Angry in the Great White North

I just received an email from the Michael Ignatieff campaign. It looks like Michael Ignatieff is dishing out for marketing support from GOT Corporation. I wonder what other Liberals are using.

But that's not what this post is about. Michael Ignatieff is looking for money, and he's create levels of membership to a club that reflects the level of donation.

There is nothing wrong with what Michael Ignatieff is doing. Well, he is creating a social strata based on wealth and ability to pay, which is very un-Liberal, but that's just quibbling. Take a look at the Friends of Michael Ignatieff chart, under the tab Membership Levels:

You've probably noticed what I noticed. The Platinum grade of friendship is earned when you donate $1,100 or more to the Michael Ignatieff campaign. But as we all know, the limit for donations is exactly $1,1000, so the plus sign is really just marketing, perhaps suggested by the guys at GOT. Who knows? It might fool some people into donating more than they should, but I'm certain the extra would quickly be returned.

Look what the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels get you. Nothing really. Just a door prize.

But look what Platinums get. Exclusive invitations to meet with Michael Ignatieff. That means access. And with access comes influence.

Indeed, the effect will be convert high-level Golds into Platinums. Toss in $1,000, and get a $50 book, which frankly isn't all that different from the $10 T-shirt the Silvers get. But reach in deep and fork over that extra $100, and you get exclusive invitations. You get to chat with Michael Ignatieff at special secret meetings of the Platinum Club, where Bronze, Silver, and Gold members are not welcome.

There are no special meetings for Bronze, Silver, or Gold members.

Indeed, there is no reason to upgrade from Bronze to Silver to Gold. Those levels are exactly the same except for the door prize. The only level that matters is the one that requires you to donate the absolute maximum allowed by law.

Even a dollar less, and Michael Ignatieff doesn't want to talk to you.

That sounds sort of un-Liberal too.