As we end our first week of the 2019 Spring Webathon, approaching $30,000 in kindly contributions from a few hundred kindly conservatives, let me stress how vital reader support has always been for National Review, and how in this particular call to arms we urge such in order to help us intensify our combating of socialism.

It’s very much alive on Capitol Hill, and in the plans of a slew of Democratic presidential candidates. Do read Jim Geraghty’s important article “Five Bills to Move America Closer to the Socialist Ideal,” which touches on just how pervasive the ideology’s reemergence is — which in turn compels us to attack, and attack again. And again. Done only with your assistance. Here’s the beginning of Jim’s piece:

Right now, Democrats are debating whether they are outright, outspoken socialists, like Bernie Sanders; capitalists trying to save capitalism, as John Hickenlooper describes himself; or some sort of quasi-socialist midpoint between those identities. But self-identification almost always involves a bit of self-deceit and a healthy dose of self-flattery. To assess the leading Democrats’ true agenda, look beyond their rhetoric and instead consider the legislation they introduce, and how they want to change America’s laws. The portrait is clear: Well beyond the high-profile bills such as the New Green Deal and Medicare for All are less-noticed proposals for price controls and revoked patents, vastly expanded government benefits programs, much higher taxes, bans on the closure of federal-agency field offices, and a general appetite to expand the size of government at all levels.

Do read the whole thing. And do find some inspiration from these good folks who yesterday plunked down some support for NR, and explained why in the process:

• Scott sends NR 100 selfless dollars, and a reminder of what we are up against: “Socialism is a scourge upon mankind. I’ll take personal property, personal responsibility, and freedom from government control over any ‘ism’ invented by the left.”

• David also tosses a C Note into the collection plate, and says nice things about us: “NR deserves every buck one can spare to support it. Principle has always been its guide.”


• Anonymous sends $50 and this: “Keep America Strong. Never give up, and never surrender! My family is counting on you.” We’re up to it, and if you and the kids need a place to stay, NR has a nice guest room!


• Michael chimes in with $100, and the prayers help too: “May God bless your efforts to get conservative ideas out in the public square. Let our efforts bear fruit, and may we not become complacent!”

• And yet another $100 gift comes, this from Elizabeth. I like how she thinks: “National Review is more than a magazine. It is the door prize for something much bigger.”

I like how she acts too. Will you do the same? Maybe even . . . do it for Mom. With Mother’s Day approaching, we will be happy to note in this space any contribution made in the honor of Mom, especially, we hope, one who took a shine to Bill Buckley and NR. But whatever the reason for giving, know that no donation is too large, none too small. NR knows we have zilch moral claim to your generosity. That’s why each contribution — truly needed and consequential — is quite appreciated. Our objective is to raise $175,000 (we so need to raise much more than that) in this effort to give socialism a deserved connecting uppercut, so please, donate to the 2019 Spring Webathon. If prefer doing that by check, make it payable to “National Review” and send it to National Review, ATTN: Spring 2019 Webathon, 19 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036. God bless!