I’ve been asked why the Lillooet Gazette newsletter, in paper format, is on hiatus. The easy answer is I need a break and some time to refocus and recharge. Each one-page issue costs nearly $700 and though money has been offered I don’t accept donations since that could compromise my ability to speak freely and/or exert expectations/influence over editorial choices.

The complicated answer to the question is that it’s lonely out on the edge. As other citizen journalists will tell you, most of the time you’re going blind, which requires endless internal motivation, not unlike faith. When you’re working online you can see your stats, how many views and visits, how many followers, how many comments, etc. But paper format is different. You gather information that you know is important, you publish and distribute it as best you can, then pray it makes a difference. 

How much difference it makes is debatable. The reality is, many people (too many) are chained to mainstream “news” and are oblivious to what’s happening. They just want to believe that those in power are good and carry on living their lives. I don’t blame them; acquiring knowledge takes its toll, there’s a sacrifice involved. I know because I’m living it. Six years ago I sat in front of the TV news and believed every word they said. Then, one auspicious day, it was like I had a bag ripped off my head and I realized I had to stop trusting. Gradually, with lots of research, I learned that they were betraying us, either unwittingly or by design. And by “they” I mean, the so-called elites and all the institutions they own and control, including the dinosaur media. The extent of lies and corruption is breathtaking and stinks something fierce. Learning how the world really works is hard on the soul. And very destabilizing.

But knowledge gradually brings inner growth and strength. It’s crucial to be able to see clearly and not be numb and dumbed down. They’re adept at keeping us brainwashed, confused, exhausted and obedient. The only way out—and a great way to regain your mental health—is to yank our attention away from mainstream media. We have the internet, it’s still easy to find high quality sources of information from the people with integrity who have our backs. Many of them are highlighted here in this blog. 

I’ll continue working and posting articles and I’ll continue to carefully watch what’s going on in Council and what the town’s administration is doing. As we all know, sunlight is the best disinfectant; without public oversight or media spotlight the people who manage things can lose perspective. The demise of the historic Bridge River Lillooet News (83 years!) started by the infamous, irascible, truth-loving Margaret (Ma) Murray came as quite a shock. And it’s a dangerous time to be without a newspaper.

For those of us trying to raise awareness and doing the hard work on behalf of everyone else, it’s best to remember the wise words of anthropologist, Margaret Mead: Never doubt that a small group of committed and thoughtful citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.