When we were discussing doing a fall fundraiser, we didn’t really know what to expect. We know the holidays are coming up, and we just went through an election during which I’m sure most of you were getting blitzed with frantic text messages and emails warning that it would be the end of the republic if you didn’t pitch in to such and such candidate or PAC. So we modestly launched the fundraiser without announcing any sort of goal. Then, based on the initial generous response, we decided to aim for $75,000. But just a few days after Jack Butler announced that goal, we have nearly hit it, and there is time to spare in our fundraiser. So we are now humbly asking if you could help us reach our revised goal of $100,000.

I have to say that of all the tasks I have in my role as editor, asking for money probably ranks at or near the bottom. I would much prefer focusing on publishing all our great writers and debating the issues of the day. But the reality is that while we’re grateful for every one of our subscribers (if you aren’t one of them, you could always become a member here), that doesn’t get us all of the way there. We don’t want to pump out slapdash content full of half-baked arguments, factual errors, and typos. We want quality journalism and thoughtful analysis, and to do that, we have to hire the best staff plus pay for all of the technology and materials required to keep the website up and running, the magazine printing and shipping, as well as the podcast and video operation humming. All of our costs have been subject to the ravages of Bidenflation just like everything else. So, here I am, asking for money.

All of that said, it is always gratifying to read some notes left by our generous supporters along with their donations.

Here is a sampling of comments left just over the past few days:

John Hammonds contributed $100 and told us: “My father gave me a subscription to NR when I was in high school in the 70’s. I’ve read it ever since. When people ask me why I say, ‘because it makes me smarter.’ Thank you for continuing to stand against the madness of this age. And thank you especially for standing against the vile, despicable, and profoundly evil antisemitism that has shockingly surfaced here and abroad. As a Christian, conservative, and military veteran, I stand with you and with the Jewish people against this evil. Jihad is real, sadly. Will the pen be stronger than the sword? I pray so.” Thank you so much for being such a long-time reader and helping us take a stand on a cause that is so important to us. 

Chris Burrows, who also donated $100, said: “Keep up the good work. I appreciate what you do. I rely on you for accurate reporting and informed opinion while trying to make sense of our increasingly nonsensical public discourse and governance.” Thank you, we do our best to make sense of everything and try to stay sane in a tumultuous world. 

Frank Buzan gave $500 and wrote, “Keep up the good work exposing the government weaknesses.” Thank you! We shall — somebody has to hold the leviathan accountable.

Stephen Whelan contributed $500 and wrote: “I have been reading NR since 1962, when WFB spoke at The Hill School. Without NR, life would be unthinkable!” Wow, reading us since the “Mad Men” era — that’s amazing. Thank you so much for your long and continued support.

Somebody who chose to remain anonymous left $1,000 in the donation box and simply wrote, “Sincere thanks to the NR staff.” Well, sincere thanks to you. 

All told, as of this writing, about 600 readers have offered donations ranging from $2 to $2,500 — and not everybody has left a note. But I will just once again thank each and every one of you. If you appreciate what we do and can spare any amount at this time, I hope you will consider joining everybody who has already given.