How if Feels to be Targeted by a Smear Campaign
From Out of Place, Out of Context
Hi Moldova Matters readers! This weekend I was targeted by an article personally attacking me and smearing my coverage of Moldova. Specifically, it was a response to my reporting about Vasilie Tarlev’s $85,000 PR campaign back in December.
I’ve been pretty lucky not to have attracted the online ire of pro-Russian disinformation artists up until now but sadly this kind of thing isn’t really news. Moldovan journalists suffer much worse abuse on a daily basis. As such, I didn’t really think it needed an article in Moldova Matters but I thought I’d write a bit about the situation in my new Substack Out of Place, Out of Context which focuses on the (mis)adventures of living abroad.
Out of Place, Out of Context is generally a place for me to write and share my thoughts on the funnier aspects of making a home in a place and culture far from home. It’s not usually very news or politics focused and articles will mostly talk about culture, food and language. Check it out if you’re interested!
Here’s my article about how Tarlev’s people really don’t like me…
Insane but typical pro Russian smear campaign by a failure and wannabe journalist Damaschin Silviu. Both Smokehouse and Taproom where for years the most popular well run places in Chisinau and they stayed open as long as they code till the Pandemic nearly closed down the city and many restaurants.
But what did David do, he turned it into a Ukrainian War distribution center of tons of donated clothing and living supplies working day and night for the nearly 100,000 Ukrainian war refugees that came with nothing for sanctuary in Moldova (while paying rent and no income). To many of us he represented American care and dedication.
As to Moldova Matters, I was a former freelance war correspondent and have read every one of his articles since day one. Such unbiased, fact filled journalism is rare this day. His writings are Pulitzer quality.
Damaschin Silviu is obviously a wannabe newsmucker and probably handsomely paid for his outrageous dribble, but I felt it necessary to let all know what a solid, successful and caring man David Smith and I am proud that he demonstrates what is essential to be a great American in a foreign land. Keep up the amazing work Dave!