Flagler Broadcasting President and WNZF’s Free For All Friday host David Ayres likes it when I make grim predictions because playing the law of averages they come true every decade or so. Like the time 17 years ago when I predicted I’d get fired from my job as a liberal editorialist as the News-Journal was about to take a turn for the dark side, or when the week before the last election I predicted Donald Trump’s exact winning margin in the electoral college. So here’s my next one: my days as a liberal voice on WNZF are numbered.
I don’t know how it’s going to happen or when. But it’s a matter of time before the red carpet David has extended me for the last 17 years is rolled up and my kind of voice is silenced, at least on the air. I don’t think David even knows it, but it’s coming. (FlaglerLive itself isn’t in danger: it’s occupation-proof.)
We are not headed into a new Red Scare or McCarthy era. We are in it, with worse ahead. We are not losing our democracy. We have lost it: Trump’s win last fall couldn’t have been predicted otherwise. He could not have won without a nation backing his anti-democratic program. He has not deceived. Congress has not yet voted him full dictatorial powers. It hasn’t had to. He has those powers. He is broadening them almost daily, with amoebas for members of Congress and a Shura Council for a Supreme Court. The public is less servile. Its resistance is paying dividends in some elections. But victories on the fringes aren’t enough.
We are barely a quarter of the way into this regime and it has already neutered the rule of law, major media and major universities while militarizing cities, terrorizing migrants, erasing entire classes of human beings from existence under the law, denying food and health care to millions, while resurrecting the heroes of the Confederacy, the morals of Jim Crow and the war crimes of My Lai. In an environment like this, it’s a matter of time before a made-up emergency, let alone a real one, silences opposing voices, especially on public airwaves. We’ve been getting samplers by drumbeats since the Charlie Kirk assassination, the censoring of “60 Minutes” our last pre-Christmas special. The Reichstag fire is not far ahead.
For all that, it’s worth celebrating the last 17 years.
WNZF, a right-wing radio station in a red county, is for those three minutes a week a throwback to the old days of the Fairness Doctrine. David of course remembers those pre-Rush Limbaugh days, if not too fondly: his talk radio format could not exist alongside the Fairness Doctrine. But his hat tip says something. Unlike the infomercials you hear by various local talking heads on this station, I’m not paying to air my commentaries, nor would I ever. David invited me to broadcast them in WNZF’s embryonic days, and has been among FlaglerLive’s most loyal friends, supporters and advertisers since. In those 17 years I think he’s broadcast over 700 of my commentaries. He has not once interfered with any of them. He’s never declined to run one, applied any editorial pressure or ever hinted at anything content-related despite the many headaches I’ve given him and the bitching phone calls he’s received. The most he’s done is to tell me to keep it to three minutes, which is sometimes torture for me.
I was just as impressed by the Palm Coast City Council earlier this year when it stood down a public demand that the city stop advertising with FlaglerLive. It was a remarkable display of leadership on the council, particularly on the part of Theresa Pontieri, even though my opinions make her cringe. They make me cringe sometimes. But I think she knows the difference between shrilly opinions and essential reporting, which is a rare trust and is the core of FlaglerLive.
After all, FlaglerLive’s fundraiser this Christmas season once again exceeded its goal in this red county, which also humbles me and fills me with hope about the community we are–despite and still, to borrow the words of Robert Graves.
I’d like to think that local democracy and the kind of courage we see on some of our local boards will end up saving our national democracy. That’s the leadership it takes on the local level to keep the twin towers of democracy and free speech standing in the face of authoritarian terror. But my fear is that our Pontieris, like our David Ayres, will be outflanked by a kind of nationalized January 6 mob before this is over. I hope I’m wrong, as I so often am.
Meanwhile, thank you David, thank you Theresa, Palm Coast and Flagler County, and Happy New Year.
Pierre Tristam is the editor of FlaglerLive. A version of this piece aired on WNZF.
Dusty says
You’re so funny. It hasn’t been a difficult year it has been a great one. Although I don’t care for some of Trump’s manner and speech he is significantly better for our country and it’s taxpayers than rat face Joey and that idiot of a VP Kamala. Hopefully the country will come to its senses and keep voting as in the last election for quite a a while longer.
The dude says
What would you say is your favorite action currently underway as a direct result of this election you’re so giddy about?
billy bob says
How about his work in the middle east
rolled over the prior tax rates
then add SS, tips and overtime
fixed the border
focused on cutting federal spending
i could go on but all dems can focus on are X postings
Deborah Coffey says
Really? Why do almost 500 American historians and political scientists, using 12 categories with 83 criteria, have him ranked dead last in the annual presidential ranking…two years in a row? They’re all wrong?
