even if they do lead you to conclude that Twier is a junior high gossip-fest for journalists. While I oen disagree with Katie and Jesse, they are intellectually honest, they are staunch defenders of free expression, and they're usually "LOL" funny. (Warning: is podcast oen discusses gender/trans issues, and the humor oen includes profanity and 'politically incorrect' perspectives.) Ma Taibbi Ma Taibbi started his writing career in Uzbekistan and Russia as a freelance journalist. He became more famous for writing about the 2008 financial crisis in Rolling Stone Magazine. Ma's writing is incisive and thorough. It is hard not to feel that you have gained a new perspective aer reading an in-depth piece. Check out his Substack. (If you don't know what a "Substack" is, you need to get with the program. Google it!) Glenn Greenwald Glenn founded the site, e Intercept in 2014. While he is perhaps best known for publishing some of Edward Snowden's materials, he was also known for his critiques of US spy and law enforcement agencies during the post-9/11 years through the Patriot Act. While I was dismissive of these critiques at the time, his ongoing complaints about the surveillance state ring true aer the events of the last five to six years. I now realize that he was right, and I was wrong. He is a commied man of the le, though intellectually honest and a staunch defender of liberty. Isn't it funny how our 'enemies' can now be our 'allies?' What do these journalists have in common? ey are intellectually honest, argue in good faith, have strong beliefs in favor of liberty…and they're leists. I think you will find that when challenging your ideas and beliefs with those of people you disagree with, you will beer understand the issues, and your arguments will be beer formulated, more persuasive, and more cogent. If you have any recommendations, pass them along! 98 | SIGNATURE MONTANA ADVERTISER INDEX ANDERSON SPECIALTY PHARMACY ...... 91 BIGELOW ENDODONTICS .......................... 4 BURNT IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY .............. 73 CATALYST COMMERCIAL ........................ 33 CENTRAL MONTANA EYECARE .............. 91 CITY BAR ................................................... 39 CITY MOTOR COMPANY ........................... 44 C.M. RUSSELL MUSEUM .......................... 57 COLORWORKS LLC .................................. 68 CONTRACT FLOORING .............................. 9 DOWNTOWN SUMMER JAM ..................... 67 DR. LAWN LANDSCAPING ......................... 3 DUROCHER & WINTER PC ......................... 5 EDWARD JONES ....................................... 97 ELECTRIC CITY WATER PARK ................. 11 ENBAR ........................................................ 68 ERIC HINEBAUCH AGENCY ..................... 95 FERRINS FURNITURE ............................... 95 FETCH ......................................................... 99 FLAWLESS AUTO BODY ............................. 8 GREAT FALLS ASSN OF REALTORS ...... 89 GREAT FALLS CLINIC ...........BACK COVER GREAT FALLS VOYAGERS ....................... 39 GUSTO ........................................................ 14 HAUTE HIVE ............................................... 21 HAVRE BENEATH THE STREETS ............ 15 IRIS SENOIR LIVING .................................. 83 KAUFMANS ................................................ 15 KONA ICE ................................................... 65 LIVE IN GREAT FALLS MONTANA ........... 25 MIGHTY MO BREW CO. ............................ 89 MOUNTAIN SAGE GALLERY .................... 49 NOBLE'S LIQUOR ...................................... 15 NORTH 40 OUTFITTERS ............................. 2 ON BROADWAY ......................................... 73 OPPOSING BIG SKY NHA ......................... 44 ROCKY MOUNTAIN HARDSCAPES ......... 21 SAVAGE MOTOR SPORTS ........................ 44 SIGNATURE MT'S REALTOR .................... 34 SMOOT HONEY .......................................... 83 STREET BURGERS ................................... 73 SUMMER DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY ........... 33 TACO JOHN'S ............................................ 39 TARUM LAW OFFICE ................................. 97 THE NEWBERRY ........................................ 89 TIRE RAMA ................................................. 68 TRACYS FAMILY RESTAURANT .............. 74 UNIVERSAL LENDING ............................... 95 WHEAT MONTANA ..................................... 13 WILKINSON FINE HOMES ......................... 20 WINSTON GALLERY .................................. 91 SIGNATURE MONTANA | THE LAST WORD BY GREGG SMITH S MT I get really tired of the 'talking points' media on both the le and the right. Just as I don't want to listen to MSNBC's talking head du jour whining about Trump, I also doze when listening to Sean Hannity's endless recitation of the crimes of the Democrat party dating back to the 90s. Neither side advances the argument but just deepens the divide. When was the last time you heard something insightful from the corporate media? Can you even remember? Ever? I began seeking out information from different sources and made an interesting discovery. ere are people who disagree with me who are rational, thoughtful, and articulate. Who would have thought, right?

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