God knows Gary Farber and I don't see eye-to-eye on a whole range of issues, but here's the thing. Although we may disagree on politics and frustrate the hell out of each other, it truly isn't personal. What's more, he's an engaging debater because -- wrong as he is ;) -- he keeps the tenor reasonably civil and he has plenty of links and facts to back up his points of view. But beyond all this, it's clear to me from our e-mail conversations and public debates that Gary's a good man, and I consider him a friend.

He's also a friend in need . He suffers from clinical depression and has other physical ailments. This condition keeps him from steady employment, and his requests for Social Security disability keep getting denied. He needs money to live, so he has mounted a pledge drive to cover medical costs and to keep him housed and fed. So if you can spare a few extra dollars a month, consider sending a Christmas gift Gary's way. If you're a conservative, Gary's the kind of liberal blogger you want to have in the loyal opposition. If you're a liberal, Gary's the kind of liberal blogger you want to have on your side.

I also write this because Gary's situation hits me on a personal level. My 27-year old nephew has a debilitating condition, although I don't know how similar it is to Gary's. Not long after going into college, my sister's son was diagnosed as having a severe bipolar disorder, serious enough to render him unable to support himself. He is off-the-charts smart, and back when he was in high school his future looked incredibly promising. But because of his condition, which became much more pronounced when he reached adulthood (as these disorders do), the door is closed on that future. There's just no way he can hold a job or finish a college course. He's now on Social Security and he has parents nearby who help him financially, so he has the means for getting by. Barely. Gary doesn't.