I talk with @bokane, longtime translator of Chinese, on the attention-getting 'lab leak' story from @propublica and what PP's followup did not address. fallows.substack.com/p/on-that-prop…
@JamesFallows @bokane @propublica I may be jaded, but the fact that the story was being pushed by Republican staffers in the US Senate raises a red flag in my mind before we even get to the weird claims about special Chinese translation superpowers.
@JamesFallows @bokane @propublica so disappointed in Pro Publica here. It sounds like it feels it needs to placate the MAGA right by simping for GOP propaganda.
@JamesFallows @bokane @propublica I now wonder about the body of Propublica's journalism, especially after their review doubled down.
@JamesFallows @BenSpeggen @bokane @propublica Outstanding work. Some personal thoughts: 1. Evidence tends to resolve over time 2. Everyone ought to develop a strong BS-detector (this requires seeking truth over ideology) 3. You can't know everything. But enough smart people in your circle can help you know almost anything.
@JamesFallows @bokane @propublica Given ProPublica's stonewalling, have you tried contacting Vanity Fair on this matter?
@JamesFallows @bokane @propublica It's speculative so not all people are going to agree. There would be safety discussion after an accident. ☑️ Origins is still unsettled & the field has a history of whitewashing bio accidents. NO... they don't need to retract an opinion!
@JamesFallows @bokane @propublica Fascinating reporting, thank you.
@JamesFallows @bokane @propublica This is great, thank you
@JamesFallows @bokane @propublica Thank you for drilling down, yet again.