A conversation with Mark Goldberg

(And, a small thank you for those of you who called out the threats.)

Hi neighbors,

Thanks to the hundreds(!!) of you who joined Mark Goldberg and me this week for a live conversation on all things global health and how the current administration’s changes impact it. If you missed it, here’s the recording! Don’t forget to subscribe to his Substack and awesome podcast, Global Dispatches.

I also wanted to say a huge thank you to those of you who joined us live and saw the *ugliness* in the comments. Mark and I couldn’t see it in time so we weren’t aware that they included horrific threats. But YOU ALL noticed it, took screenshots, sent it to us, and called it out! Those have now been sent to authorities. You all are regular people just like me - moms, friends, grandmas, neighbors. But when you see somebody sending threats, you say “Not on my watch!” and roll up your sleeves. I have found my people!

I don’t mean to make light of threats and we are taking this very seriously with the right authorities. If I’m being honest, these were really scary. I had forgotten how these felt since I haven’t received one in a while (thankfully) and this one felt bolder. I’m working on more of a personal piece about this to the paid subscribers to digest how to fight back correctly, how to not lose hope. So stay tuned if you’re part of that group.

In January, I wrote a post on what you all could expect during this new administration and also mentioned I was hiring people to help with security and management. This is what your paid subscriptions have gone towards and it came in handy this week! The difference was incredible too! Instead of me trying to do this myself, I have a small (but mighty) team to help - because of you! There’s not a ton of you all (paid subscribers) - but those of you that are there went to bat with me this week. I guess I’m trying to say a massive thank you. Thank you for speaking up when you all saw the awful junk in the comments. And, thank you for giving me courage. I’m simply beyond grateful to be doing what I’m doing and do not take it lightly that I’m here. I take it quite the opposite and am thankful to be found in a big ole’ group of neighbors like yourself! We are in this together, friends. I felt that this week. Onward we go!

-Emily

PS: I feel weird about bringing this all up - but I didn’t know how to talk about it without just talking about it. As a small thank you (although I wish I could have you over for nachos and book club), I’ve discounted the yearly subscription 40% for the weekend if you’re interested in being a paid subscriber. (You get 4 free months!) Happy Valentine’s Day! No worries if you’re not interested! The science is always free.

PSS: The paid personal post will come out tomorrow or Sunday. I’m still working on it so I’m not yelling too much. =)

PSSS: If you ever notice any comments (here are on FB) that are threats, hate speech, or the like, please take a screenshot and send it to me. Sometimes I miss those.