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An Interview with a Guy Who's Trying to Raise $2000 to Buy a MacBook Pro for "Democracy Now"

scottwguv.jpg
Scott Kennedy (at right, with the guv) is trying to get $20 pledges out of 100 Seattleites to buy a $2000 MacBook Pro for the syndicated ultra-lefty radio and tv show "Democracy Now."

Why do you think Democracy Now deserves a laptop over, say, Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me or The Diane Rehm Show?
Don't get me wrong - I love 'Wait Wait' as much as the guy who loves wearing Tevas over his white socks. And the thought of Diane Rehm reading me a bedtime story gets my heart pounding. But ultimately, I'm more passionate about political change. I believe democracy requires well informed citizens, and Democracy Now is all about the dissemination of information and perspectives that do not generally get covered in mainstream media. The great thing about video media is that the technology used by big corporate media is available to all of us ~ so for a few bucks, we can all be sure stations like this have the minimum technology to continue to compete.

How many pledges have you got so far?
About 15 now ~ Not nearly enough. One of the challenges is how to get the word out. Not many people think to themselves "Hmm, today I want to give away twenty bucks ... maybe I'll sift through thousands of random political rants on Craigslist". Blog coverage helps a lot, but I'm also working with Picklepost to develop a more public way to display community events and opportunities.

Who was the first person who agreed to pledge $20?
The first $20 was a couple from West Seattle who more liked my idea than the program itself. I'm talking with programmers now about developing a more efficient, more automated way to collect money via web site, put it into a PayPal escrow account, and release it only if/when the goal is reached.


How can we be sure you aren't just going to take the money and buy, like, a used van?
You don't know. Although vans are environmentally irresponsible so I'd probably get an old Civic.

Have you got anything else up on Craigslist?
Yes (slightly embarrassed) - I'm selling my old couch for $40. With its vintage colors and patterns, and sleek modern styling, this sophisticated little number will go just as well in your remodeled Queen Anne condo as it will on a front porch on frat row.

If you want to help, check out Scott's Craiglist post, or email him at scott@picklepost.org. Donate at your own risk, we don't know this guy from Adam

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.
By Seth in on March 29, 2007 3:06 PM

Comments [rss]

  • Cookstone

    To Jeff:

    Scott is a "for the people" first rate kind of guy. If Scott says he is going to give $20 to a charitable cause, then you can well believe him.

  • Joshua Schnell

    I met Scott Kennedy when he had a neighborhood coffee shop on Capitol Hill. It was demolished by the owners to make way for ugly condos. He's been doing positive, progressive side projects like this for years. Not only do I trust him, I'd give him the $20 even if he bought a van with it. He's probably paint it psychadelic colors and ride around solving crimes. Count me in.

  • Stephanie

    Or alternatively, if Scott does get the van with the tissues, you could borrow some to dry your tears!

  • Stephanie

    Simple idea, I like it. Democracy Now is a great organization. Jeff, take your personal problems elsewhere. This isn't the forum.

  • Knuts

    Then again, there's always the chance that he'll take our cash and but a used van with it, with tissues and lotion in the back, and then use it as a mobile shag-a-terium.

  • Knuts

    This is a very cool idea, and I'm up for it.

    To the guy with the failed cafe: Isn't it the seller's obligation to provide the buyer a lease along with the sale of the business? And why wouldn't you settle this dispute with him directly, rather than use your personal grudge to undermine Democracy Now? It's a worthy organization, and they could really use our support.

  • nbp
  • Turner

    Liberals afraid to part with $20? Doubting the honesty of someone trying to make a difference for your side?

    What if it was my money? Bet you'd donate that!

    Donate to my cause then...newsbusters.org

  • I like Macs as much as the next guy - it's a damn nice tool - but that's a lot of money when you can buy a laptop for less than $500.

    What does he need a MacBook Pro for that he can't get with an economy laptop?

    If you gotta have a Mac there are some reasonable prices for used G4s out there. My G4 (it's not for sale) is still going strong.

  • Chris

    You should use Fundable:

    www.fundable.org

    Disclaimer: One of the founders of that startup is an old college friend of mine.

  • Samatha

    I think Scott has a great idea, and I'm definately in for twenty bucks!! I wish more progressives took the time to do projects like this, rather than just whine and complain and bad mouth one another. I love Democracy Now and hope he gets the money.

    MEMO TO SCOTT: Next time you meet with the governor, you really should shave!


    xo samantha

  • David f.

    The craiglistt post was flagged down by users. Hmmmn. The couch is still up tho. And Picklepost. Their site says that they are "Part of the Kennedy Group." I smells a rat. A PR rat.

  • MvB

    Hey, I liked that cafe, Jeff. Why did you sell it?

  • Jake of 8bitjoystick.com

    That's it I am going to send them 20 bucks.

  • Jeff Reifman

    I wouldn't trust Scott Kenedy with $1.

    When I sold the Four Angels Cafe to Mr. Kennedy, he backed out of the deal saying that he couldn't get the lease assigned by the landlord (a condition of closing). Shortly thereafter, Mr. Kennedy rented the space from the same landlord. He never paid me for the business.

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