Civilization may die tonight. (Also, an update on our subscription drive)

I can’t bear to imagine Donald Trump landing a fatal blow on Hilary Clinton in tonight’s debate. Trump is what we get as real news merges with entertainment media.

I’m fiercely committed to keeping Trumpism out of Canada and it's why we launched a subscription drive last Wednesday. If 1,000 of you become subscribers, National Observer will keep public interest journalism going. (Read all about it: FULL DISCLOSURE HERE)

"Independent, critical journalism is so important in a functional democracy and so clearly lacking today. Your work is a refreshing break from the abdication of responsibility of most of your industry." - Mark MacWilliam, Toronto

I promised I would keep you updated. And after the first five days, 178 readers like you have subscribed. We’ve also received donations totaling almost $5,000 CAD.

That means we met 18 per cent of our subscription goal in the first five days. Thank you to those who signed on.

That’s not bad, but it means there are only 25 days to find 822 more subscribers. If we reach this goal, we'll be able to continue digging into the stories that matter most - ones other media outlets have ignored.

• Like Mike’s investigation into the National Energy Board’s Energy East hearings, which prompted the recusal of the panelists.
• Or Elizabeth’s investigation into the Husky oil spill and its aftermath for the James Smith Cree Nation.

Investigations like these cost tens of thousands of dollars for us to pursue. It’s serious journalism – we’re not pandering to the sensationalism that makes Trump happen.

Democracy is at risk without serious investigative reporting. The rich and powerful get free rein when news becomes entertainment.

So PLEASE subscribe. And if you can't subscribe right now, please consider donating. Or gifting a subscription to your friend.

Thank you,

Linda