1/ As a former employee of @TheEconomist- I worked there on the publishing side for ~12 years- I bought a ticket to its #OpenFuture event, but am leaving my seat empty to join the @riseandresistny protest outside against Steve Bannon's role in the event. 
2/ You can read @zannymb's statement on why the newspaper chose to host Bannon at this event. I know this statement was the product of a great deal of discussion and debate in the editorial department, and included perspectives from outside it. economist.com/open-future/20…
3/ But here is the reality- while The Economist is an important voice in world affairs- and for liberalism- it is tragically confused on this issue. Part of the reason is that almost no one there has anything personally at stake. Look at the masthead: mediadirectory.economist.com
4/ In 1939, when the physical threat against Europe was real, The Economist knew where its stood. amp.economist.com/leaders/1939/0…
5/ Today, mostly white liberal elites cocooned in 7 World Trade have nothing to lose from cozying up with Steve Bannon and a nice cup of coffee. They will tell each other they are for free speech, that they are critical thinkers. Bullshit.
6/ They would do well to read @zephoria, and contemplate what giving Bannon this platform means. points.datasociety.net/media-manipula…
7/ Bannon is a voice of hatred. His work on this earth has harmed millions. His putrid perspective is not worthy of the "severe contest" between ideas The Economist was founded to pursue. Indeed- this is his work. cnn.com/2018/08/24/pol…
To my friends at @TheEconomist, to @zannymb- I know you will continue to consider this decision going forward. I hope you will take urgent action to diversify your ranks. We only get to an #OpenFuture if we deny those who themselves would deny the future to those not like them.
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