Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
@dsmithweb.bsky.social
Pro-democracy tech, media & innovation policy wonk | lawyer & strategic policy counsel | ex civil servant (sr policy advisor) | recovering academic | Oxford comma forever | #CanadaSky
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Doomscrolling = exercise
Posts = documenting (un)reality
Posts = documenting (un)reality
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Keep 'em coming! More!
Universities can use their endowments strategically to recruit top young researchers.
U of T hires three top U.S. scholars, plans for 100 new postdocs - The Globe and Mail share.google/5tirGz79w1Eh...
Universities can use their endowments strategically to recruit top young researchers.
U of T hires three top U.S. scholars, plans for 100 new postdocs - The Globe and Mail share.google/5tirGz79w1Eh...
U of T hires three top U.S. scholars, plans for 100 new postdocs
New hires include Canadian-born MIT astrophysicist Sara Seager
share.google
November 12, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Keep 'em coming! More!
Universities can use their endowments strategically to recruit top young researchers.
U of T hires three top U.S. scholars, plans for 100 new postdocs - The Globe and Mail share.google/5tirGz79w1Eh...
Universities can use their endowments strategically to recruit top young researchers.
U of T hires three top U.S. scholars, plans for 100 new postdocs - The Globe and Mail share.google/5tirGz79w1Eh...
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Teen Vogue has become a top-tier political journalism authority and doing this the day before election day is just cruel.
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Teen Vogue has become a top-tier political journalism authority and doing this the day before election day is just cruel.
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
As a former gamer, I cannot overstate how big of a deal this right-wing takeover of Electronic Arts is.
Are they going to create video games where they kidnap and dismember journalists like Jamal Khashoggi?
Are they going to create video games where they kidnap and dismember journalists like Jamal Khashoggi?
September 29, 2025 at 1:44 PM
As a former gamer, I cannot overstate how big of a deal this right-wing takeover of Electronic Arts is.
Are they going to create video games where they kidnap and dismember journalists like Jamal Khashoggi?
Are they going to create video games where they kidnap and dismember journalists like Jamal Khashoggi?
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
The last political column I was allowed to write in the @washingtonpost.com was a criticism of Obama.
His people took issue with my piece, but we were respectful.
Now he is tweeting in support of me.
This is how free political speech and respect for debate *actually works*.
Or used to work.
His people took issue with my piece, but we were respectful.
Now he is tweeting in support of me.
This is how free political speech and respect for debate *actually works*.
Or used to work.
September 18, 2025 at 2:56 PM
The last political column I was allowed to write in the @washingtonpost.com was a criticism of Obama.
His people took issue with my piece, but we were respectful.
Now he is tweeting in support of me.
This is how free political speech and respect for debate *actually works*.
Or used to work.
His people took issue with my piece, but we were respectful.
Now he is tweeting in support of me.
This is how free political speech and respect for debate *actually works*.
Or used to work.
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
This is how you do it folks: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker...
Gov. Pritzker Informs Public of Trump Administration’s Plans to Deploy Federal Agents to Chicago
Illinois leaders remain united against sending troops to Chicago, call for real public safety support instead of political theater
gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com
September 2, 2025 at 10:42 PM
This is how you do it folks: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker...
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Pritzker: To the members of the press who are assembled here today and listening across the country, I am asking for your courage to tell it like it is. This is not a time to pretend here that there are two sides to this story.
August 25, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Pritzker: To the members of the press who are assembled here today and listening across the country, I am asking for your courage to tell it like it is. This is not a time to pretend here that there are two sides to this story.
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Stay tuned. Big news coming for creating an alternative anti-fascist, pro-resistance information network here in Canada with @meidastouch.bsky.social
August 2, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Stay tuned. Big news coming for creating an alternative anti-fascist, pro-resistance information network here in Canada with @meidastouch.bsky.social
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Elon Musk's anti-woke MechaHitler proudly announces a new contract with the Department of Defense
July 14, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Elon Musk's anti-woke MechaHitler proudly announces a new contract with the Department of Defense
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
“After years of political polarization, we’re suddenly (mostly) united…We’re demonstrating a David-versus-Goliath resilience that we didn’t realize we had…The message is clear: forget post-nationalism. It’s taken the risk of losing Canada to realize how much we appreciate it.” #CanadaSky 🇨🇦
Canada’s New Nationalism - Macleans.ca
This country has spent 250 years fighting American aggression. Here we go again.
macleans.ca
July 1, 2025 at 11:57 AM
“After years of political polarization, we’re suddenly (mostly) united…We’re demonstrating a David-versus-Goliath resilience that we didn’t realize we had…The message is clear: forget post-nationalism. It’s taken the risk of losing Canada to realize how much we appreciate it.” #CanadaSky 🇨🇦
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
scoop: Skydance's David Ellison has held early talks about acquiring The Free Press.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/b...
