If you donated to the Spirit of America fund request through your favorite blogs . . . well, just look at what you've done:

But here's the good news: enough equipment was delivered to outfit EIGHT Iraqi television stations, and it will be packed up and on its way to Iraq by Saturday afternoon -- only 23 days after the initial public request for funds was issued.

Every last dollar and dime has made its way to a worthy objective. And every last one of you who contributed helped make that possible.

If I could hug every last one of you, I would. Well, except you'd probably want me to shower first. And I'm not really the hugging type.

But pat yourself on the back, stand a little taller, feel a little prouder (do a little dance, make a little love)--because there IS a true spirit of America, and you have demonstrated it in spades.

If you can, spare a minute to thank John of Argghhh!, LT Smash, Dean and Rosemary Esmay, Michele Catalano, and Kevin Aylward--all leaders in the Blogosphere Challenge to bring independent news programming to Iraq. They worked their rears off on this one, and a simple "Thanks!" would probably mean a lot to them.

I know I'm grateful. Grateful, and impressed, and amazed.

You really did it. Every last one of you.

UPDATE 04/30/2004: As soon as I posted this, I thought, "How could I forget Castle Argghhh?" And as soon as I thought that, I forgot it again. Having attention-deficit disorder is no picnic, let me tell you. Luckily, John's devoted wife Beth issued another reminder, so: Go give a heartfelt thank-you to the leader of the Fighting Fusileers at Castle Argghhh!