We've Come a Long Way in 2011, From Depression and Heartbreak to Authentic Hope for the Future — Help Us Keep Going

It has been an exciting year in independent journalism and progressive politics. It has felt like a journey from depression and heartbreak (remember when the Tea Party was the media darling?) to authentic hope for the future.

The Occupy Wall Street movement has tapped into an intense desire for change, galvanizing millions with a surge of energy to shape the future. It's clear, the OWS movement may be the best opportunity to alter society in a generation. But that doesn't mean the change will come easy. There is much work ahead, and we all need to apply some elbow grease to the wheels to make that happen.

At the end of each year, we, at AlterNet, reach out for your help. If we have done a good job, if we have kept you informed, stimulated and inspired, we hope you will make a contribution so we can continue to provide you with the information and the journalism that you need. Without strong media to fight the right wing, the corporations, and the banks, we are toothless. We need to raise $60K before the end of the year, to meet our budget goals. 

AlterNet has its strongest editorial team ever. Readers flock to us as our audience has grown 20 percent this year, and more than 2.3 million "unique" individuals (of course many come often, so the overall number of visitors is much larger) visit AlterNet every month — from all over the world, from every age group, from every state in the union. That is a lot of people and a lot of influence. And we do it without spending a ton of money. So your investment in AlterNet truly earns dividends. 

The importance of the battle for the future is clear from the aggressive push back against the OWS protests, led by brutal police attacks across the country. Participants have been vilified, beaten, pepper-sprayed and arrested. The fundamental idea that ordinary people should have a say in the country's economic future has met fierce resistance from banks, corporations, lobbyists, conservatives, and the right-wing and corporate media. 

But that should come as no surprise. The bigger question is: Will we respond with more determination? The right-wing media demonizes protestors and progressives every day. But we know our ideas and values are what America needs to support our families and make a better society. And simply put, we need your support to do what is necessary: push back against right-wing propaganda and envision a better world.

So please join us and support us if you are able. We promise to do our share.