Well, our Cancel the Cancellers webathon goal was audacious, doubly so because we are seeking to raise funds in the midst of madness, of a crunched economy, in campaign season, in summer’s doggiest of days. The drive ends in a handful of days, over which we hope a few hundred more readers who believe these things . . .
- That NR is vital: It’s a reliable home to sane, exceptional conservative writing, increasingly an oasis, operating without pause when the MSM has gone whole-hog Left
- That the world is a better place for NR existing and waging battle with the Left
- That the world would be a worse place without NR
- That NR is in essence both a journalism operation and a cause
- That NR shares a brotherhood and sisterhood with its readers and supporters, upon whom this Buckley-created institution depends for both moral and material help
. . . will see fit to do what they have probably intended to do anyway. Namely: to donate. In the last couple of days and hours, many have (nearly 1,600 people have made donations so for, from $5 to $5,000). And some of them have shared sentiments which we believe deserve a resharing.
- Tim unloads $500 on NR and plays with a familiar saying: “IF A TREE FALLS IN THE WOODS. . . . Several articles, in NR, read lately have really hit the point, in that they shine a light on what lacks in our culture/society/politics. Your writers are, in my humble opinion, the best of what’s out there! AND NO ONE HEARS IT . . . ” And they do, because of this kind of generosity. (Tim had a lot more to say, including the idea of demanding debate with the Left, à la WFB and Firing Line.)
- Get this: Pavel, from behind what was once the Iron Curtain, sends a Twenty and this inspiring comment about the hope this magazine can afford: “I have been reading the NR since 1965. Although seas are perhaps more turbulent than ever, your ship is staying the course set by its founder.” This is so inspiring. Thanks good and old friend.
- Michael spots us $100 and sums up what many others are saying: “I echo the sentiments of earlier contributors; NR and its writers provide a sorely needed perspective based on a deep understanding of America and its core principles. Keep up the great work.” We don’t intend to do anything less than that. Thanks, Michael.
- Kerry forks over $20 and then shares a doubt that is oh so wrong: “I doubt my $20 will make much of a difference in the decline of the West, but I do enjoy NR and hope to, at least, keep access to its voices of reason.” Makes a big difference Kerry. You don’t owe us a plug nickel — and here you’ve given us 400 real ones! God bless.
- Sarah tosses a sawbuck in the collection plate, and warns she is not done with us: “Thanks for the sanity. I can only afford $10 right now but I will be donating more next week!” You’re welcome, and thank you. Means a lot to us that you think so kindly of NR.
- We’ll close this out by letting you know that Stephen tendered a Fifty and an explanation: “Maintaining a bastion of sanity in a crazy world is worth the price of admission. Even if I don’t agree with every word or column, I’m glad there exists a forum for those ideas to be exchanged (especially the inconvenient truths). Thanks for all that you do.” High-fiving you, amigo. Many thanks.
We’ve arrived at the hard ask: Can you match Sarah’s $10 or Pavel’s $20? Let’s say you’ve got a little extra and are in the mood: Can you match Stephen’s $50? Michael’s $100? Tim’s $500? If you can, then — will you? Please do, and do so here. Now, just so you know: No one is getting rich at NR. There are at best threadbare expense accounts. There’s no Sugar Daddy, no Sugar Mama, no bag of pixie dust, no winning Powerball ticket, no alchemy formula. All hands are on deck 24/7, intent on carrying out the mission Bill Buckley bequeathed to us. The hard/harsh fact is that the costs of running a worthwhile and — here’s the most important word — consequential conservative operation are steep. We ask a lot of you, yeah, we know. But that’s done with a very clear conscience, because at the front lines of this epic culture battle for the American civilization, slashing and parrying and grappling with the monsters who want to destroy this Ever-Perfecting Union, are the writers and editors of National Review, and mamma mia they ever need your support. Speaking of which, should you prefer to do that by check, make one payable to “National Review” and mail it to National Review, ATTN: Summer 2020 Webathon, 19 West 44th Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY 10036. Many thanks and God bless you and yours.
