They talked me into doing the second episode of Freethought Blog’s Podish-Sortacast! We’ll go live at the top of the hour:
The Bolingbrook Babbler
The truth is unbelievable!
They talked me into doing the second episode of Freethought Blog’s Podish-Sortacast! We’ll go live at the top of the hour:
Join the members of Freethought Blogs, including me, as we reflect on the 10th anniversary of the network. From its beginnings as a general atheist blog to its current reputation as the home for socially conscious bloggers. It’s been through the Deep Rift, the Trump Administration, and many personnel changes. It’s had quite a history. The one thing that has stayed consistent, in my opinion, are the bloggers’ desire to work for change, both in terms of speaking out for atheists, and advocating for a just world. Because there is no invisible hand bending the arc of justice. Humans have to work to bend it.
It will be live at 16:00 Central Time. Come join us and feel free to ask your (reasonable) questions, or add a comment.
As some of you know, I’ve been working on a novel for several years based on my Bolingbrook Babbler stories. I don’t regret taking a long time to write it, but sometimes I’ve wondered if the Winds of Winter would come out before I published The Rift.
Now the story is close to a publishable form, I’m going to take the rest of June off to focus on editing the novel. I’ll resume posting here in early July, hopefully after I’ve sent the draft to my editor.
It’s been quite a journey writing this story, but a journey has to end eventually. Hopefully, the destination is a book most of you will like.
On the eve of the first Juneteenth Holiday, Rabbi Adam Chalom, the rabbi of Kol Hadash and the North American Dean of International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, discussed the history of slavery and the Jewish people. As he describes, the Jewish people neither dominated the slave trade nor were they all abolitionists. Instead, some Jewish people were involved with the slave trade, and some sought to abolish slavery in the United States. It is a complicated legacy.
As PZ announced, Freethought Blogs has paid off its legal debt related to Richard Carrier’s SLAPP suit.
We’ve been plugging away at out part — witness the various fundraisers we’ve put on — and then, in the last few weeks, we received some substantial donations from various anonymous and wonderful donors, including one for $8K, and … we paid off everything we owed.
If any of my readers donated, thank you! You’ve helped all the bloggers here and made a stand against people who abuse the legal process to silence their critics. Thank you, again.
Now I can finally go back to forgetting Richard Carrier and his quest to prove there never was a historical Jesus.
Jey McCreight Ph.D., a science writer for 23andMe and a former member of Freethought Blogs, has a post on the 23andMe Blog supporting Trans Health Care:
People who fear or distrust trans people often use “biology” as a justification for attacking this community. But the reality is that the biology of sex and gender is more complicated than a simple binary. The science shows us that sex itself is not binary, but rather bimodal, with a range of diversity between the categories of male or female. Scientific research also supports the existence of trans and non-binary gender identities as a natural part of human diversity that have existed throughout history.
But it is not enough to simply say “trans people exist.” Science also shows that trans people who are accepted and affirmed have better health outcomes and quality of life.
Jey stresses the importance of gender-affirming health care and how people using the phrase “trust the science” to justify transphobic legislation aren’t really trusting what science has to say. While scientific evidence isn’t required to accept trans people, the abuse of science to promote transphobia shouldn’t be tolerated. As Jey points out:
Regardless of what science says, everyone should still treat trans people with respect because it’s just the right thing to do. But if you want to claim you “trust the science” in order to attack trans people, then sorry – the science says that trans rights are human rights.
As I promised, I went to the 5/25/21 Bolingbrook Board meeting to ask a question:
Shortly before I arrived, I decided to praise the board for proclaiming June as Pride Month. Before 2018, it was unthinkable that anything LGBTQ+ related would occur in Bolingbrook. Through Bolingbrook Pride’s activism, that’s changed, and this is the first year Bolingbrook has issued a proclamation recognizing Pride Month. Good behavior should be rewarded. I could have gone on about homophobia, but I think Bolingbrook Pride’s representative and the text of the proclamation did a better job than I would have.
As for my question about the candidate for acting trustee, I sincerely want to know what the candidate selection process is. When I used to attend board meetings in person, I was there to hear what the leadership (Roger) had to say, and learn their reasons for their actions. I never went there to create a scene (like certain watchdogs like to do.) It was a great way to get story ideas and still is, though I’ve had to switch to watching over the Internet due to the travel time.
I will admit, I was a bit concerned about how the trustees would react to my in-person visit since 2017. Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. Deputy Mayor Michael Lawler greeted me and worked with me on when I could deliver my comment. The rest didn’t say anything. Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta was out, as was Trustee Maria Zarate. Former Mayor Roger Claar wasn’t there. I felt I had the opportunity to recalibrate the fictional versions I write about, and it was a chance to remind ourselves that we’re real humans.
So while it wasn’t my best public speech, it was worth the trip back to Village Hall. If Alexander-Basta answers my question, I’ll write about her answer here.
Join us for a Livestream as PZ Myers and the rest of the Freethought Blogs crew thank our readers for a very successful fundraising campaign:
The Mother’s Day fundraiser may be over, but the donation link is still active. Unfortunately, the need to pay off the legal debts from the SLAPP is still there.
