There is also a latitude for staff writers at Daily Kos, which is uncommon among the so-called mainstream media.
So many of you have told us in the comments that you’re grateful for our work because we don’t have to both-sides every issue. Sorry, not sorry! Our writers don’t both-sides systemic racism, sexism, or discrimination—or insurrection, for that matter!
We get to be honest and write about the world that we live in with a genuinely critical eye. We can be authentic in our work about the challenges we face as a society. We can be bold when called for—in ways that simply aren’t permitted or readily accepted at other media organizations. We can read your feedback and listen to your ideas in real-time, and we can explore and write about issues you care about because of this.
When you show our staff writers love and appreciation, we know it’s no small compliment. We understand: You can read about current events anywhere. You can read analysis anywhere. But you chose us because you want something more. You want something real.
You want "news you can do something about,” as our masthead proclaims. We want to be here to share that news and give you ways to act.
If our Content team is laid off, as proposed by Daily Kos management, and the content and analysis you have come to love are largely replaced by Associated Press reports, then this cherished dynamic will change—and not for the better. The diversity of voices—including yours from the Community—will be diluted.
Disinformation reigns and threats to the bedrock principles of our democracy continue. What happens when the spaces created for progressive writers dry up into a husk of their former glory?
When you offer comments and support like some of the messages we’ve highlighted below, it isn’t just a pat on the head, and the Daily Kos Guild knows that. What we—Daily Kos writers and the Community—talk about and how we talk about it determines how we get active and how we foment change for good.
You all showed up for us in the comments and on social media. We can’t share them all here (though we’d love to!), but here’s a good sample of the feedback we’ve received just this month, and especially since the announcement of our potential layoffs:
From wandering in samsara:
Ms. Buchman, highest respect for this outstanding article, both for its substance and its sparkling clarity. I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
And NVmrT:
Thanks, Rebekah, and commenters, for a fascinating article. As a vivid dreamer, I have long believed that dreams like these are a means of connecting to the spiritual world and our departed friends and family.
And rflctammt:
Thank you so much for bringing attention to this crisis in education, Rebekah. I can well imagine how emotionally draining, if not outright traumatizing it must be to be a teacher of color these days. Most particularly one tasked with teaching the honest history of the world, America, or any state thereof.
And Megalion:
I look forward to the rest of this series. So much to understand and thank you for taking us with you on the journey.
And Amaze:
I can’t begin to imagine what my day would look like, every day, without DKos, my sanity.
And elenacarlena:
Kos, your newer writers have breathed new life into your FP and this site in general, vastly improving your diversity of thought. You very much need to keep them!
And bobbobbobbin:
Would it be too late for us all to donate to save some employee jobs? Content will suffer and this is one of the few news sites left worth reading. How much would be enough?
And bjkingape:
This call for transparency and for finding alternative ways to cut expenses, vs letting over 1/4 of key staff members go, is absolutely right. Progressive values matter IN HOUSE, as well as "out there." Thank you for publishing this, and putting the situation into the light of day. Many, many in this community support you. I’m sharing the post and the petition.
And Twitter:
We had offers of support for management, as well, including this list of Unsolicted Suggestions On How to Boost DKos' Bottom Line and Keep Everyone Employed, Union or Not by mt41w, and this statement of solidarity from Glen The Plumber, who wrote
good morning: as a strong supporter of union labor...UA local #393...I will not be providing answers to your home repair questions until Daily Kos management agrees to meet and negotiate with the site’s union employees at the Daily Kos Guild.
if this site wants to be the home of progressive activists...it must put the concerns of workers first...starting with their own.
Thank you for your support. Thank you for your outreach. And most of all, thank you for being courageous Community members—online and off.
Tell Daily Kos to uphold its mission, values, and commitment to working people.
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