Reply #42: Great Video - I Just Got Eugene's Email

[NashVegas]

The website just went live this evening & will be added to. We're considering posting the concepts for future spots so they can be voted on. One important part that is missing is the page wherein we collect the necessary FEC reporting data, so if you view the site, love the add & want to contribute straight away that's of course no problem. I will follow up with you for the reporting data, but hopefully that page is up tomorrow. We're using paypal for contributions at this point. I recall that was a sticking point before for some, but having been dark acquiring a traditional merchant account would not be a simple process & the costs are higher on top of it. Surprisingly paypal has a very reasonable fee structure for us, and provides amex, discover & check draft, whereas other merchant accounts charge additional fees for these. The most important change is that paypal now functions as a traditional merchant account, in that you do not have to sign up for their service & be subjected to their member privacy policy which gives them authorization to use your data for marketing. After you click through to donate, it will open our paypal contribution page & on the lower left just click "continue" under "Don't have a paypal account?"

In 2004 I had ongoing email conversations & more with many, so for anyone interested in where I've been since, here's the hopefully brief version! I explored a couple of avenues to remain active in the media side of activist or political work, but ultimately had to face that that world wasn't for me on a constant basis. So, I returned to minding my existing business for the most part, along with a fair amount of travel & other new endeavors. On the political side this cycle, I supported Edwards first, but didn't anticipate involvement like this, because he shunned any PAC support. After he dropped out I supported Obama (still do of course) & with the money & polling advantage he has enjoyed for a long time again felt there would be no need. However, I've been concerned with the narratives as they have evolved & McCain has proved a resilient opponent, so when this opportunity came about with the right McCain/Bush message I jumped in, thankful something had told me not to close the PAC. I did consider doing some disruptive media on the GOP side when they were in turmoil trying to pick a candidate to help them along with the infighting, but it was too intolerable to listen to their venomous views, particularly on social issues & that idea passed after a couple days.

I want to keep it short, but really look forward to hearing from you & hearing your thoughts on the new site, the new ad & anything else.

www.truthandhope.org

Be Well,

Eugene Hedlund
Founder
TruthandHope.Org