I plan to attend the chat, but if I don’t, I want to thank everyone who donated or shared a link about the fundraiser. Your support will help FTB move past this legal mess. And a big thank you to all of our readers. There are so many options on the Internet, and I’m honored that you’ve chosen to stop by. Thank you.
When I announced the Freethought Blogs Mother’s Day Fundraiser, I added if it reached a certain amount, I would go to a Bolingbrook Villiage Board meeting and ask a question during public comments. Well, I’m happy to announce that we hit that goal, and I will keep my word. So sometime after May 11, I will keep my word.
I haven’t attended a board meeting in person for various reasons, but I’ll make an exception for this. All I can say is that it will be a serious question, and I’ll stay quiet for the rest. I’m not sure how the Mayor and trustees will react, but we’ll find out. If it goes well, I’ll post the video.
Until then, if you haven’t donated yet, please do. Freethought Blogs settled a lawsuit, but victory was expensive. You can also check out the other special posts my fellow bloggers created for this event, including a new short story set in the same universe as the upcoming Bolingbrook Babbler novel.
Note: This story is set in the same continuity as the upcoming Bolingbrook Babbler novel. If you like this story or Freethought Blogs in general, please consider supporting our Mother’s Day fundraiser.
Sara Langston noticed her publisher, James, marching towards her desk.
She spoke into her cellphone: “I have to go, Jacob, but I’ll be home tonight.”
“Okay,” replied Jacob. “You won’t forget?”
“I’ll remember,” Sara replied. “Because I always think about you. Good-bye.”
“Goodbye, mommy.”
Sara ended the call and looked up at James. “I’m almost finished with—”
“We need to talk. In my office.”
James immediately turned and started towards his office. Sara rose from her desk and rushed to catch up to him. As she did, she remembered when the Star newsroom was crowded with reporters. Most of them were still upset over the management’s decision to downsize from four Chicago suburban bureaus. Now half the desks were empty, and the remaining reporters now covered more than one community.
James pushed the door open and walked towards his desk. Sara stopped the door from closing long enough for her to enter.
“Sit,” James bluntly said as he sat down.
Sara sat down, concerned about what was coming next.
James paused for a few beats. “The mayor of Bolingbrook says you’re trying to arrange an interview with him.”
Sara tensed slightly. “I don’t think this is appropriate—”
“Dan says Bolingbrook is part of Jennifer’s beat.”
“Yes, but the speech is in Rosemont, which is part of my beat.”
“Why do you need to interview Robert Clark? Why are you putting our advertising at risk?”
“Because I still have questions, and I—”
“It’s one damn speech,” said James, raising his voice. “Are you willing to risk one of our papers over a speech? We’ve already lost the Romeoville Star.”
“If it’s one speech then Robert shouldn’t have a problem answering my questions,” Sara replied.
“What questions?”
Sara didn’t reply. How could she tell him about the mysterious voice on her taped interview with a village spokesperson? A voice she didn’t remember hearing. A voice that dictated the article she was about to write.
“Look,” sighed James. “If you need more work, there are plenty of other communities Dan can give you. Jennifer’s built up quite a rapport with Mayor Clark. She’s given us exclusive stories that help our circulation, and that have boosted our ad revenue. Bolingbrook accounts for a good portion of our ads. Robert knows that. He’s not just the mayor of Bolingbrook. He’s one of the most powerful Republicans in the state. Have you seen his campaign fund numbers?”
“No, but—”
“Way out of proportion for a village like Bolingbrook. He’s one of our biggest clients around election season. Hell, he could buy the Star with his fund and still have money left over. He also has pull with a lot of businesses — and not just in Bolingbrook.” James sighed. “Sara, you need to focus on your communities. You’ve cultivated great sources. You have written some great stories, like the red light cameras in Des Planes. That’s where your focus needs to be, Sara. Not Bolingbrook.”
“I have not neglected my communities,” Sara protested. “I just need to ask Robert a few more questions about a story that affects Rosemont. Then I’ll be done.”
James shook his head. “Let me give you some advice, Sara. I’m not a reporter. You’re a good reporter. I do know the business side of journalism, and let me tell you, our industry is dying. The only paper in the black around here is the Babbler. They’ve got the weird tabloid market covered. There’s no way I could publish the crap they publish and make a profit. Nor would you write for them.”
Sara didn’t answer.
“You have kids, right?”
“Yes,” Sara replied. “Jacob and Monique.”
“Before you go any further with your vendetta against Robert, you need to think about your children. Because if I lose any more money, there are going to be more layoffs. Now, because you did me a huge favor when you stopped me from hiring that college kid…”
“I merely warned you about his behavior at that convention. He could have been fixable.”
“True, but we couldn’t take that chance. I don’t think you should be taking chances with your career. So I would suggest you stop bothering Robert, focus on your communities, and in a few months, we might need an editor for the Northwest Region. Understand?”
***
Sara and her husband Peter sat on a bench in Knights of Columbus Park watching Jacob and Monique playing on the swing set.
“Don’t push your sister too high!” Peter yelled.
“Okay,” Jacob replied. Monique laughed.
Peter’s smile faded as he turned towards Sara.