Debbie Joe says
Yes.
Laurel says
billy bob: Has it ever occurred to you that by not taxing your tips, you are shooting yourself in the foot by lowering your benefits later in life? You may be aiding the end of your benefits instead of fighting to keep them.
The border effected you personally?
Work in the middle east effected you personally?
The question was about how you are effected personally.
DOGE made your life better? Hell, they had to hire back a whole lot of the people they got rid of simply because they didn’t know what the hell they were doing.
I’m not a “dem” and I’ve never been on X, or care about X postings. Just take a shot at thinking things out to a logical conclusion instead of being told what to think, which is exactly what the Trump admin wants.
john stove says
You are going to be in for such a huge disappointment in the mid-terms and in 2028. Even MAGA hard core cultists are turning against the Republicans and the worst President ever…..
You should be more concerned that your guy stays awake long enough to be impeached or indicted (again)
JimboXYZ says
Stays awake ? Now there’s a continuation of the mis-portrayal & distortrions of fact/truth of reality that Biden-Harris ushered in. That was the last POTUS we had, they didn’t call him “Sleepy Joe” because he was most alert 80 something ever ? Trump has yet to literally fall down publicly. As for impeached or indicted ? Joe made sure none of that ever happened to anything Biden. Pardoning his entire family ? And after 4 years of witch hunts and inflation that only Carter ever had, he invoked the pardons by auto pen to ensure he would never endure what he put Trump thru. Let’s not be revisionist history types and not see Biden-Harris for what it was, the fleecing of America like no other era. One could argue Bush-Cheney for 8 years that created “too big to fail” corporate welfare of bailouts & inflation economies was worse. But 8 years of Trump that were interrupted by the Delaware Liar & Harris are the last that anyone could point to as creating a lower standard & quality of life for Americans.
We’d all have been better had Biden-Harris never happened, the DC Swamp couped Trump in 2020, 4 more years and we’d be in 2025 going on 2026 with Trump done with his 8 years. Instead we have delusional Bidenists thinking Biden-Harris made the world a better place. Epstein files released, that backfired on the D’s, the D’s have more to explain & defense than the Orange man. the evidence being laid open, has been more devastating to the Democrats than they ever could imagine. Trump, not exactly defending his name like Slick Willie Clinton ? All the D’s had to do was ride out 2021-2025 of Trump and this would all be behind us & rear view mirror going forward. We’d have left the last 32 years of DC Swamp behind us beyond being where we were in 2019. D’s brought this upon themselves for the handful of frauds & their networks of terror they sought to protect ?
Laurel says
Get over Bide-Harris. You’re on an endless treadmill. Focus on what’s current.
TR says
Well you (just like everyone else) have no clue what the mid terms will bring. It’s all speculation as to what the left is hoping, but unfortunately from all indications the left will be the ones who will be disappointed as they were in the last election where they thought they had a qualified candidate to beat Trump and we all know how that turned out. As for your last sentence, LOL.
TR says
I agree, it has been a great year for me and like a lot of other people. In fact it’s been really great compared to the last 4 years of the potato presidents disaster. Just think we have a little over three years to go of greatness.
Laurel says
It is interesting that there are 24 people in this county who are so childish that they thumbs up a comment like “…rat face Joey and that idiot Kamala.” Are you the *sensible* people?
No, you are the problem. You are the people who so desperately need “retribution” that you will put up with a blatantly incompetent presidential cabinet and a vicious con artist, who is doing all he can to protect pedophiles.
This is your America?
That’s fine. Just don’t push your lack of sense and lack of respect for the Constitution, on the rest of us.
Laurel says
Pierre: You could start a podcast. Everyone is on YouTube these days.
I still have hope for this country, but the magas continue to perplex me. The worse the behavior of Trump, some like him all the more. I liken it to liking a demon. So, why would someone like a demon? One who talks down to people? One who calls his constituents names, such as “vermin”? One who kills people? One who promotes bigotry? One who threatens people? One who takes away food from children’s mouths, to give to the wealthy? One who is a habitual liar? Why would any woman support a man who blatantly puts down women, one who brags about sexually assaulting women, one who call women “ugly”? One who hates liberty? One who is cruel? One who hates equality? One who ignores law and order? A demon.
I can only come up with one answer, two answers answers actually: People who feel they are lessor, and want some imagined revenge, “retribution,” and the very wealthy who are really the only ones benefiting now.
