"This special Green Left broadsheet has been produced as a response to the Gulf War. Coverage of the war by the mass media has highlighted the need for a real alternative source of news and analysis."
Those words introduced Green Left Weekly to the public for the first time, six and a half years ago. Issue number 1 was not to appear until mid-February, but when US President George Bush launched the war in January, a special "preview" broadsheet was produced to counter the distortions and outright lies of the establishment media.
When Green Left was launched, no-one could be sure that such an alternative publication would survive. But, thanks to the support of readers around Australia, and more than a few overseas as well, Green Left Weekly has not only survived but grown — in size (from 24 to 32 pages), in geographical spread and in the number of people contributing articles, photographs, cartoons, sales efforts, money and encouragement.
In December, almost at the end of our seventh year of publication, the 300th issue of Green Left Weekly will appear. It will be an occasion to celebrate what has been achieved by all of the paper's supporters. But, even more importantly, it should also serve to strengthen Green Left and ensure an even more successful future.
As part of this building for the future, we want to encourage as many readers as possible to take out special Supporters' Subscriptions. To mark Green Left Weekly's 300th issue, Supporters' Subscriptions cost $300 and will bring Green Left to your letter box for the next two years. It will be a better, more secure Green Left Weekly thanks to your subscription.
So join in the celebrations of Green Left's 300 issues by sending in for your special Supporters' Subscription. Green Left Weekly — it's your paper.