I just did something I have never done before in my entire life:

[Political Heretic]

Before I tell you what it is, I want to tell you this...

I have had the unfortunate, sometimes heartbreaking experience of going through chapter seven bankruptcy this fall. I have lost two jobs in the last year, and been unemployed for nearly six months prior to that. About a month ago I was struggling not to be evicted from my 1 bedroom apartment. Not three weeks ago I ate a bottle of bacos as my only meal for the day, because that's all I had. The highlight of my recent life was when I scraped up enough loose change to buy soap so I could shower, tied only with when I finally had enough extra money to afford to wash my clothes - something I had not been able to do for a month... thanks to having a new job again and being back in school and getting financial aid in the form of student loans to live on, I am slowly starting to rebuild my life - including having access to the internet thanks to being in Graduate School working on my Master's degree.

STOP! Interjection: how many of you reading this were subconsciously surprised a little bit to hear that I was working on a master's degree? If you were, think about the assumptions people so frequently make about people who are poor.

With that in mind, tonight I donated $25 dollars - which is every spare dime I have - to the John Edwards campaign. In my lifetime, I haven't believed in a candidate as much as I believe that John Edwards would be the best choice for America right now. It is amazing to be able to be passionately excited about a candidate. I joined the mailing list, registered at the website, emailed all of my friends, joined a local Edwards chapter and tonight... I donated.

I've never been more serious about a candidate or an election. I believe in the integrity and vision of this man.

No flame of the other well-qualified candidates. Simply sharing my feelings about the candidate that has reignited my own passion and hope for America's future.

[BulletproofLandshark]

1. If every Edwards supporter had your committment

he'd win this thing in a walk.

Oh, and welcome to DU. :toast:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear Political Heretic...

Wow, what a great story!

And good for you...

You never gave up, did you?

I think you should be really proud of yourself, and your efforts to make your life better, and more rewarding...

Congratulations on supporting the candidate of your choice...

You rock! :yourock:

:hug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

3. K&R Welcome to the Lounge

I thought I was in GD for a minute. You really should cross post this to GD :hi:

[Political Heretic]

5. Ok will do!

Thanks.. I've made a few posts over the last week and a half. Mostly just been reading the Lounge and GD and Latest and getting up to speed! :hi:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. Even though it is gettng voted in the Lounge --

Lounge threads are not allowed on the greatest page. This one deserves a chance.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. Welcome to DU!

Let me know where I can send a care package. :hug:

[SammyWinstonJack]

7. Well send me an address and I will give you back your $25 contribution to Edwards.

He is my choice in '08. He is my only choice and I am sure he would not want you to spend your last dollar to support him!

[Political Heretic]

8. That's too kind, but thank you for the generous offer

Honestly, if I was in the state I was in a while ago, I wouldn't be afraid to take kind offers like this one. However, I'm getting back on my feet. I have food for the week, and gas to get to work, and I got straight As in my first semester in graduate school, despite this horrendously trying time. Because I'm doing ok right now, I'd ask that you donate $25 dollars to a local charity - maybe one providing food to people like me who didn't always have it during this holiday season.

By the way, I'm getting my Master's degree in Social work. I want to give back. :)

Anyway, thank you for your kindness.

[Phentex]

9. You're a good egg...

I wish you continued success!