Kausik
@kausikdatta22.bsky.social
Dipping my toes in the azure firmament. Opinions mine & mine alone. Usual disclaimers apply, of course. He/Him, distinctly Brown, human to cats.
Reposted by Kausik
Periodically, throughout our history, the first amendment has been abused. But never like it is now. In fact, the freedom of expression we once took for granted is, for the moment at least, gone. It's future depends on us. My latest. www.thedailybeast.com/rip-the-firs...
R.I.P. the First Amendment, Killed by Cowardice and Greed
We will all mourn eventually. Even the long list of those who murdered our foundational freedom.
www.thedailybeast.com
September 18, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Periodically, throughout our history, the first amendment has been abused. But never like it is now. In fact, the freedom of expression we once took for granted is, for the moment at least, gone. It's future depends on us. My latest. www.thedailybeast.com/rip-the-firs...
Reposted by Kausik
Weird right? He used to support the first amendment
September 18, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Weird right? He used to support the first amendment
Reposted by Kausik
“Technology firms behind artificial intelligence–based note-taking software — marketed to therapists as a time-saving administrative tool — have quietly included provisions in their terms and conditions that allow patients’ therapy records to be sold and manipulated to train other AI applications.”
Your Therapists’ Notes Could Become Fodder For AI
Tech companies are marketing AI-based note-taking software to therapists as a new time-saving tool. But by signing up, providers may be unknowingly offering patients’ sensitive health information as d...
jacobin.com
September 17, 2025 at 5:22 PM
“Technology firms behind artificial intelligence–based note-taking software — marketed to therapists as a time-saving administrative tool — have quietly included provisions in their terms and conditions that allow patients’ therapy records to be sold and manipulated to train other AI applications.”
Reposted by Kausik
Free speech US style: Australian journalists banned from Trump UK press conference after one had angered him in the USA with his questions bit.ly/4n9a3kL ‘logistical reasons’ cited but clearly either US or UK organisers decided to ban them.
ABC barred from Trump’s UK press conference after his clash with Australian journalist John Lyons
Exclusive: London bureau of Australia’s national broadcaster informed accreditation removed for ‘logistical reasons’
bit.ly
September 18, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Free speech US style: Australian journalists banned from Trump UK press conference after one had angered him in the USA with his questions bit.ly/4n9a3kL ‘logistical reasons’ cited but clearly either US or UK organisers decided to ban them.
Reposted by Kausik
Let’s be clear: This is government censorship. The government is telling, through pressure, private corporations what they can and cannot say and air.
It is incredibly dangerous and is the beginning of the end of free speech in America.
It is incredibly dangerous and is the beginning of the end of free speech in America.
After Trump’s FCC chair, demanded ABC take action against against Kimmel for his comments on Kirk, Nexstar, the largest operator of ABC affiliates announced it would pull Kimmel from its stations
Then ABC said it was taking Kimmel off the air
Nexstar is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2B merger
Then ABC said it was taking Kimmel off the air
Nexstar is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2B merger
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Enters into Definitive Agreement To Acquire TEGNA Inc. for $6.2 Billion in Accretive Transaction | Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Enhances Nexstar’s Position as a Leading Local Media Company Preserves High-Quality Local Journalism and Diversity of Opinion Strengthens Ability to
www.nexstar.tv
September 18, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Let’s be clear: This is government censorship. The government is telling, through pressure, private corporations what they can and cannot say and air.
It is incredibly dangerous and is the beginning of the end of free speech in America.
It is incredibly dangerous and is the beginning of the end of free speech in America.
Reposted by Kausik
Not to continue to do this Cassandra bullshit, but here is a clip from two years ago that outlines exactly the playbook in this moment: a government and private law enforcement army run entirely on grievance, culture war slop, and weaponizable data points, deployed against boogeymen, absent facts.
September 17, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Not to continue to do this Cassandra bullshit, but here is a clip from two years ago that outlines exactly the playbook in this moment: a government and private law enforcement army run entirely on grievance, culture war slop, and weaponizable data points, deployed against boogeymen, absent facts.
Reposted by Kausik
As news was breaking of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show being suspended, guests booked on Wednesday's episode were already on their way to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood where "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is recorded, sources told CNN. https://cnn.it/4guEX4n
September 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM
As news was breaking of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show being suspended, guests booked on Wednesday's episode were already on their way to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood where "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is recorded, sources told CNN. https://cnn.it/4guEX4n
Reposted by Kausik
"In liberal democratic societies, converting power to wealth was like cold fusion: In theory it should work; in practice it was impossible to achieve. One of Donald Trump’s great innovations is that he cracked this code."
