My inbox has been flooded in these last few days with appeals from Democrats, D-trip, and progressive organizations, all demanding that I be outraged at what the asshat House Republicans are doing with each outrageous rider they add to their bill. And of course, the fundraisers want me to express my outrage by giving them a few bucks.
Ordinarily I might, though I think the word "outrageous" is losing its power from overuse. But I can't afford either the outrage or the donation -- I'm busy preparing for some unexpected non-paid days off starting tomorrow. I'm lucky, I make a decent salary and don't have to live paycheck to paycheck. I'll bet most people being furloughed aren't that lucky, so it'll be soup or macaroni and cheese for a few weeks, and baby won't be getting a new pair of shoes.
None of your fundraising appeals tell me how my money is going to help now. Ads in the next election? Canvassers? New offices? Oh please. Tell me you're going to improve your demographics databases so you don't keep sending "give deep" appeals to the victims, and I might be willing. Tell me you're going to donate it to the food banks so they don't buckle from the influx of federal and contract employees and I might be generous.
I know emotions beget donations, but please, give it a rest. I'm busy.
12:09 PM PT: Oh lordy, the rec list. Thanks!