“You’re going to do what he says?”
“After I get the answers.”
“Sara,” replied Peter. “You can’t afford to lose this job. Remember how long it took you to get hired by the Star?”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Sara replied.
“I think you should have been assigned to Bolingbrook,” said Peter. “It’s our home, but you didn’t. Jennifer got it. You have to accept that.”
“Peter,” Sara snapped. “It’s not about that.”
“What is it about?”
“I want answers.”
Peter gave Sara a befuddled look. “Answers? Since when did you care about digging for answers?”
“Since I heard that recorded voice.” Sara looked around. “You heard it too.”
“Yeah,” Peter replied. “It was creepy, but maybe there’s another explanation for it.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s from a previous recording. Maybe it was from another room. Maybe someone secretly added it to your tape as a joke. There has to be a reasonable explanation.”
“If there is one, why won’t the mayor provide it? Why are people threatening me?”
“I don’t know, but it doesn’t mean there’s a mystery. Remember that convention you covered? The one that opposed the supernatural?”
“Debunked.”
“Yeah. Maybe they can debunk this voice on the tape.”
“Oh, they can debunk it,” Sara replied. “I heard all kinds of debunking that weekend, but you know what I didn’t hear. I didn’t hear any of them trying to find out the truth. Most of them were sincere, but some of them—”
“Listen to yourself,” Peter interrupted. “You’re starting to sound like a Babbler reporter. What next? Aliens used the Illuminati’s 5G network to plant a subliminal message on your tape recorder?”
“You’re mocking me?” Sara loudly protested.
“Mommy?” asked Monique.
“Mommy’s fine,” Sara replied. “Keep playing.” Sara paused for a moment then whispered to Peter. “You should be supporting me.”
“I do support you,” Peter replied in a firm but subdued tone. “I see what this is doing to you. You have to let it go. Think of our children.”
***
Jacob slipped as he kicked the soccer ball. The goalie fell in front of the ball and let it roll into his chest.
“Good try honey!” Sara called out from the bleachers. She enthusiastically clapped. “Next time you’ll get it. Don’t give up.” She looked at the other parents sitting on the lower level. Peter was with Monique at her Martial Arts class. While she was proud of her progress in class, she preferred the fresh air while watching Jacob’s team play, and hoping to see his first goal.
A few minutes later, a man said, “Excuse me? Are you Sara?”
Sara looked up. The man was holding a worn-out notepad. His red polo shirt and blue jeans were both faded.
Sara replied: “Yes. You must be Mr. Watts?”
“Call me Don.” Don motioned towards the bench. “May I?”
Sara nodded.
Don sat down. “Like I said, I got the copy of your tape. I had a colleague confirm its authenticity. You were very fortunate to get that recording. You impressed my editor and my publisher. You’re with the Star, right?”
“Do you know what it is?”
Don nodded. “I do.” He looked out at the field.
“And?” asked Sara.
“Which one is your son?”
“Why do you want to know?”
Don pulled a pen out of his shirt pocket. “Because there are consequences to knowing the answer.” He opened his notepad. “Now, I don’t care about my exes. My daughter is safe, but I hardly see her. Writing for the Babbler is interesting, but it can only keep you going for so long.”
“Your point?”
“You have a family. Don’t worry. I didn’t dig too much. They probably know more.”
“They?”
Don looked out at the field again. “They call Bolingbrook the pathway village for a reason. You’re at a crossroads, so to speak. I can tell you that you’re not imagining things and that I can take over the investigation. I don’t think the Star would mind me stealing a story like this from them. The point is, you would go back to your family, and be done with it.”
“Or?”
Don faced Sara. “Or I can extend an invitation to you. We’re looking for an editor, and you’ve caught our publisher’s attention. You’d probably start off making more than I do. But you’d be starting down a dark, lonely, and possibly risky path. The good thing would be that Robert would tolerate you. The bad thing is almost no one will believe what you’ll tell them. You will be stuck with us for the rest of your career. The worst part is, you’ll attract the attention of forces and people far more dangerous than Robert. We have a pretty good survival rate, but some of us don’t come out unscathed. And that doesn’t include the Olson family. But then again. You’ll have a far better view of how Bolingbrook and the rest of the world works.” Don looked back at the field. “But you have to think about your children.”
Sara glanced out at the field then locked her eyes on Don. “Don, right?”
“Yes.”
“Don, when I was growing up, my parents were just happy I wasn’t running with the wrong people. They didn’t volunteer at my clubs, or watch my games. They weren’t bad. They were just too busy to think about me all the time. So when I found out I was pregnant with Jacob, I promised myself that I would always think about my children. What I’m thinking right now is that there is something going on that I don’t understand and I need to understand it. I want to know what kind of world I’m sending my kids into, and I need to know what I can do to make it a better world. I’d rather be Cassandra than Koalemos. So stop asking about my children, and start answering my questions.”
Don sighed. “Very well. When do you want to meet the Olson family?”
Note: This is a work of fiction. All opinions expressed are my own. They do not reflect the views of any organization I work for or of my employer. Feel free to leave a comment here or in the Bolingbrook Babbler Readers Group.