Can you believe it? It’s true. A significant portion of society, one that cuts across demographic lines and political affiliations, thinks that we bloggers are lazy, self-centered and extremely  not given to performing acts of charity.

Oh, you’re not a blogger, you just read them? Well guess what, you’re being painted with the same brush. The Pew Center for the Glory of the Mainstream Media found that 80 percent of Americans have an unfavorable view of anyone who has written, commented or read a blog within the last 30 days.

I have it on good authority that at this very moment the Illinois Times is working on an investigate piece that alleges, among other things, that both the Blogspot and WordPress user agreements contain anti-altruism clauses. Outrageous, huh? They’ll probably also trot out the old “underwear in the basement” canard, but right now, that’s the least of our worries.

So what do we do? Well, we could mount a counterattack by posting lengthy ripostes full of self-serving and unverifiable “facts” that claim to refute the prejudicial charges, but that’s just what they’re expecting us to do. Instead, I say we take action.

This Saturday, put on some pants, kiss your mom goodbye, and head over to 1000 Knoll Point (map). That’s where Habitat for Humanity is building a house for Patty Redpath and her seven adopted children. You can read about them here.

Thanks to Dusty Rhodes and the Illinois Times for the unauthorized use of this photo. I’ll remove it if you ask.

I received a call from the volunteer coordinator last evening. Although the house is nearing completion, the number of volunteers has dropped off considerably, including, I’m ashamed to say, me. 

This is no joke. Now is the time for all good bloggers to come to the aid of their blemished reputations. If you can make it out on Saturday, please let me know as soon as possible (leave a comment or email to: dantam8 at gmail dot com.) They want to get an idea of how  many people they can expect. They usually work from 8:00 until 2:00 in the afternoon, but any time you can give is needed.

Thank you for listening and I apologize for the clumsy attempt to manipulate you by besmirching your character. It’s for a good cause and it really wouldn’t kill you to do something charitable every once in a while.