This is a cultural catastrophe. I know Jim and Kara took a bold stance (no grants or handouts) because they believe in the power of community, and will stand or fall by that. I now run an environmental non-profit in L.A., and we can't be as selective, because individual patrons CAN'T keep such an entity alive. But I am grateful for all they did, and that in some way I could be a part of the Amicus community the few times I was able to drive up from L.A. and participate. I look forward to seeing how they regroup, and to support the projects they next undertake. --Richard Beban <beban@beban.org>, Playa del Rey, CA