The Progressive remains dedicated to covering the COIVID-19 pandemic, as well as all of the other important issues that are impacting everyone during this crisis. We will continue to make our content available to all. We do so because we believe that in order for our democracy and communities to remain healthy, it is necessary to have access to well-written, fact-based, investigative journalism. 

We know that many of our readers are not able to make a financial donation at this time. We absolutely understand. But, if you do have the ability to support our work during this challenging time, we'd be very grateful! Thanks to all of you for continuing to be a part of our Progressive community!

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From: Bill Lueders, The Progressive
Subject: Help support this vision of citizen-driven progressivism!

August 11, 2020

Dear reader, 

Every day at The Progressive, we work as a team to produce what we consider to be, as a matter of fact, the best little political magazine in America, while maintaining a vibrant website and two ongoing projects—one to support and defend public schools, the other to produce op-eds that give voice to the voiceless.

Each day, we feel a sense of mission. In a time when lies have become the new national currency, The Progressive serves as a xxxxxx for fact-and reality-based journalism. During an era in which corporations and the rich enjoy vast control over the operations of government, we provide a coherent vision of citizen-driven progressivism.

Our work has never been more urgent, but our ability to continue it has never been more threatened. We have a raging pandemic and a looming presidential election that could, more than any other, define the future of America; an unprecedented high level of danger from nuclear weapons and climate change; and a major national reckoning with our nation’s long history of rampant racial injustice and police brutality. 

Every day, we work to address these issues, in our 111-year-old magazine and online. Our output in recent months has increased significantly, as have some of our costs. 

At the same time, the trends that are driving print publications out of business have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. Foundations are reassessing their giving priorities, and major contributors have suffered financial setbacks in a failing economy. Fundraising events like concerts, plays, and house parties (like the one actor Ed Asner joined us for last December) are no longer possible. 

Many publications have been forced to cut back on coverage, and even postpone or cancel their print editions. That’s what happened to Isthmus, the superb Madison weekly newspaper to which I devoted 25 years of my life. In some cases, newsrooms have closed up altogether. 

The Progressive’s slow but steady progress toward eliminating our substantial debt has become slower, and a bit less steady. We would love to get a huge cash infusion from a single donor, but that is not likely to occur. 

Instead, The Progressive needs you, our loyal readers, to help keep us afloat.

So, please, take a moment to make a contribution of any size to support our important work, each and every day.

P.S. - A donation of any size goes a long way in supporting our work. Monthly sustainers who donate $5 or more receive a complimentary subscription to our print magazine as well. 

P.S. - The Progressive, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Many employers match donations as well, so please check with your H.R. department.