I just wanted to pause this afternoon to thank Grits for Breakfast readers for their generous response to the donation request this week and to give an update on blog fundraising efforts.
Including a couple of checks arriving in the newly established PO Box just today, 17 Grits readers ponied up just over $1,000, which in a happy coincidence is almost exactly the amount sitting on my credit card balance next month for the cost of a new car transmission, which was the impetus for the request in the first place. Donations came in from a low of $15 to a high of $200, and I appreciate each one a lot. One TYC employee IMO gave too generously, though I really appreciate the gesture - I won't name him b/c it might earn a backlash, but I know what you guys make!
You can donate using the PayPal buttons in the sidebar, and I really appreciate those who do - the service is easy, safe and secure and you can use your credit card - or by sending a check in the mail. (Of course, the PO Box should also be useful for those in possession of documents or other physical information they'd like to send along.)
This weekend I'll finish sending personal thank you emails to those who've donated, but for now I just wanted to add this update and thank folks for supporting this blog.
seems a bit unethical to solicit and receive money from groups or people that you write about. can you clarify?
ReplyDeleteJust because a person works for TYC does not mean that they represent TYC. It is not unethical at all because it is on their personal time and using their personal money....duh.
ReplyDeleteI have not contributed yet, but I do have plans to send in something. This is good therapy and Grits is a lot cheaper than a psychiatrist!!!
-Bubba Joe
Soliciting money from readers, not groups, and it's no different from MSM outlets accepting ads from people who target their readership for this or that purpose. Sorry if you don't like my ethics. As a disinterested party with no stakes in the process, perhaps you'd like to pay my car repair bill?
ReplyDeleteI am disappointed in the way your site has become very partisan lately. I think you helped to kill the innocence bill with all your partisan attacks. We just needed one more vote. Thanks a bunch!
ReplyDeleteUh ... partisan for which side? You're angry because I criticized Democrats, so are you saying I'm too Republican? That's a new one!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, if you blame Grits for the Innocence Commission vote, ask either the bill author or House sponsor whether they think that's the case. Seriously, ask them. If either of them blame me, let me know. Otherwise, I've commented in detail on that bill and the politics surrounding it in this post. best,
Anonymous 3:07 and 5:18...surely you jest. Although Grits is outspoken, he does not hold the key to the voting process in Austin. As for his ethics; I, for one, would rather hear a balanced view of subjects than the lopsided rhetoric that spews from the political arena. There are always going to be those for and against various issues. At least Grits prints the "whole" of an issue rather than a lopsided or partisan view. I don't always agree with Grits; however, this is his blog, not mine. I can choose to read it and support it or I can find something else to read. Bottom line, if you don't like the heat in the kitchen, get out.
ReplyDeleteRemember, those of us that have chosen to help support Grits have done so with OUR money. We are not being held hostage by any special interest group. We are simply helping a friend in need.
On that note...Grits, you are welcome for the help and keep the postings coming our way.
"he does not hold the key to the voting process in Austin"
ReplyDeleteThank you, outspoken woman!! would that I did! Several commenter today seem to dramatically overstate my power!
Thanks for the support, too, and kind words - both are appreciated.
Well once again, here they go. Pissing me off and making me wonder.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to lower my standards of naming the people in the “particular” organization that thinks like this, and to think this particular organization has a purpose that a "reasonable person" would agree is for a good cause?
Obviously not.
I’m sorry Texas. It appears as though your civil liberties are better handled by your local defense attorneys as opposed to what this organization is pledging.
I’d really like to know what their mission statement is, given that I once thought the world of them, but now I wonder.
So instead of contributing to them, I’ll contribute to this cause.
3:07 take your ethical judgements elsewhere. If you think donations to this site are wrong, then what could you possibly expect to accomlish by alerting your opinions to those who support it?
ReplyDeleteLet me clarify this for you:
People like myself donate to Grits because we appreciate Mr. Henson's hard work and dedication to what he believes in. He obviously spends many hours putting it all together for a LOT of people who believe he deserves to be paid for the outstanding job that he does.
Do you work for no pay 3:07? I didn't think so.
Keep up the good work Grits!!
Yep, we saw that work today alright!
ReplyDeleteI see it everyday...at least 3 or 4 times.
ReplyDeleteAs TDCJ see fit not to pay my husband for the work he does, I cant donate just yet. But I will as soon as funds allow ~ after all, I'd pay to read your comments in a newspaper so I see no reason not to pay to read them here too.
ReplyDeleteAaron Pena just deleted the Burnt Orange Report from his own site. What's up with that? Just saw this at edinburgnews.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI certainly wish I could help with the fundraising but I am retired living on a small and very fixed income while sending every penny I can to an inmate in TDCJ care. I appreciate the work you do.
ReplyDeletewhitsfoe you obviously have an anger management problem. I am certain that civil liberties advocates would support you obtaining mental health assistance.
ReplyDeleteNo thanks....I don't have an anger management problem, but rather a very good idea that probably one or two folks over there have some vindictive personalities, which is sort of baffling considering the agency you work for.... ;)
ReplyDeleteI happen to love your blogs whitsfoe, and I don't think you have an anger management problem. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteFrom an admirer who still works for "the scandalized agency". ;)
@12:32, Sunray, and any others who can't afford to contribute, don't give it a second thought! I know a couple of folks dug particularly deep, given their circumstances and I'm humbled and flattered by that. But we're all adults here and it's important to know your own limits. I really appreciate EVERY single reader, and certainly don't intend to make anybody too broke to donate to feel bad - after all, I'm broke too! best,
ReplyDeleteUh ... partisan for which side? You're angry because I criticized Democrats, so are you saying I'm too Republican? That's a new one!
ReplyDeleteI'll secound that! Your definetly no republican.