Bari Weiss et al could have a role in shaping the editorial voice of CBS News, if the deal comes to fruition.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/b...
Bari Weiss et al could have a role in shaping the editorial voice of CBS News, if the deal comes to fruition.
Skydance Is in Early Talks to Acquire The Free Press
www.nytimes.com
July 11, 2025 at 5:16 PM
scoop: Skydance's David Ellison has held early talks about acquiring The Free Press.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/b...
Bari Weiss et al could have a role in shaping the editorial voice of CBS News, if the deal comes to fruition.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/b...
Bari Weiss et al could have a role in shaping the editorial voice of CBS News, if the deal comes to fruition.
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
I am grieving the barbarism that is going to unfurl from all this. People are going to die. Livelihoods gone. All to feed a corrupt kleptocracy.
I see every day up close how different it is from the first time around. There are no guardrails. A disaster. I’m sorry we have to live through this.
I see every day up close how different it is from the first time around. There are no guardrails. A disaster. I’m sorry we have to live through this.
July 3, 2025 at 8:00 PM
I am grieving the barbarism that is going to unfurl from all this. People are going to die. Livelihoods gone. All to feed a corrupt kleptocracy.
I see every day up close how different it is from the first time around. There are no guardrails. A disaster. I’m sorry we have to live through this.
I see every day up close how different it is from the first time around. There are no guardrails. A disaster. I’m sorry we have to live through this.
“After years of political polarization, we’re suddenly (mostly) united…We’re demonstrating a David-versus-Goliath resilience that we didn’t realize we had…The message is clear: forget post-nationalism. It’s taken the risk of losing Canada to realize how much we appreciate it.” #CanadaSky 🇨🇦
Canada’s New Nationalism - Macleans.ca
This country has spent 250 years fighting American aggression. Here we go again.
macleans.ca
July 1, 2025 at 11:57 AM
“After years of political polarization, we’re suddenly (mostly) united…We’re demonstrating a David-versus-Goliath resilience that we didn’t realize we had…The message is clear: forget post-nationalism. It’s taken the risk of losing Canada to realize how much we appreciate it.” #CanadaSky 🇨🇦
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Canada is one of the EU’s closest partners – and a trusted friend.
Today, I am proud to sign a new Security and Defence Partnership with Canada.
At a time of rising tensions, it will deepen our defence ties and unlock new cooperation.
Today, I am proud to sign a new Security and Defence Partnership with Canada.
At a time of rising tensions, it will deepen our defence ties and unlock new cooperation.
June 23, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Canada is one of the EU’s closest partners – and a trusted friend.
Today, I am proud to sign a new Security and Defence Partnership with Canada.
At a time of rising tensions, it will deepen our defence ties and unlock new cooperation.
Today, I am proud to sign a new Security and Defence Partnership with Canada.
At a time of rising tensions, it will deepen our defence ties and unlock new cooperation.
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Grok’s going to get one of Musk’s updates again. Can’t wait to see what conspiracy theory it just repeats nonstop this time.
June 18, 2025 at 3:44 AM
Grok’s going to get one of Musk’s updates again. Can’t wait to see what conspiracy theory it just repeats nonstop this time.
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
We've just updated the @wired.com guide to protecting your privacy while attending protests with the latest best practices. @agreenberg.bsky.social and @lhn.bsky.social report: www.wired.com/story/how-to...
How to Protest Safely in the Age of Surveillance
Law enforcement has more tools than ever to track your movements and access your communications. Here’s how to protect your privacy if you plan to protest.
www.wired.com
June 12, 2025 at 7:31 PM
We've just updated the @wired.com guide to protecting your privacy while attending protests with the latest best practices. @agreenberg.bsky.social and @lhn.bsky.social report: www.wired.com/story/how-to...
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
I told you we’d be back
June 12, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I told you we’d be back
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Seems extremely bad www.cnbc.com/2025/06/09/r...
RFK Jr. removes all members of CDC panel advising U.S. on vaccines
It's the latest move by Kennedy – a prominent vaccine skeptic – to change and potentially undermine vaccinations in the U.S. since he took the helm at HHS.
www.cnbc.com
June 9, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Seems extremely bad www.cnbc.com/2025/06/09/r...
