Once upon a time, back when I was in my 20s I was making all of $8,000/year (yes, a year). I was at a fund raising rally and a man around 40 was on stage. He said, "figure out what you can give. Then add a zero. This race is that important." Turns out he was right. It was 1996 and Democrats were in the dumpster. I had 20 bucks to my name. I put all my money in the jar (it was full of checks, all I had was cash and $20 was all of it). I couldn't give 10x that amount. I didn't have it to give. But I gave what I could.
Well, now I am 40. Now I am that guy. I will say what he said to you. Think about what you can give. If you are able, add a zero. This race is that important.
Why do I mention this? I bring this up because a woman from the DNC stopped me and asked for $65 to pay for a day's wage for a DNC canvasser on election day. I realized, that it was finally my turn and my time to do my part because I finally, finally could. I had more than $100 in my wallet and a credit card to boot. I told her my story from 1996, I got choked up and teary, and said, damn it, now it's my turn. I wrote down the $65 she asked for. Then I added a zero. I donated $650 on the spot.
Not everyone can afford to do this. If you can't I am not asking this of you. But if you are my age or my income bracket, give thought to the fact that we are in a unique situation to give more than everyone else. We aren't just getting out of school. We aren't about to retire. We are that guy who was on that stage that day in 1996.
It is our turn. If we don't do so, we can't win what we need to win. It really is that important. And yes, I know Obama just got 150mil. That's great. Give some to him or the DNC or your state party or the DCCC or whomever. But remember. Think about what you want to give. Then add a zero if you can. It's our time this time.
Thanks for reading.