This weekend we say goodbye to 2017. If you’re like me, you’re not at all sad to see the back of this crummy year. For me, one of the best parts of this year, as in every year, is having the opportunity to write for all of you every day, and to read your reactions, thoughts, and ideas. We have a great little community here, and I’m grateful for you all.

If you like reading this blog, and the work of my TAC colleagues, won’t you consider making a year-end donation? It’s tax-deductible, and you can even set up an automatic monthly donation schedule with as little as five dollars monthly.

Believe me, it goes a long, long way. TAC is a lean operation. We don’t have fancy offices, nor do we have fundraising cruises (though if you donate a sufficient amount, maybe we can arrange for me to fly to New York and ride the Staten Island ferry with you). Putting out a magazine and a website costs money, and as a not-for-profit operation, we depend entirely on the generosity of donors.

I want to thank all of you who donated this year in earlier fundraising pitches, and I thank you again for considering us once again. It is no mere politeness to say that we could not do what we do without you. We may be in turbulent times, but at least we’re never at a loss for something to write about, and to read, am I right?

If you wish to donate, here’s the link. And guess what: every gift between now and the end of the year will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous donor.