SOA

I'm moving this post up for those that may have missed it.

Have you donated to the SoA Blogger challenge? Here's the sort of things you're helping to make happen.

Iraq the Model bloggers Omar and Mohamed are touring America along with SoA founder Jim Hake (MilBlogger Grim got a coveted invite to one event!) demonstrating the new Arabic language blogging tool called Viral Freedom:

Every blog developed using the Arabic blogging tool will include space that is under the control of organizations that we work with, such as Friends of Democracy. This space or “real estate” will be a portion of the blog header (top of the page) and the left column. The organizations will use the space to promote groups, individuals and news that, in the big picture, advance freedom, democracy and peace in the region. Thus, everyone that creates a blog will be promoting moderate and progressive information and viewpoints in the Arab world. Friends of Democracy will use the space to publicize pro-democracy groups, election information and related news. The blogs created under Friends of Democracy will be ambassadors of democracy in the Arab world.

Friends of Democracy
The first group of blogs will be under Friends of Democracy. It will focus on Iraq but anyone, and any group, anywhere that wants to be a “friend of democracy” will be able to create and maintain a Friends of Democracy blog in Arabic at no cost. Friends of Democracy will establish and enforce policies regarding blog use and blog content.

Beyond Iraq
If enough funds are raised, we will seek other moderate organizations to oversee blogs in other Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and Syria. We will also fund the development of the blogging tool in Farsi so it may be used in Iran and in Kurdish.

Contributions through Mudville thus far are enough to fund hosting of 50 blogs 100 Blogs(!!!) for one year in this effort (Note: contributions are to SoA to use as they see fit - will go where the need is greatest.)
"Viral Freedom" makes Mrs. G's choice of link banner quite appropriate, don't you think?

Witness the growing influence of blogs; Omar and Mohamed have already met the President of the United States - and soon they'll be hosted by none other than Roger L Simon! (The reader can insert their own witticism here.)

In honor of the whole series of events, I've decided to up the ante: all who donate 20 dollars or more via Mudville (click banner above) will receive not just pogs but 10,000 (Saddam era) Iraqi Dinar. See additional details here. (And yes, those who've already asked shall receive this too. Act now - offer good only while supplies last.)