Don't you hate how everybody seems to be asking for your money this time of year? From the big box stores with their "HOLIDAY SAVINGS!" to your favorite nonprofit encouraging you to donate generously to their very worthy cause, the message everywhere seems the same: GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT! GIVE US YOUR MONEY!

Don't you just hate that? Yeah, we do too.

And you know what we hate even more than that? We really hate joining in the holiday chorus entreating you to GIVE US YOUR MONEY! Yet here we are, doing just that.

So why do we do it? One reason only: We need it to continue publishing.

We'd much rather use this space to bring you a perspective on current events that you won't find in corporate media. Really, we enjoy doing that sort of thing much more than asking for money. That's why so many people volunteer their time to write, edit, and distribute this paper. Some of the best writers and political cartoonists in the country contribute--everything is donated.

Despite all that, we still need to pay for production, printing, and mailing. We get some money from advertising by local businesses that are in alignment with our kind of independent journalism. Subscribers contribute additional needed funds, but still we fall short of what we need to pay the bills. And so, once or twice a year, we do these fundraising drives to bridge the gap. And every year for 11 years now, our readers have stepped up and donated the needed funds.

As long as that happens, we'll keep publishing the unique blend of research, commentary, irreverence, and humor that is Eat the State! It's that simple.

Right now we need $5,000. Thank you to all who have contributed so far to bring us $915 closer to that goal. For the rest of you, if you like what we do, please show your support. Whether you send a new subscription, a gift subscription, a renewal, a donation, or purchase a t-shirt, we guarantee every dollar will go toward essentials. You can send a check to our PO box or donate via PayPal on our website.

Thank you. And happy holidays!* --the ETS! kitchen crew

(* Special note to Bill O'Reilly: Yes, we said "happy holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." If you don't like it, please go fuck yourself.)