A difficult post

I have a highly intriguing story involving AIG coming up soon -- probably later today. I must make a couple of calls before posting. (Yeah, this one involves some original spadework.) But right now, something else has come up. An important matter.

I've made a plea of this sort only once before, and on that occasion I hoped to aid someone else. Now, even though doing so makes me feel humiliated, I must once again ask my readers for help.

All over the country and around the world, checks now pass from payer to payee with a slowness redolent of Sergiu Celibidache conducting a Bruckner adagio after being dipped in pecan syrup. You may have noticed the phenomenon in your own life. In a recession, everyone robs Peter to pay Paul.

Hi. I'm Peter.

I used to be Joseph, but now I'm forced to play the role of Peter. In other words, I worked on a project and I am owed money, but the promised check has not arrived and may not arrive for a month or more. Which means that I'm running on fumes.

Well, I've had to live ultra-frugally before, and I don't mind doing so again. A month of pasta and cabbage won't kill anyone -- in fact, it'll probably be healthy. Many of you may be experiencing similar circumstances, times being what they are.

But here's the real problem: The landlord picked this moment to tell everyone staying in this place that he will, in less than a week, switch off the internet and the house phone (services which were part of the original rental agreement).

We can live without TV and phone, but the internet is a must. At least it is for anyone who wants Cannonfire to continue.

So I'm asking for help. Many of you are not flush these days, but a few of you may be in a position to be generous. The donation buttons should now function properly. If you are able to help, any little bit would be greatly appreciated, and not just by me.

Your aid would not only keep this humble blog online past June 1, you would also help two other fine people stay connected with the world. Those two people are also going through impossibly tough times -- ramen-eating-times. You know the kind. (Cutbacks at work: It's a common story.)

I apologize for making this request, and I promise not to make a habit of it. (In other words, I won't turn into Mark Karlin.) You have my thanks in advance, even if all you can send are good wishes.

For any donation of $20 or more, I'll draw and publish a political or non-political cartoon on any subject you wish. If you wish. (An example of my previous work can be found here.) Want to see Barack Obama dancing the twist as he tries to reconcile his governance with his promises? Want to see Dick Cheney blackmailing Satan? Want to see a picture of your family pet biting George Bush in the hindquarters? Now's your chance! Obviously, I can't do anything too salacious or personal or libelous, but there's a lot of leeway here, and it does not matter if I agree with the point you wish to express. (Although Comment Rule #2 applies here.)