Elon Musk's Twitter Play Is Why I'm Restarting Direct Left
Anti-left dominance on social (and traditional) media makes it more important than ever to maintain a left-focused media presence.
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When Russia invaded Ukraine, I stepped back from using the words “left” and “leftism” because I felt I was contributing to leftist divisions over the war. I suspended the name ‘Direct Left’ and decided to put more positive energy into the world through music, mutual aid, etc., and to do more self-reflection.
This hiatus from 24/7 political battle has helped me regroup and refocus. I appreciate your patience and understanding as I’ve gone through this internal process.
Now, as Elon Musk toys with a Twitter takeover, and as big tech platforms cull leftist voices, it’s more important than ever to maintain a media presence on the left. In that spirit, I’m bringing back Direct Left on Substack and on Twitter. I’m also restarting my weekly conversations on Callin.
In the past few weeks, I’ve grappled with the challenge of how to play a productive political role on platforms plagued by constant trolling and venom. My conclusion: Remain laser-focused on standing with the victims of oppression and injustice, and avoid all other distractions.
Going forward, I’ll be doing just that.
Glad you are back, Peter. Your voice is needed more than ever.
I appreciate this, especially about maintaining a media presence on the left. That's why I've decided to upgrade to a paid subscriber. I have left Twitter since the Musk purchase announcement. I watched what he did to his workers in California in 2020, illegally recalling them to his factory long before vaccines resulting in more than 400 confirmed COVID infections. And that's just the beginning; his list of worker abuse is long and there have been no repercussions.
Musk has stated he will make the Twitter algorithm open source, which sounds great in the abstract, however I strongly suspect those with the resources to quickly analyze it and learn how to game it will amplify their own voices above all others. There may be free speech, but only the ones seen will have their speech considered. Many are likely to completely disappear.
I will keep up pressure on Congress to enforce anti-trust laws, end corporate welfare (from which Musk has benefited handsomely, by the way) and tax the rich appropriately, among other things. I want voices on the left to not only powerfully oppose Musk and his ideology but to influence lawmakers by gaining support amongst the many who’s voices need to be more visible, not less. That’s why I’ll pay for this. I really hope you can help, and make a difference.
Best of luck.