Here we are in a new year, bringing to a close one of our longest running fund drives--long running because the crock pot has been filling more slowly than usual. We are very grateful to all those who have donated this time, many of whom have helped us out repeatedly in the past. But after nearly three months of begging, we are still less than two thirds of the way to our goal, so if you haven't donated yet, please help us get closer to what we need to pay for our printing and mailing, which are practically our only expenses in this volunteer-run operation. Then we'll stop bugging you about it for awhile.

You can donate or subscribe (subscriptions now sent first class!) to our PO box or donate online at eatthestate.org. A donation of $50 or more entitles you to a choice of one of three premiums: an ETS! t-shirt (specify size & color, see p. 8); an audio CD of David Barsamian's talk in Seattle last year; or Paul Loeb's inspiring anthology, The Impossible Will Take a Little While. Donations of $100 or more get you any two premiums.

Of course, as a volunteer-run project, we need volunteers just as much as we need money. Currently, we are seeking a new calendar editor and a new distribution coordinator, as well as a few more distributors. Now that we're mailing first class, we also need more help with the mailings. To plug in, or to get more information about what's needed, contact us at info@eatthestate.org or 206-719-6947, or come to one of our monthly meetings in the second Thursday of each month.

As our cover story shows, mainstream media continues to be sadly lacking in its coverage of many crucial stories. In '07, independent voices like Eat the State! will be needed more than ever. We wish our readers all the best in the new year, as we continue to provide our unique mix of biting commentary, humor, and coverage of stories you won't find elsewhere.