Elon Musk’s Trillion-Dollar Payday
Who wants to be a trillionaire!
www.thebulwark.com
September 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM
"In liberal democratic societies, converting power to wealth was like cold fusion: In theory it should work; in practice it was impossible to achieve. One of Donald Trump’s great innovations is that he cracked this code."
Reposted by Kausik
BREAKING: ABC has pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely following comments he made in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder.
Trump’s FCC chair earlier appeared on MAGA propagandist Benny Johnson’s show and threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcast license if they didn’t take action against him.
Trump’s FCC chair earlier appeared on MAGA propagandist Benny Johnson’s show and threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcast license if they didn’t take action against him.
September 17, 2025 at 10:52 PM
BREAKING: ABC has pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely following comments he made in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder.
Trump’s FCC chair earlier appeared on MAGA propagandist Benny Johnson’s show and threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcast license if they didn’t take action against him.
Trump’s FCC chair earlier appeared on MAGA propagandist Benny Johnson’s show and threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcast license if they didn’t take action against him.
Reposted by Kausik
This is a massive, history making abuse of your power. It will define your legacy and one day you will come to regret punishing free speech and trying to destroy democracy.
September 18, 2025 at 12:53 AM
This is a massive, history making abuse of your power. It will define your legacy and one day you will come to regret punishing free speech and trying to destroy democracy.
Reposted by Kausik
America is now the home of government censorship. If you thought this only happened someplace else like North Korea, Russia or Iran, you’d be wrong. Trump has put the USA right alongside the most repressive governments in the world.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr: "There's actions we can take on licensed broadcasters. It's long past the time that...Comcast and Disney say 'We're not gonna run Kimmel anymore...because we licensed broadcasters are running the possibly of fines or licensed revocation from the FCC.'"
September 17, 2025 at 11:54 PM
America is now the home of government censorship. If you thought this only happened someplace else like North Korea, Russia or Iran, you’d be wrong. Trump has put the USA right alongside the most repressive governments in the world.
Reposted by Kausik
Very much looking forward to Elon Musk’s spirited defense of Jimmy Kimmel’s free speech.
America is now the home of government censorship. If you thought this only happened someplace else like North Korea, Russia or Iran, you’d be wrong. Trump has put the USA right alongside the most repressive governments in the world.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr: "There's actions we can take on licensed broadcasters. It's long past the time that...Comcast and Disney say 'We're not gonna run Kimmel anymore...because we licensed broadcasters are running the possibly of fines or licensed revocation from the FCC.'"
September 18, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Very much looking forward to Elon Musk’s spirited defense of Jimmy Kimmel’s free speech.
Reposted by Kausik
The blacklist capitulation by movie studios in response to the Joe McCarthy witch-hunt proves that there is NO history of corporations prioritizing values or free speech over profits. #JimmyKimmel
September 18, 2025 at 2:12 AM
The blacklist capitulation by movie studios in response to the Joe McCarthy witch-hunt proves that there is NO history of corporations prioritizing values or free speech over profits. #JimmyKimmel
Reposted by Kausik
Reposted by Kausik
It's important to realize what precipitated this was Nexstar announcing they pulled showing Kimmel on their affiliates. They're currently waiting for the FCC to loosen restrictions to enable their massive merger. This was as much pay to play by a corporation as it was censorship.
![Alt text:
Screenshot of a news excerpt. It reads:
"On August 19, 2025, Nexstar announced its intent to acquire Tegna for $6.2 billion; the acquisition would give it 265 stations in total, serving 80% of U.S. television households. In an interview with CNBC, Sook stated that the purchase was a move to '[play] offense and defense to maintain a vital industry for America and a vital resource for information,' and place Nexstar 'on a level playing field with Big Tech' in a 'fragmented and rapidly evolving marketplace.' Sook stated that in the 35 markets where this would create duopolies, Nexstar planned to keep station operations 'autonomous.' The agreement comes ahead of a possible loosening of FCC ownership limits by the second Trump administration."
The words “CNBC,” “Big Tech,” and “second Trump administration” are hyperlinked. There is a reference marker [127] at the end.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:sefgphqp2xqwh2hawaixykwz/bafkreihh3lzxvpnpkfjybetksjea24way2f2ulvn3z3m4orudvbdtfmxem@jpeg)
September 18, 2025 at 12:41 AM
It's important to realize what precipitated this was Nexstar announcing they pulled showing Kimmel on their affiliates. They're currently waiting for the FCC to loosen restrictions to enable their massive merger. This was as much pay to play by a corporation as it was censorship.
Reposted by Kausik
"What is coming next is a crackdown on Democratic Party fundraising. President Trump said we are going to go after those who raise funds for causes we don’t like."
www.mediaite.com/media/tv/the...
www.mediaite.com/media/tv/the...
