Informed Speculation

(Note: This post is going to stay at the top of this blog for the next 24 hours or so…please scroll down for new posts on other topics).

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UPDATE 9/1 4:58 p.m. central: To the kind, but anonymous, Decision ’08 reader who donated $100 (see here – search for Decision on the page), I say, God bless you, sir or madam…that really makes my day. You guys are great…

As of 8:58 p.m., The Truth Laid Bear’s Katrina relief page is showing over $155,000 in contributions related to this effort…and I’m sure many more people either didn’t know or didn’t bother to log their contributions…good stuff!…

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Though I’m posting this a few hours before 9/1, in my time zone, Glenn Reynolds has begun the Hurrican Katrina Blog Relief Day a little early to relieve some of the pressure on his schedule tomorrow. Obviously, you know what this is about. It’s not my business how you spend your money, and it’s not my style to beat anyone over the head, but clearly, what has happened in New Orleans, Mississippi, and elsewhere is a tragedy of epic proportions.

Many of you gave generously to aid the victims of the tsunami, and I just ask that you look into your heart and pocketbook, and if the will and the financial wherewithal are there, please give, if not to my charity, then to some charity. I have chosen the American Red Cross as my charity of choice; each blogger that is participating has chosen a charity, as well.

I love this country; I love its spirit, its generosity, its values, and its people. You can’t keep Americans down, and I believe New Orleans will rise again, and stand on its feet proudly. It will never be the same, of course, but we can help, in our own little way, with $5, $10, $25 contributions, to aid people as they rebuild and start over.

Thanks to Glenn and N. Z. Bear, and to Hugh Hewitt, who started the whole ball rolling for this effort. May God bless the survivors and have mercy on the victims…and thanks to all of you for your participation, your contributions, and for your readership.

UPDATE 9/1 9:35 a.m.: Obviously, this isn’t about traffic or egos, but if you give and you want to stand up proud and show it, The Truth Laid Bear has also set up a page where you can log your contributions.