47 Comments
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Safir Ahmed's avatar

Whether you see yourself this way or not, Lee, you're among the crucial players of a new movement of journalists and commentators defined by their non-ideological pursuit of truth, their passion for shining the light in places that the major media platforms ignore (intentionally or not), and a movement that gives the rest of us hope that we may still strive for a more perfect union.

Truly grateful for your passionate commitment to restore and revive the old-fashioned idea of journalism committed to the public's right to know in a democratic and open society. Thank you!

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S. C's avatar

Well said. I agree!

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Lee Fang's avatar

That is very kind of you to say, Safir.

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Maria's avatar

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Lee! If it weren't for Substack, I wouldn't have experienced the great fortune to find you!

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Lee Fang's avatar

Thank you, you too

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Sera's avatar

Thank you, Lee. We’re on the line between two vastly different models for communication. I see this as a tremendously important point in our history and to think that the greatest talent in the field is on the right side is comforting.

Here’s a comment which I submitted to the Times after an article about “alternative newsletters”:

“I found this article interesting and a good lesson in why Substack and similar sites are replacing legacy media in many people's world.

I just read a beautiful series of article about the genocide in Gaza by Chris Hedges.

Formerly of the Times.

I read a very important series of articles about Ukraine and Russia by legendary journalist Seymour Hersh. Formerly of the Times.

I read an important update on Covid treatments by Alex Berenson.

Formerly of the Times.

I read a wonderful series of analyses of the Presidential election by Matt Taibbi, formerly of Rolling Stone, and his podcasts with Walter Kirn, formerly of just about everywhere.

I tune in to Rumble to hear Glenn Greenwald, formerly of the Guardian. His Pulitzer was for work with Edward Snowdon.

I also read an in depth review of the crimes being committed against the Palestinians, by Aaron Maté, who writes for The Grey Zone.

And a heartbreaking series by Matt Hoh, on his visit to Palestine.

RI also read rising voices such as Lee Fang, Katie Halper, Whitney Webb, Abby Martin, and so many more.

Nearly all of these important journalists can be found on Substack, Rumble, or other platforms supported directly by readers.

What you casually refer to as a site for 'alternative newsletters', attempting to make it sound like a high school newspaper, has taken over journalism. It's no longer a wannabe, it's a has-become, and it's quickly becoming the main source for journalism at the highest levels.

I read that the Times recently passed eleven million subscribers. Wow, that's a lot of Wordle addicts.”

They declined to publish it.

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Annissa's avatar

Well said! Thank you for sharing this comment; it represents many who have been feeling their way into this new post-legacy journalism landscape.

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BookWench's avatar

Beautifully written.

You phrased this so much better than I could have.

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Bonnie Blodgett's avatar

Honored to be in the Lee Fang Fan Club! Thanks for everything you do to keep us caring about the world.

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Kathryn Hennessy's avatar

Gratitude is everything and your readers are certainly grateful to you. Hope you have a wonderful holiday. Kathryn

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Susan Steffner's avatar

Happy Thanksgiving Lee Fang and Family....

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One After 909's avatar

Happy Thanksgiving, Lee. Congratulations on what you’ve accomplished and thank you for your contribution to the discourse.

I’m proud to be a very small part of it. It was that first Nikki Haley piece that got me.

I voted for Donald Trump and I’m looking forward to your holding this Administration’s feet to the fire.

Abandon Ideology. Tell the Truth or, at least, don’t lie.

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BookWench's avatar

Aw, that was lovely, Lee.

I am grateful to have found you, Leigh, & so many other actual journalists, who can keep me informed on what is really happening.

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Joel's avatar

Happy Thanksgiving Lee! Loved you when you were at The Intercept. Love you just as much on Substack. You never changed. Never compromised your integrity and principles, even when it was far more convenient to do so. Thats why I keep coming back.

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Carmena Su's avatar

Thank you Lee for your hard work and for telling the truth. Happy Thanksgiving from NZ.

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SW's avatar

It always takes courage to strike out on a new path with no guarantee of success and it’s great to see you’re feeling confident about your future in journalism. You do such interesting and well researched pieces, I always look forward to reading them. I’m thankful America is still producing young people like you. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Vicki C.'s avatar

Always enjoy your articles and podcasts. Enjoy your time either way your family and safe travels home.

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Elton Teng's avatar

Thank you Lee for the fine work. We support you for a reason.

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Clay Goldstein's avatar

Thank you for your work

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August West's avatar

Grateful the indie environment emerged and you are an integral component constituency.

Pax voscum.

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PamelaDrew's avatar

Authenticity, honesty w knowledge multiply the resistance and expand the spectrum of debate in ways where we all benefit... grateful to be part of public conversation as the new paradigm! <3

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