I have never once said “I want to own the right wingers,” or “Cry me a river, right wingers.” I have no need of retaliation, or “retribution.” My husband is of the same mindset, as are our friends, that we don’t become happy with someone else’s unhappiness. The magas seem to be thrilled at the thought of “owning the libs,” or somehow beating others down. That sort of mindset tells a lot about a person, or a group.
Anyway, I tend to believe that many who voted for Trump are now feeling like this isn’t what they wanted. They don’t want to lose their Constitution, or be forced to swallow a religion that has been hijacked by greedy con artists, or see people ripped from the streets by masked, unnamed strangers and shoved into unmarked vehicles. No, they are wiser than those who support who they know, has a very incompetent cabinet which kowtows to an egomaniac, to an embarrassing degree. Ignoring what the majority wants. I don’t believe the majority of these voters really want to lose their allies, who have fought along side us. I also don’t believe they want to see children harmed, or go hungry, or without healthcare in this otherwise wealthy country, and I don’t believe they want to see preventable illnesses spread across our land.
I have faith in Americans. We can no longer “wait and see what happens.” We have always fought back.
The dude says
MAGA morons are giddy because they finally get to say the silent parts out loud.
Laurel says
Yes, Dude, and they have someone who supports their lack of confidence. The “victim.” Confident people don’t need to trash others to feel better about themselves. Confident people try to rise others up.
Janet Sullivan says
Thank you, Pierre and Cheryl, for all you do for our community, personally and professionally.
Gina says
Pierre, I believe that David Ayers and Theresa Pontieri are much smarter than the self
proclaImed king who puts his name and face on everything , I hope soon the 2 will not
appear on our kitchen sinks but in the bathrooms of the filthiest dive bars throughout
the country.An angry king who stays up till the wee hours of the morning with his
hit list then disgracefully falls asleep during congressional meetings. As you can
see Pierre, politics may differ between you and the Davids and Theresas of the world
but at least their minds are open enough for them to think for themselves and smart
enough not to shut down peoples 1st amendment rights and the freedom of press. How
utterly boring David Ayers podcast would be if it were not for the difference of opinions,
beliefs, viewpoints, ideas, perspectives and have the same old think tanks slapping each
others backs and agreeing with each other. And after reading the Dusty comment it
was like having an outer body experience LOL, are we even living in the same sphere?
BIG Neighbor says
I have to wonder how many years of oscillations swinging from extremism it will take before it dampens into something we will all regret? Oops, too late. The miserable, governed by the self serving is not what I worked a lifetime to contribute to. Thank you for the pluralism in spirit and deed.
Even the staunch R crowd Loves Flagler live. says
Im on the right, but my morning routine is simple. Wake@ 5:30 , shower, coffee check emails and lets see what Fox, CNN and Flaglerlive has to say… then off to work. I feel like in order to get a well rounded sense of what’s happening locally, nationally and globally you need to listen to all sides, draw your own conclusion after, and whilst I may not agree often, I do respect the opinions of one Mr. Pierre Tristam. For local info there is no finer source of reporting.
Laurel says
Good for you, staunch! My husband is also a lifelong Republican, but cannot stomach what is happening now. Both of us no longer trust most Republican politicians, and we aren’t too damned happy with the Democrats, either. Neither party is doing anything to save Social Security, and Medicare, we all paid into all our working lives. Most are enriching themselves in their positions.
I don’t watch Fox Entertainment, or MSNBC, or Newsmax, or CNN. They all have the same agenda: to give their audience only what they want to hear. I prefer PBS News Hour, AP, BBC News and other long established outlets. And, of course, Flaglive. Add to that my own logical assessments, and husband’s input (we don’t always agree).
We need balance. I feel the other programs and social media, do not provide that. I also require intelligence, and some of these programs don’t even come close.
Keep on keeping on. You add that necessary balance, without silly remarks and false narratives.
Atwp says
Trump is the worse president in my life time.
Endless dark money says
He’s a domestic terrorist as well as child rapist and murderer. Made billions from market manipulation .By far biggest piece of shit ever! Only people that like him are pedophiles and domestic terrorist.
Skibum says
I completely agree with your sentiment, but you don’t have to be so modest, Atwp. He is the absolute worst president in our nation’s entire lifetime!
TR says
Of course he is to someone who doesn’t pay attention to what the other presidents that have ruined this country did like your favorite racist president Obama and potato head president puppet Joe.
