We are nearing the completion of the $50,000 fund launched by the Socialist Equality (US) to develop the World Socialist Web Site. The fund started on April 1 and must be completed by the end of this month.

We want to thank those who have contributed thus far. Our site is an indispensable resource for those seeking a serious and critical analysis of contemporary world events.

Since launching the site four months ago we have made considerable advances and are building an expanding readership worldwide. Readers have visited the site from 76 countries.

We aim to expand our network of correspondents so our site can provide regular reports and analysis from Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, Africa, the Middle East, Japan and Latin America, and to increase our coverage of developments in North America, Europe, Australia and the Indian subcontinent. We aim as well to make our site a vital resource for the study of the history of the workers movement and the historical legacy of Marxism. In the coming months we plan to post exhibits on the life and writings of Leon Trotsky, and important documents from the history of the Left Opposition and the Fourth International.

Workers in every part of the globe will be able to communicate with one another through our site about the struggles in which they are engaged. We envision that the World Socialist Web Site will become the focal point for the development of a broad-based socialist culture and the forging of an international revolutionary party of the working class.

Needless to say, operating and developing the WSWS entails major financial outlays. In addition to the cost of maintaining an editorial staff, there are substantial expenses involved in the hardware, software and technical support associated with the site. As the site develops and becomes more complex, these costs will grow.

We appeal to all those sympathetic to the cause of socialism and the working class, all those concerned with the social and cultural decay of contemporary society, all those interested in historical truth, to give generously in support of our web site.

Contributions should be mailed to: SEP, PO Box 48377, Oak Park MI 48237. Checks should be made payable to the Socialist Equality Party. Donations via Mastercard or Visa can be sent electronically.