Dear Mother Jones Reader, 

The Mad King who’s trying to guide our nation into authoritarianism seems to be getting madder by the day. He impulsively launches a misguided war, based on a “feeling.” He threatens to destroy a “whole civilization.” He posts on his failing social media site an image depicting himself as Jesus. 

What’s the best weapon against this dangerous assault on decency and democracy? It’s simple: The truth.

But, as you know, the truth isn’t always easy to come by. News outlets owned by corporations and billionaires are limited in what they report and how they report it. They are impeded by their overseers’ demands for clicks and profits and too often hindered by conventions and practices that are ill-suited to covering the crises of the day. 

But not Mother Jones. We care about only one thing: providing kick-ass independent journalism that brings you the full truth—without weasel words or phony claims of neutrality. 

And there’s only one reason we get away with this: We’re funded not by oligarchs who want to control the narrative but by our readers, by people like you, people who give a damn about what’s going on and who realize that the fight to save the country is dependent on exposing the crimes, corruptions, and schemes of the plutocrats and autocrats who seek to turn the United States into an authoritarian and kleptocratic state infused with right-wing and religious fundamentalism.

That’s why I’m once again back in your inbox, pestering you for a donation. I know prices are up—thank you, Mr. President—and these can be tough times for many of us. But if you can part with a few bucks, please consider joining our team at Mother Jones. 

Today is the final day of our Spring Membership Drive. The goal is 1,000 new donations. Right now, we're only halfway to that goal. So that’s why I’ve been roped into making this appeal. To produce the fierce journalism we put out every day, we need your support.

I think the most important pitch for me to make to you is that we’re not afraid to speak plainly and call things as they are. You won’t get mealy-mouthed, both-sides-ish bullshit from us. Look, here’s what we know: Trump doesn’t believe in the rule of law. He’s a cheater. He has always been a cheater. He lies. He doesn’t pay his bills. On the golf course, his caddy sneakily repositions his ball. Rules and laws, as he sees it, don’t apply to him and his whims. 

He’s a Mad King wreaking havoc at home and abroad.

For more than a year, Trump, his Republican lackeys, and MAGA have been waging a war on the rule of law, democracy, and decency. We’re far beyond the usual Republican effort to lower taxes for the wealthy, cut regulations for their cronies and corporate funders, and give polluters a free rein. It’s a crusade to fundamentally reshape the nation and turn the United States into a dystopian mix of oligarchy, autocracy, and kleptocracy—even a police state. More power for the plutocrats, rising prices for food, housing, education, and health care for most Americans.

With this battle at hand, I’ve been fighting back the best way I can: by pursuing no-holds-barred journalism. Our newsrooms in DC, New York, and San Francisco—and our team across the country—have one goal in mind: find the truth and say it out loud.

Give a damn.
Join our fight. Help us reach 1,000.

As I’ve said, I know things are tight for many of us these days. But if you can, join our fight for the truth by making a gift that funds the fearless journalism our nation desperately needs, please. Help us reach our goal today. Whatever amount you can give—$20, $50, $100—takes us one step closer to that goal of 1,000. 

You know me. When it comes to reporting the truths other reporters don’t see or don’t pursue, I don’t hold back. Because I’m free of the influence of corporate media, billionaire owners, and advertisers, I can play it both straight and hard. Too many outlets and too many voices in the media have accommodated Trump or covered him as a normal politician. That will only help him consolidate power and continue his reign of discord and demagoguery. I’m not here to be a partisan player. I’m here to serve the truth. Just like all of us at MoJo.

Trump is the most successful con man in American history. Maybe in world history. But the con is fraying. Which is why now is the time to keep the pressure on, and the best way I know how to do that is to reveal all we can about his grift, his policies, and his plans to subvert America. To do that, my colleagues at Mother Jones and I need you. 

Thanks for considering my pitch. I deeply appreciate the support we get from our readers. It keeps me going—literally. Hang in there. I’m confident if we work together, we can defeat the forces of authoritarianism and demagoguery. 

Onward,

P.S. Here’s one more suggestion for how we can stick together: If you’re not already subscribing to Our Land, my twice-weekly personal newsletter, give it a try now with a 30-day free trial. I’m hoping that you’ll find it both enlightening and entertaining and that you sign up and join a vibrant community of people who give a damn about this fight to save our republic.