Twelve years ago this weekend, I joined Daily Kos. I joined because I found a place where I could write and contribute and be angry and, in some small ways I hoped, make a difference.
I joined that particular weekend because I was so heartsick about the suffering visited upon New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina — and because I was so devastated about the Bush Administration’s utter failure to respond to that suffering.
I joined because I was grateful to have a place where I could become part of a community that cared.
This community does care; Nothing proves that as much as its amazing response this week, as Harvey rained devastation upon Texas. Seeing our community’s response to the ActBlue fundraiser for those in harm’s way mended my tattered heart. I have family in Corpus Christi and Houston and Cleveland. My beloved Uncle in Corpus Christi was in the ICU there when Harvey came in and had to be evacuated by ambulance. He and my wonderful Aunt and now back in Corpus Christi, but it has been a harrowing week for them.
Think about this: This community has now raised more than $544,000. To put that in perspective, Google only donated $1 million. Donate Here.
I have also been heartened by the response to our community member Hester.
Over the past week, I have worked with Belinda Ridgewood, gchaucer2, NoBlinkers, DRo and others to keep a community check-in diary series going, so that those in affected areas of Texas and Louisiana would know that we care about them, that we are here for them, and that we will do whatever is necessary for them. Because this is what we do at Daily Kos. The series is here.
When I post my Tip Jar, it will be my 63,850 comment here. Which is the same number as my UID. And I cannot think of any better place for it.
Please consider a donation to ActBlue for Harvey.
We do everything, hand by hand.