When I picture a donkey, it is kicking up its heels, happy to be a Democrat. But I’m kicking myself for not catching onto this great idea sooner. I knew a group of Democrats were joining together to negotiate a bulk purchase of heating oil a couple of years ago, but I didn’t act on it. And I missed out again last winter. My loss!
What’s this about? It’s the new program called the Donkey Card. A group of York and Cumberland County Democratic activists have formed Donkey Card, LLC. It is an organization created primarily to help households control skyrocketing heating bills through collective buying power.
Last year, 130 households participated in a pilot program in York and Cumberland Counties, and the group was able to save an average of 33 cents a gallon, which resulted in a yearly savings as high as $500 for some families. Indeed, I would have saved almost $500 over my own pre-paid deal with a local oil company for this past winter.
“With oil approaching $76 dollars a barrel, we all need to find ways to save on heating bills this winter,” said Jed Rathband, the group’s spokesman.
This year, the program is expanding into Kennebec, Sagadahoc, and Androscoggin Counties. With members extending from Kittery to Waterville and greatly increased membership, Donkey Card, LLC hopes to cover more families at a better price by increasing their buying power.
Donkey Card, LLC is currently in negotiations with several oil distributors and will soon decide on a contract. The group says they are searching for the best rates and service. They expect to have the rate locked by mid-June, the time when large oil dealers prefer to lock rates. With more people-power, Donkey Card, LLC will be able to get rates comparable to what a commercial or industrial user would get, “only it’s better because it’s for you, the individual,” said Rathband.
Membership, costing only $35 through the www.donkeycard.com Web site, entitles the cardholder to join in the bulk purchasing program. But it also includes access to a growing number of significant discount offers posted by other cardholders for their fellow cardholders. In fact, you can see my offer right there in the “Blue Room!” As a business member of the Blue Room, my “deal offer” is mentioned in Air America advertising spots, as well!
Air America? Yet another secret revealed. It’s at 870AM and is a progressive, very political Talk Show station. They have well-known, brilliant hosts like Jerry Springer and Al Franken. Find out more and stream the programming at www.airamericaradio.com. You’ll feel so safe and secure when you hear people saying the things you only dared to think!
But, back to the Donkey Card. I love this concept. I’ve always promoted cooperative purchasing arrangements. There are, in fact, many buying clubs around the area making large monthly purchases of natural and organic foods for excellent prices. I even encourage start-up business owners to join together in consultations with professionals, such as accountants and lawyers, to hold “pick their brain” sessions and gain valuable basic information at a fraction of the cost for an individual consultation.
It’s no wonder I’m delighted with this development. Democrats have always been about “We,” while it seems Republicans have been about “Me.” This is one more way we can see that. Democrats care about each other. They reach out and help each other in ways that enhance life for the “many.” That’s the way I believe life in America best works. It’s fair. It’s all about community.
And anyone can participate, even right-wing, radical Conservatives, but be prepared to learn a thing or two.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