Edith Campins says
Dear Tristam Family:
Thank you for continuing to be the voice of common sense, intelligence, humanity and compassion. These are dark times and it gives me hope to read your articles.
William says
Thanks Flagler live! GOP fascist are horrible people and will pay the price for their domestic terrror. Keep reporting actual news! Everyone should watch the banned 60 minutes episode of Republican war crimes and human rights violations! End the orange terror and his gang of pedophiles and child molestors that claim their “Christians “ ! If you wanna know the wrong side of any issue ask a Republican terror supporter.
Skibum says
Thank you, Pierre and everyone at FlaglerLive. You are the one bright spot that keeps hope alive in this storm cloud of impending doom that has enveloped our local, state and national politics. Keep up the wonderful reporting, searching for the truth, and asking those critically important questions on behalf of the sane among us who live on Earth 1.
Stephen says
My first click in the morning…FlaglerLive. Yes, really. Thank you Pierre for all the work.. and all the time you put in to your work. We have no clue but I believe it’s more than we think. Journalism these days is not a 40 a week job. I don’t follow or listen to WNZF but I know I will keep reading what you have to say in any form. A old News Journal guy living in Flagler for 45 years.
Dennis C Rathsam says
As the TRUMP era, ZOOMS across America, putting smiles on Americas tax payers! Where were you TRUMP supporters, when Pierre hung me out to dry? Im still here for a great New Year & protecting my president from your histaria & love of illegals over Americans. God Bless America, & God Bless the savior of democracy TRUMP
Billy B says
Trump was right – he likes people with low intelligence levels and most of the remarks on this article are from them – his maga supporters !!!
Sherry says
Flaglerlive= Award Winning Journalism at its very BEST! How would the citizens of Flagler county be informed of all the poor political decisions and actions without your excellent investigative journalism?
The open forum you’ve created for political and cultural discussions is likely unmatched anywhere in the US!
Congratulations and Thank You Pierre, and the Flaglerlive Family!
Land of no turn signals says says
Difficult year?Interest rates are dropping, violent crime is down, stock market is thriving, gold at a record high, wars are getting handled.What’s not to like?
Laurel says
Land: Stop and think what happened the last time interest rates went down. The price of housing went way up, and interest rates on your investments went way down.
So, maybe that’s what you like? If so, then your President can bully the Fed Chairman with a lawsuit, like threatening artists and musicians who no longer want to perform at the memorial to JFK that Trump put his own name in front of.
Why do you people like this shit? This is not the America you grew up with.
The red corvette says
Wow, so many angry people. When the truth about your article is that you are speaking up. Saying what is at times hard to talk about.
I don’t have to agree with your editorial opinion but it sure is entertaining sometimes.
Keep up the good work Pierre!
DontYouWishYouKnew says
Can’t wait for the civil war! I will proudly wear a necklace made of ears cut from dead MAGAts!
Michael Cocchiola says
Pierre and Cheryl… I thank you, Flagler thanks you, Florida thanks you, and America thanks you. We all look forward to the next 17 FlaglerLive years.
Pierre Tristam says
Thank you Michael, you’ve been with us and supporting us pretty much since Day One.
The struggle is real! says
Let’s hope you get this one wrong. Would be a shame and a huge disappointment for David to cut your 3 minutes. Probably the most interesting and intelligent segment that’s offered.
I frequently check the news as our democracy erodes to see if/when the line gets crossed for the MAGA crowd. I fear that those who continue to blindly follow have too much hate in their hearts to ever see the truth, but appreciate you continuing to fight the fight. Keep up the good work! Thanks for all you do- Flagler county needs you!
Gail says
Thanks for your reporting and excellent journalism, Flagler Live; and Pierre- I don’t agree with you on many things but I enjoy reading your opinions!
If I want to know what’s happened over the weekend, I go to your website first. I am a fan of David Ayres and Flagler Radio. I listen to their Free for All Friday on WNZF often. I think David realizes your opinion piece at the beginning of the show is a nice touch. Signed, an ex-democrat turned Independent, (and occasional Republican). Just Waiting for both parties to get their act together and take care of the American people.
Carol Scott says
Pierre, kudos to you and Cheryl. You bring common sense, intellectualism and brilliance to journalism. I have been privileged to follow your reporting since the News-Journal days. Those of us who are news junkies have lost faith in all print news, as well as television complicity. Thank you for serving Flagler County by sharing Flaglerlive coverage.
Pierre Tristam says
Thank you for the long-time and always very generous support Carol, and for the memories of those days way back, which led to this point.