Einstein's activism

Einstein's activism against lynching apparently takes up 20 pages of his FBI "Treason File #61". There's nothing treasonous in it.

Einstein's FBI file is available on the FBI website.

Its implications are discussed in the newly updated _The Einstein File: The FBI's Secret War Against the World's Most Famous Scientist_ by Fred Jerome. I went to the book launch tonight.

Apparently, Einstein didn't just sign a letter. He actively co-chaired an anti-lynching organization, in shock and anger at the wave of lynchings in 1946 after black soldiers returned from World War II. His co-chair was noted singer and activist Paul Robeson, who was also a friend. When a singer was not allowed to stay in a local hotel --solely due to her race--- Einstein let her stay at his house. In her memoir, she recalled him fondly.

Einstein was also active ---beyond writing--- on other issues. Free speech and nuclear weapons are still debated today. But on anti-semitism and race, Einstein's opinions, while radical in their day, are common sense now.

I like knowing this side of Einstein. For me, it humanizes him.

"Local" news

I was surprised that much of "local" TV news stations is not locally owned.

Is "local" commentary local?

If I choose to watch Fox, I know it's the same regardless of where I am. That's a fair choice.

If I watch a local news station, and the local anchor makes a commentary, I assumed that commentary was hers or his.

Apparently, Sinclair Broadcast Group gives local news anchors scripts that they must use --without telling that it is centrally scripted. Why do they hide this? 

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/02/business/media/sinclair-news-anchors-script.html