Money! Money! Money!

As I have now returned from Paris to its equivalent in the United States, a hotel near the Newark airport, I wanted to build on Rob’s fundraising request. Farley is a subtle man, given to moderation and a classy approach to things like this. I am not given to any of those failings.

I want to first thank our donors very much for their gifts. We realize that you could donate money to many causes and maybe the writers of LGM aren’t at the top of your list.

But hey, maybe we should be.

Ever since the election, we have made a concerted effort to make this blog a key site in the left-liberal response to Trump and the overall disaster of 2016. We criticize the right, mainstream liberals, and the left when we feel the need. Hacks, we are not, despite what Glenn Greenwald, The Most Honest Actor in Political Writing, may argue. We push for concrete policy goals. Hell, I even got in the New York Times and Washington Post based on the ideas worked out on this site, with your help and criticism. We fight for a smarter politics. We don’t always agree with each other, but we create a site where multiple views are welcome, including in the comments.

And note how big the roster has gotten. First, we added Dan. Then Melissa and Simon came on board. And now Abigail. All of this has allowed us to discuss more topics from more perspectives.

Moreover, don’t fool yourselves–this is a heck of a lot of work! Work that is almost unpaid, near volunteer labor to provide you with the quality content (or quantity content depending on how you feel about me) you demand. Each of us could be spending our time doing something we actually need to be doing. We could be working on books, spending time with our families, working out, whatever. But we are spending our time on you.

Now, we know that not everyone can chip in. And that’s fine. I’m not trying to make anyone feel bad. Please, continue to enjoy the site and don’t feel guilty!

But, to be honest, our fundraiser this year has brought in less money than last year. And that’s a little disappointing given the amount of work we put into this blog. We are really almost the last independent blog on the internet and your contributions can continue to ensure the future of the site. Rob laid out some of what we can do with your donations. Note as well that we can also add more writers, covering more topics, and making this an even better site. We really want to do this. And we need your help to make it happen.

So please, if you can, help us out with a few bucks!

As you know, I am big believer in learning from the past. So I want to use the example of one of my favorite historical grifters–Jimmy Swaggart. If this blog doesn’t earn more money, the Heinz family is going to call me home to drown me in a huge vat of ketchup. Or, if it makes you feel more likely to donate, imagine yourself giving us enough money that I am filmed eating ketchup. I will be filmed eating ketchup if you want to make it happen! Even on a steak! Yes, that’s right, I will eat like Donald Trump if you donate. Who doesn’t want to see this happen?

In conclusion, maybe this playlist will help you fork over some dough.

What more do you need?

And to quote those old Bartles and Jaymes commercials, Thank you again for your support.