Support Obama in 2012? Maybe. Maybe Not.

The 2012 Obama for President campaign is underway. Solicitations for my financial support have  started. Understandable, really. After Hillary Clinton withdrew in 2008 and threw her support behind candidate Obama, I donated to his campaign. I wanted a Democrat and my first choice was no longer in the race.

But 3 years of wasted opportunities later, my progressive agenda in shreds, my fiscal responsibility agenda ignored, a primary challenger to the President sounds appealing.

Frankly, Mr. President, I am not feeling the love.

On Tenderhooks during My Public Radio Fundraiser

Three times a year my public radio station conducts its fundraiser. As the economy has weakened and millions of hard-working Americans have lost their jobs, their retirement plans and their health care, public radio faces a steeper and steeper climb to meet its fund-raising goals.

Initially the drives were $600,000. With government support of public radio being cut, it rose first to $800,000 and now to a cool $1 million. That means three times a year my favorite station must raise $1 million to maintain its operations. This at the same time that increasing numbers of its faithful listeners are less capable of maintaining, let alone increasing their support. At the same time, the importance of public radio and television has increased as a source of educational material and public information during an era in which budget cuts are dismantling quality public education and for-profit media has descended to the lowest common denominator.

As I write, the eighth day of WAMC's fund drive is waning. They have not yet reached the $800,000 mark. For many years the drives ended on the sixth or seventh day. This one promises to last a week and a half. This is a station that provides an independent voice in a sea of corporate-sponsored mainstream media that blatantly espouses a far-right agenda. This is a station that REFUSES to talk down to its listeners at the same time it gives them a voice.

My station does not have a university sponsor. It must get its revenue from underwriters, sponsors and its listeners. Will it make it one more time? Will it get the funds that enable it to stay on the air for four more months?

My lips to God's ear.

Note: if you are interested in pledging call 1-800-323-9262.

Anne O'Shea Rides Again! - The Pan Massachusetts Challenge

The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through an annual bike-a-thon that crosses the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Anne O'Shea has participated in the event since 1997, most often cycling the demanding 192 mile route from Sturbridge to Provincetown. By registering this year, she has committed to raising $4,200. In 2009 she raised $5,100. Every year her six, highly supportive, sisters greet her at the Family Finish Line.

The PMC is a one or two-day bicycling event that raises money to fight cancer. Co-sponsors include The Red Sox Foundation, New Balance, NECN, Overstock.com and Stop&Shop.

The 30-year old event has raised $270 million that has been used to improve the lives of those suffering with cancer. It is the largest single contributor to the Jimmy Fund, bringing in nearly 50 percent of its annual revenue. In 2009, 100 percent of all funds raised by PMC riders went directly to the Jimmy Fund. Not one cent of each dollar raised through riders' sweat and determination was used for administrative and organizational expenses.

I support Anne because she is family, her achievement inspires me and this is a great cause. If you would like to contribute to Anne's ride, you can use the link listed to the right under Sites of Interest.