Originally published on LewRockwell.com, December 23, 2023. Apparently, there's a "Nazi problem" on Substack. I wasn't aware of this. And I spend a decent amount of time on the site. I publish there myself, and I follow a good number of writers there. I initially went because of the promise to allow free speech on topics that had been actively censored on other social-media platforms, and I have stayed because of that free speech, but also because of the quality of discourse there. It tends to be much more civil and thoughtful than on other platforms.
Great post, seldom do I find something that I completely agree with.
I particularly liked the way you spelled out your (8) characteristics of a Nazi, and the fact that power was the key element. - most of your (8) points could be used to describe the present Democratic Party - or Jonathan Katz (who appears to be more ideological than intelligent)
Three cheers for you, free speech, and Substack!
Also, I’m sick & tired of labels and name calling. What JK calls Nazis are marginalized powerless cosplayers (and maybe democrats) - real Nazis are history. FJK!
Excellent and well-deserved takedown of Katz's pathetic whine. As you say, in hindsight we've cut people like Katz more slack than they deserve, and the time for doing that has ended.
I get a large percentage of my news and commentary from substack BECAUSE it's uncensored. The only social media I use is gab. If it's legal to say it, you can say it on gab. I'll admit there are plenty of Nazis and racists there, but no one is forced to read their garbage.
Exactly. Let the Nazis publish their drivel to their drooling followers, so we know who they are and what they're up to. What good will it do driving them underground?
Great point. "Know thy enemy." I've often wished for the downfall of legacy media, but now I'm rethinking it because then how would we know our enemy? ;-)
Understood. I've since been reading other Substackers' responses to Katz, especially since the statement put out by the Substack founders erupted into some pretty intense debate. Gotta say, though, the anti-Katz pieces are winning, hands down.
OH, thank you!! It's been a little scary on Substack, I thought I'd finally found the promised land, only to find it overrun with Lilliputians with small torches and pitchforks. Freedom of speech means allowing speech by those with whom you don't agree. Otherwise, it's just another echo chamber. (It's starting to get political as well, I am starting to realize that most of my favorite writers would consider me a troglodyte if I reveal how I've voted. Sad. I got it out of my system a bit here.)
for the record, I favor unlimited speech or writing. period. I am responsible for reading or not other folks’ comments or content. I am responsible for understanding or not what other folks write. I am responsible for reading, skimming, or skipping what other folks write.
if staff folks have a question of whether or not to moderate, don’t moderate.
to folks who demand comment or content moderation: in my opinion, generally, you can probably do best by going home to your maker through putting yourself to sleep.
Bingo. And it is telling that hardly anyone even knew about these "Nazis" until Katz, et al drew attention to them. On Substack, more than on other platforms, you really only see what you want to see.
I agree. I find lots of things unpleasant to read, so I pass by them. That is how I act as my own personal "censor," but I don't want anybody making my choices for me. Censorship is a tool of tyranny. The crazies who like fascism are harmless to me if all they do is spew their views on a page. The government now -- that's different. They can harm any of us for the wrong view.
Great post, seldom do I find something that I completely agree with.
I particularly liked the way you spelled out your (8) characteristics of a Nazi, and the fact that power was the key element. - most of your (8) points could be used to describe the present Democratic Party - or Jonathan Katz (who appears to be more ideological than intelligent)
Three cheers for you, free speech, and Substack!
Also, I’m sick & tired of labels and name calling. What JK calls Nazis are marginalized powerless cosplayers (and maybe democrats) - real Nazis are history. FJK!
Thank you!
Excellent and well-deserved takedown of Katz's pathetic whine. As you say, in hindsight we've cut people like Katz more slack than they deserve, and the time for doing that has ended.
Your description of Nazism fits perfectly with today's western governments.
nazi, communist, etc serve the same hidden masters
I get a large percentage of my news and commentary from substack BECAUSE it's uncensored. The only social media I use is gab. If it's legal to say it, you can say it on gab. I'll admit there are plenty of Nazis and racists there, but no one is forced to read their garbage.
You are absolutely right! Thank you for explaining it so well.
Exactly. Let the Nazis publish their drivel to their drooling followers, so we know who they are and what they're up to. What good will it do driving them underground?
Great point. "Know thy enemy." I've often wished for the downfall of legacy media, but now I'm rethinking it because then how would we know our enemy? ;-)
100%! Although, "Go to hell" is too nice. I would say, FUCK OFF! Matt Taibbi also had (very good) choice words for Katz: https://www.racket.news/p/tireless-busybodies-again-target?publication_id=1042&post_id=139719855&isFreemail=false&r=mzsp6
Yes, I enjoyed Matt's piece. And I agree - but I try to keep this as family-friendly as possible.
Understood. I've since been reading other Substackers' responses to Katz, especially since the statement put out by the Substack founders erupted into some pretty intense debate. Gotta say, though, the anti-Katz pieces are winning, hands down.
I don't know if you saw this piece, but it appears even I gave Katz too much credit!
https://zerograv.substack.com/p/the-atlantic-has-a-sloppiness-problem
Yes, that was one of them. Just saw (and liked) your comment there. :-)
do you believe someone from the Atlantic? hm.
Brilliant!
Bookmarked for reference.
OH, thank you!! It's been a little scary on Substack, I thought I'd finally found the promised land, only to find it overrun with Lilliputians with small torches and pitchforks. Freedom of speech means allowing speech by those with whom you don't agree. Otherwise, it's just another echo chamber. (It's starting to get political as well, I am starting to realize that most of my favorite writers would consider me a troglodyte if I reveal how I've voted. Sad. I got it out of my system a bit here.)
https://rightfootforward.substack.com/p/yin-and-yang-fight-it-out
Excellent post, Bretigne. I subscribed specifically because of it, and shared it on my FB feed. Thank you for your eloquence.
Thank you!!!
37 for unlimited speech or writing
by Doc Ellis 124
don't look at what you don't like
http://tinyurl.com/2xym8a7e
for the record, I favor unlimited speech or writing. period. I am responsible for reading or not other folks’ comments or content. I am responsible for understanding or not what other folks write. I am responsible for reading, skimming, or skipping what other folks write.
if staff folks have a question of whether or not to moderate, don’t moderate.
to folks who demand comment or content moderation: in my opinion, generally, you can probably do best by going home to your maker through putting yourself to sleep.
Bingo. And it is telling that hardly anyone even knew about these "Nazis" until Katz, et al drew attention to them. On Substack, more than on other platforms, you really only see what you want to see.
that's fast....
Happy New Year to you and to your circle folks. I hope you prosper and achieve personal fulfilment throughout 2024 and beyond.
And the same right back to you! Happy 2024!!!
And with the Barbara Streisand effect, Katz probably increased the Nazis' followings.
No kidding! You can't buy that kind of publicity. Shall we "call him out" for helping them?
Talk about burying the lede (lol).
I agree. I find lots of things unpleasant to read, so I pass by them. That is how I act as my own personal "censor," but I don't want anybody making my choices for me. Censorship is a tool of tyranny. The crazies who like fascism are harmless to me if all they do is spew their views on a page. The government now -- that's different. They can harm any of us for the wrong view.
You tell 'em, Bretigne!
LOL! Thanks!
Bravo, a thousand times.