Born in the shadow of Watergate, Mother Jones' first offices were in cramped little quarters above a San Francisco McDonald's. The first issue came out early in 1976, but they didn't have their first breakthrough story until the following summer, when they helped bring to light the decisions that led Ford to produce the explosion-prone Pinto. One of their writers was actually the journalist who got his hands on the now-famous memo where they put forth the cold calculations regarding the cost of re-engineering vs. the value of a human life.
Year after year, they've pressed their shoulders hard against the status quo, and for the common good.
They've been harassed by governments and by corporations for constant spotlight on malfeasance and corruption.
I say all of this to suggest that those who can, buy a subscription - or give a gift subscription to someone else, or even make a donation. Not to take anything away from charities and other civic-minded organizations, but I think we often tend to forget that non-profit journalism needs a steady boost as well.
They're often the last organizations I think of when I'm considering new donations, but they should be right up there with everyone else. Especially these days, when all of real journalism is under fire from those who would silence them summarily, who tolerate no dissent or opposition.
Mother Jones is a critical voice in the progressive fight to restore balance to our country.
While you're considering a subscription/contribution - take a moment to read this very hopeful article written on the heels of the Nov. 7 elections:
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