‘The Suppression of Democratic Party Speech Is Coming’: Former Bush Aide Reacts to Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
David Frum warned on Wednesday that a "suppression of Democratic Party speech" was coming after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was taken off the air.
www.mediaite.com
September 18, 2025 at 2:13 AM
"What is coming next is a crackdown on Democratic Party fundraising. President Trump said we are going to go after those who raise funds for causes we don’t like."
www.mediaite.com/media/tv/the...
www.mediaite.com/media/tv/the...
Reposted by Kausik
We've reached the point where CDC medical experts are declining to speak publicly about vaccine safety because they’re afraid of being violently targeted by anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists. www.huffpost.com/entry/cdc-ex...
Fearing Violent Threats, CDC Medical Experts Are Scared To Talk About Vaccine Safety
"I have many that won't speak about vaccines now and have removed their names off of papers," said former CDC chief medical officer Debra Houry.
www.huffpost.com
September 18, 2025 at 1:00 AM
We've reached the point where CDC medical experts are declining to speak publicly about vaccine safety because they’re afraid of being violently targeted by anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists. www.huffpost.com/entry/cdc-ex...
Reposted by Kausik
Disney and ABC need to feel serious consequences for their collaboration with Trump and MAGA in censoring Kimmel. Economic consequences. Same with the owners of CBS and other organizations that capitulate. The only thing they understand or care about are their own bottom lines.
September 18, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Disney and ABC need to feel serious consequences for their collaboration with Trump and MAGA in censoring Kimmel. Economic consequences. Same with the owners of CBS and other organizations that capitulate. The only thing they understand or care about are their own bottom lines.
Reposted by Kausik
Pritzker: What's at stake here is free speech. It's our constitution and our way of life. Do we really want the president intimidating people, organizations to get others fired? People ought to be standing up and speaking out.
September 18, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Pritzker: What's at stake here is free speech. It's our constitution and our way of life. Do we really want the president intimidating people, organizations to get others fired? People ought to be standing up and speaking out.
Reposted by Kausik
After five months of digging, investigators have yet to produce a shred of evidence to support the charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James.
trib.al/NgJZICI
trib.al/NgJZICI
September 17, 2025 at 4:21 PM
After five months of digging, investigators have yet to produce a shred of evidence to support the charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James.
trib.al/NgJZICI
trib.al/NgJZICI
Reposted by Kausik
Pam Bondi’s pledge that the Trump administration will “absolutely target” people who use “hate speech” has prompted criticism from prominent conservatives.
Pam Bondi faces rightwing backlash for saying she’ll target ‘hate speech’ after Kirk killing
www.theguardian.com
September 17, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Pam Bondi’s pledge that the Trump administration will “absolutely target” people who use “hate speech” has prompted criticism from prominent conservatives.
Reposted by Kausik
we need young earth creationists in every biology department, antivax cranks in every medical school program, and climate deniers in every chemistry department
that Demsas piece about GOP affirmative action is exactly as bad as you'd think. this is Chait-level shit. this is Conor Friedersdorf quality.
September 17, 2025 at 3:49 PM
we need young earth creationists in every biology department, antivax cranks in every medical school program, and climate deniers in every chemistry department
Reposted by Kausik
Monarez starts hearing by stating clearly:
RFK Jr. directed me to pre-approve vaccine recommendations, regardless of scientific evidence
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIlW...
RFK Jr. directed me to pre-approve vaccine recommendations, regardless of scientific evidence
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIlW...
Senate HELP Hearing
YouTube video by Senate HELP Committee Republicans
www.youtube.com
September 17, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Monarez starts hearing by stating clearly:
RFK Jr. directed me to pre-approve vaccine recommendations, regardless of scientific evidence
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIlW...
RFK Jr. directed me to pre-approve vaccine recommendations, regardless of scientific evidence
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIlW...
Reposted by Kausik
This should not be necessary, and should go without saying.
But grateful that @mayorofchicago.bsky.social issued direct, unequivocal orders for police to proactively safeguard First Amendment rights—especially when other govt elements are actively threatening them.
abcnews.go.com/US/chicago-m...
But grateful that @mayorofchicago.bsky.social issued direct, unequivocal orders for police to proactively safeguard First Amendment rights—especially when other govt elements are actively threatening them.
abcnews.go.com/US/chicago-m...
September 17, 2025 at 4:22 PM
This should not be necessary, and should go without saying.
But grateful that @mayorofchicago.bsky.social issued direct, unequivocal orders for police to proactively safeguard First Amendment rights—especially when other govt elements are actively threatening them.
abcnews.go.com/US/chicago-m...
But grateful that @mayorofchicago.bsky.social issued direct, unequivocal orders for police to proactively safeguard First Amendment rights—especially when other govt elements are actively threatening them.
abcnews.go.com/US/chicago-m...