I think I began reading tpm right after the Bush/Gore debacle after I lost all faith in the American media. It was a hidden little gem with a wealth of progressive information that proved to me that integrity and real journalism came above all else.

I was in college at the time and have since bounced around in different careers and lifestyles with TPM always an important part in the background. It has been a rock and a daily ritual for me, more important than coffee, breakfast, shaving before work, getting the last bit of paperwork done at work, gassing up the car, etc.

Although I continue to read some mainstream publications like the Times and the Atlantic, TPM is one of if not the most important source of news in U.S. national news for me. I now find myself living and working in Spain, where it is now more important than ever.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Josh and the TPM crew for all the work you have done and for always trying your hardest to maintain the highest standard of excellence, while still keeping that sense of humility that has allowed you to cover the biggest and the smallest stories with equal vigor. And an extra thank you for the HILARIOUS tidbits that you have laced the news with and which have kept me smiling and laughing through all these years even as I watched the country seriously falter (especially the recent addition of the DUKE AWARDS!).

I would also like to thank all of the brilliant bloggers and commentators who have helped to shape the dialog and conversation here. I am floored by the thoughtfulness and wisdom you have displayed and you have showed me that when truly intellectually curious people come to debate, they can look within themselves to honestly reshape their ideas around evidence and outside perspective. And also thank you for your inspiring personal stories and accounts that have brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion (yikes! sometimes at work!).

So congratulations to all TPMers old and new, and let us look forward to another outstanding 8 years!