On November 11 longtime Nation contributor Robert Scheer learned he’d been fired by the Los Angeles Times, where he has worked as a reporter and columnist for thirty years. Scheer’s comment on being sacked: “Publisher Jeff Johnson, who has offered not a word of explanation to me, has privately told people he hated every word I wrote. I assume that mostly refers to my exposing the lies used by President Bush to justify the invasion of Iraq. My only regret is that my pen was not sharper and my words tougher.” Scheer will be replaced by two right-wing columnists, among others. His readers picketed the Times building on November 15. We’re glad to report that the San Francisco Chronicle will be the new home for Bob’s column, which, of course, will still be at www.thenation.com.