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Fresh off a national election, Canadian political leaders face a long to-do list on tech policy and a brewing trade war with the US. Tech Policy Press Associate Editor Cristiano Lima-Strong spoke with three experts, Renee Black, Maroussia Lévesque, and Vass Bednar, on what’s ahead for the country.
Podcast: Canada’s Post-Election Outlook On Tech Policy | TechPolicy.Press
Tech Policy Press associate editor Cristiano Lima-Strong talks about what's in store in Canada with Renee Black, Maroussia Lévesque, and Vass Bednar.
www.techpolicy.press
June 6, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Fresh off a national election, Canadian political leaders face a long to-do list on tech policy and a brewing trade war with the US. Tech Policy Press Associate Editor Cristiano Lima-Strong spoke with three experts, Renee Black, Maroussia Lévesque, and Vass Bednar, on what’s ahead for the country.
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
Pentagon officials have called on SpaceX rivals to speed up development of alternative rockets and spacecraft.
A NASA official said the feud between Trump and Musk was initially “entertaining. Until Musk called for decommissioning Dragon. Then it turned really terrifying.” (WaPo)
A NASA official said the feud between Trump and Musk was initially “entertaining. Until Musk called for decommissioning Dragon. Then it turned really terrifying.” (WaPo)
June 7, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Pentagon officials have called on SpaceX rivals to speed up development of alternative rockets and spacecraft.
A NASA official said the feud between Trump and Musk was initially “entertaining. Until Musk called for decommissioning Dragon. Then it turned really terrifying.” (WaPo)
A NASA official said the feud between Trump and Musk was initially “entertaining. Until Musk called for decommissioning Dragon. Then it turned really terrifying.” (WaPo)
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
It's the Washington Monument in the background that really takes this to next-level dystopian
NEW: Unbelievable. A seemingly endless line of tanks & other military vehicles arrive in DC ahead of next week's parade.
They departed Texas 5 days ago.
What a colossal waste of time, money & military resources. All for a President who has shown zero respect for service personnel.
(🎥 DW)
They departed Texas 5 days ago.
What a colossal waste of time, money & military resources. All for a President who has shown zero respect for service personnel.
(🎥 DW)
June 7, 2025 at 5:14 PM
It's the Washington Monument in the background that really takes this to next-level dystopian
"We are taking away Elon's friends," a senior Trump administration official bluntly tells Rolling Stone. "If he wants them back, he will need to kiss Donald Trump's ass harder than he's ever kissed anybody's ass before in his entire life."
June 7, 2025 at 2:25 PM
"We are taking away Elon's friends," a senior Trump administration official bluntly tells Rolling Stone. "If he wants them back, he will need to kiss Donald Trump's ass harder than he's ever kissed anybody's ass before in his entire life."
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
I guess Musk will be forming a 3rd party.
June 6, 2025 at 10:22 PM
I guess Musk will be forming a 3rd party.
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
“Today is an important day for Canada, and it’s a day that has literally been decades in the making,” PM Mark Carney tells reporters in Ottawa after the tabling of his government’s bill to remove internal trade barriers and advance nation-building projects.
#cdnpoli
#cdnpoli
June 6, 2025 at 5:09 PM
“Today is an important day for Canada, and it’s a day that has literally been decades in the making,” PM Mark Carney tells reporters in Ottawa after the tabling of his government’s bill to remove internal trade barriers and advance nation-building projects.
#cdnpoli
#cdnpoli
Reposted by Deborah Smith-Webber 🇨🇦
An administration that puts someone like this in charge an $18 million grant program to fight violent extremism is not an administration that is taking fighting antisemitism seriously, no matter how many times they cite antisemitism to justify attacking universities.
Thomas Fugate, who has no apparent management or anti-terrorism experience, replaced an Army veteran with more than two decades of national security experience who resigned in March when the administration began cutting his staff.
By @hannahallam.bsky.social
By @hannahallam.bsky.social
“The Intern in Charge”: Meet the 22-Year-Old Trump’s Team Picked to Lead Terrorism Prevention
One year out of college and with no apparent national security expertise, Thomas Fugate is the Department of Homeland Security official tasked with overseeing the government’s main hub for combating…
www.propublica.org
June 6, 2025 at 5:08 PM
An administration that puts someone like this in charge an $18 million grant program to fight violent extremism is not an administration that is taking fighting antisemitism seriously, no matter how many times they cite antisemitism to justify attacking universities.