Because I have contributed to candidates and to the Democratic effort I am on the “She’s A Live One” list and continue to get solicited for more donations for future campaigns. And they call me at home. I have told Ed I do not plan to donate any more for a while. I need a break. And Ed is not as giving in these ways as I am -- the word is frugal.

I would rather not get on the phone at all if it is a campaign worker, but when Ed answers, he banters with them a little, referring to me as “channeling Emma Goldman”* which he did yesterday, then he hands me the phone and I am looking daggers at him because I have asked him to always say I am not at home. But he continues to hand me the phone.

So then I hatched a plan that should nip his game in the bud. Normally I would beg off contributing any more at this time, but instead I gave them $25 and wished them well.

Then I had a heart to heart with Ed. I said and I quote, “From now on if you hand me the phone when it is a campaign worker, it will cost you (us)$25.” He said you didn’t give them anything this time did you? I said, yes, $25. (He looked outraged.) Just know, said I, that from now on that is the plan and he said he would find a way to get me for this.

I feel strangely happy about this plan.

xx, Teal



*Emma Goldman (June 27 [O.S. June 15] 1869 – May 14, 1940) was an anarchist known for her political activism, writing, and speeches. She played a pivotal role in the development of anarchist political philosophy in North America and Europe in the first half of the twentieth century.