...that I'm about to get a bit emotional on the page. I've been wanting to write this diary for days now, but was unsure how to go about the task of putting what I'm feeling in this space.
I know it's irrational to invest such emotional weight in a site – in an online community – but this place, Daily Kos, means more to me than anyone can know. (Writing that sentence brings, embarrassingly, tears.)
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In the spring of 2008, while living in a red state in the South and seeking a progressive, online refuge, I happened, by chance, upon a post from Meteor Blades entitled "Mississippi Turning." I still remember the page, so much more orange back then, reverberating as I mouthed the words Who the hell is Meteor Blades?
I found Daily Kos that day, or perhaps it found me. Either way, I've never left since.
And today, somebody – I don't know who – I learned that someone is intent on making sure that I never leave Daily Kos as long as I'm alive, for I just received this:
Congratulations! An anonymous benefactor has purchased you a lifetime gift subscription to Daily Kos.
From: An anonymous benefactor
Thank you for your wonderful diaries -- all of them -- but especially the Occupy Wall Street work you've been doing. Todah rabbah. A big hug to you.
(Note: Todah rabbah means "thank you very much" in Hebrew.)
Irrational as it may seem, when I opened the email, I cried. I cried because this place has been more than just a venue where I've both published my writing and devoured the writing of others. It's a place that has supported me immensely, from the moment I revealed a personal story of trauma to the time I sought solace after turning down 60 Minutes to the time I sought help after speaking with a publisher. At every step, when I've veered from writing the informational or the analytical and have written something personal – in a moment of need – all of you have been there for me.
Every. Single. Time.
And so, now, I want to return the favor. I want to make it such that other Kossacks are allowed to remain here for life as well. I want to help us give other writers lifetime subscriptions, just as I've been given.
There are countless amazing people here who have yet to receive one. Countless. However, I want to offer the following three writers who have been particularly meaningful to me, and who represent the amazing breadth this site has to offer:
Seneca Doane (Amazing! Brunette has given SD a lifetime subscription.)
dopper0189
unspeakable
I know we don't have a way yet to pool money, but there may be a way in the future. Additionally, I suppose if anyone wants to PM me a pledge, I can supply my PayPal account and pool money there and then buy the subscriptions online.
Ideas are welcome.
See the update below, as Onomastic has volunteered to compose a diary this weekend dedicated specifically to pooling small amounts of money.
Oh, and there are still a tremendous amount of writers who we can still give to. You can find many of them in Dr Erich Bloodaxe RN's diary here, where many names are listed.
Finally, thank you once again to everyone. This place means the world to me.
Author's Note:
Oh, and can I just say this: the site is lightening quick without all of the ads. It truly is an amazing difference. This subscription is truly a blessing.
UPDATE:
Onomastic has volunteered to compose a diary this weekend dedicated to pooling small amounts of money to purchase lifetime subscriptions for those who do not have.
What a fantastic idea, and an amazing effort on O's part!