A couple of years ago, I asked the Help Desk to get rid of personal fundraising diaries because I felt they detracted from the image of Daily Kos as a serious political site. I want to apologize to everyone for not recognizing at the time how much the strangers we interact with on the Internet can enrich our lives and how much of the value of the DK community comes from individual members—like BF Skinner.
I am autistic, and I typically feel uncomfortable when other people evoke emotional responses within me; yet, BF Skinner has managed to cross the line from a stranger on the Internet to a person whose well-being matters to me. As many of you know, he has endured some terrible luck this past year. He continues to deal with illness, pain, and endless bureaucratic red tape in accessing the safety net we progressives believe so strongly must be preserved.
Two weeks ago, BF Skinner finally had his disability hearing, and his lawyer said the outcome looks promising. However, the ruling can take up to 60 days, and it will take another 60 days for him to receive any benefits.
People rarely like to ask for help, but sometimes life leaves you no choice. Ideally, BF Skinner needs $500/month to pay rent for May, June, and possibly July. He also needs $500/month during that time to cover food and living expenses, which include taking care of his sick elderly pootie friend. He also has oodles of hospital bills.
Some of you may have donated in the past. Some of you may think, as I once did, that you don’t really know this person and it’s not your problem. But if we can fork over thousands for people we don’t really know to buy political ads, surely we can raise enough money to help a fellow Kossack survive for the next few months.
I’m not a religious person, but my foster mother had a wall plaque in the dining room (she had lots of these things) that said, “There but for the grace of God go I.” Any of us could one day find ourselves in BF Skinner’s shoes. If you are like me and you look for his question-of-the-night dairies because they offer much-needed stress relief or if you keep track of his well-being through his diaries because you feel better just knowing he’s doing okay, please consider helping him out. Instructions below:
You can send a little green love through Paypal(houstonbfskinner at netscape.net); through BF Skinner's Go Fund Me page ; or via his Amazon wishlist, at Amazon’s webpage under houstonbfskinner at netscape.net.
The minimum goal is $3000. That is just 100 people contributing $30. Or 200 people contributing $15. Or 300 people contributing just $10 each to help out a nice guy.
He (and I) would appreciate any support you have to offer. And if all you can spare right now is love, prayers, or good wishes, he will be happy to have those, too. Tips and recs also appreciated!!
PS I know some of us out there have bumped elbows, but I humbly ask you to look past any negative feelings you might have about me to show your progressive spirit and help a guy who makes a lot of people smile.
I leave you with a video from Ylvis to make you smile!
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 · 10:56:16 PM +00:00
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CatM
You beautiful beautiful people! Thank you so much for helping us get more than halfway to our goal of $3000, the bare bones amount BF Skinner needs to tough out the next few months until hopefully his disability comes through.
Together, we raised $1760 for our fellow Kossack! And, let me tell you, the day after a cretin like Donald Trump seals the nomination and shakes one’s faith in humanity, it is reassuring to have it restored by your generosity.
Please consider bookmarking this diary (you know you’ll want to watch that Ylvis video over and over again like I do) or BF Skinner’s Go Fund Me page. If you ever find yourself with a little extra over the next several weeks, consider helping us reach that goal!
Alternatively, you could start a swear jar in your house to raise funds for BF Skinner. :) Of course, in my house, we’d probably hit the goal in a week. (Not because of me, mind you!)
Also, thank you to everyone who offered kind words and wishes. As everyone knows, caring words are priceless when you are going through a rough patch in life.
Now, let’s all cross our fingers that BF Skinner’s disability payments will start sooner rather than later.