Sending out my reject notes to charities - IT FEELS GOOD

[heidiho]

As another DU'er suggested last week, I have been sending a reply to all of the charities who innundate my mailbox during this holiday season:

Because of the results of this presidential election, I am electing NOT to support any charity. This administration has been spending our tax dollars so irresponsibly that I cannot, in good conscience, give my hard-earned money to support charities in this country while Bush is in office.

He has spent over $200 billion dollars of our tax dollars in Iraq for nothing and think of how that money could have been used for your research (or whatever the specific charity does).

Please take me off your mailing list for at least four years. Please ask George Bush for money. It's up to him now.

I have a better one for any Catholic charities concerning the support of the Catholic Church in this election and why they'll never get another penny from me.


Sorry, folks, I am not Ebeneezer Scrooge but this does feel good!!!
I need something to cure my deep depression.

[yorkiemommie1]

1. good idea

and i'm writing 'blue america' on all of my outgoing mail and using those prepaid cards that are in magazines to put a little message on, too. i sent a nice one to Wall St. Journal last week. needless to say, i make sure none of my personal info is on them.

[Solitaire]

2. good letter!

I will do the same, for most, but I just want to note that my Catholic Church did -not- push us at all on who to vote for. They outlined their concerns in a letter, but as I read it, it could have gone either way.

One concern was the war in Iraq. Since Bush started that war for no reason, then how could I vote for him in good conscience?

[mondohondo]

67. We weren't pushed either, but something extraordinary has happened

I think our pastor went out of his way not to be partisan. All he said was to be sure and get out and vote.

I belong to our parish pastoral council. Our last meeting focused on social issues we want to see addressed by our social concerns committee. I am the newbie having joined the council only last August. Nevertheless, I was pretty vocal, expecting to be shouted down by a much older, and presumably much more conservative, majority. Much to my surprise, we agreed on the following priorities:

Condemnation of the death penalty

Health care for the poor

Care for the environment.

Afterwards, a few of us (including a Nun) were talking on our way out and there was strong agreement that the war in Iraq is totally contrary to Catholic principles. I was amazed! This didn't happen in the middle of a blue haven like Cleveland, but in the mostly red wasteland of Lake County.

I think that this might be the greatest tragedy of this past election. I think we are learning, as Democrats, only now, how many allies we have in the most unexpected places. If only we had reached out! If only we had spoken with more certainty of the morality of our positions! Ah, what might have been!

[BiggJawn]

3. I have had to say "no" to my charities, too.

The Sierra club called the other day, and I told the fellow "Look, the enviroment's not the only thing Bush has fucked over. I'm having trouble paying my bills every month with all these prices going up because Oil is expensive. I'd like to help, but I don't see how I can."

Now, was this an accidental cause-and-effect, or is one of TinMan's PNAC lackeys coming up with shit like "Mr. Cheney, if we make everything more expensive, the upper-lower classes won't have money to support those organizations that stand in the way of us raping every nickel out of the Earth..."?

[lukasahero]

9. The Sierra Club has

been pounding away at the truth of shrub's policies. By not donating to them, you are limiting their ability to get the truth out.

If you truly are in a position where you can't afford to donate, that's one thing - and I'm sorry 'cause I know it is tough out there right now (my hubby was unemployed for 13 months and not eligible for unemployment). I get that, I really do.

But if people are doing this to "spite shrub", then they've (as they say) just cut off their nose to spite their face.

[heidiho]

10. I am so sad I don't even feel like recycling anymore

The other day as I was cutting up boxes for the recycling bin, I thought to myself "Why the hell bother". Bush is destroying the environment so why don't we all just get on board with the destruction and quit caring.

As you can tell by my posts, I am getting manic. I'm sorry.

[lukasahero]

13. Channeling Cher from "Moonstruck"

SNAP OUT OF IT! ;-)

I'm sorry, I really am, because damn, I know how you feel and I'm riding the same merry-go-round you are - up and down, up and down. But we cannot let them win this. And we won't. The alternatives are just too dire.

Hang in there, give yourself some room to be discouraged but don't let it feed itself. Sooner or later you'll be ready to step off the ride and fight these evil bastards again. :hug:

[BiggJawn]

23. And BY donating to them...

I'm limiting my ability to have the electricity to see where i'm pissing at 3AM.

I'm not doing this to "spite Shrub", oh, no, I think the best way to spite Chimpy would be to give a HUGE donation to the Sierra Club.

The belt's just gotten really tight around here. I'm still working, but I'm sliding into that sorry-assed state I was in during the 80's, when my "take-home" pay didn't quite take me home...

No bicycle parts, either....:-(

[lukasahero]

30. I did note that possibility

in my reply. I really meant no offense to you in your particular situation. I was just trying to remind any of us who may still have the means that we should consider the good an organization does before we cut them off.

On the other hand, if someone doesn't have the means to make donations to charities they've long supported, I do think it's important to tell that organization know exactly why they can't do so any more (i.e. hammer shrub at every possible opportunity).

[Pithlet]

64. We haven't been donating as much

as we usually do. Everyone is feeling the pinch now in Shrub's America.

And as an ex avid cyclist, I know what you mean about the parts. :(

[TexasChick]

4. Well, pretty soon, maybe, it's not gonna be whether we want to give or

not. We just aren't gonna have the money to give!

[lukasahero]

5. I must be missing something

The other day I cried over the three or four letters I received because I thought "I don't have enough money to save the world".

I don't see how not donating to HSUS or Amnesty International is going to do anything more than hurt them. Nor do I see how it's going to hurt shrub.

If there are specific charities (like the Catholic ones you mention) that have specifically supported shrub, then fine, I get that. But AI is one of the few organizations that is speaking the truth about this horrific regime that they're back on my donation list.

It would go against the very foundation of my beliefs that have caused me to be a Democrat not to support organizations that are doing good work.

[heidiho]

8. I was talking about domestic charities - I haven't

decided whether or not I will still support some international agencies but I have to say that I can't help but think about how much good those hundreds of billions of dollars would have done to promote world peace and stop hunger.

Please don't miscontrue my intention - I support and I work physically at many charities. Right now I am in the process of sponsoring and helping a newly-arrived refugee family. I will still
continue to do hands-on work.

I am so depressed and confused right now I just don't know how else I can strike out at Bush other than to do this right now. Perhaps I will heal soon and not be so bitter. But I don't know if that day will come.

[lukasahero]

11. I do kind of get the idea

but I would caution generalizing all charities.

I have said no to NPR (they're campaign coverage disgusted me and I don't listen any more either) and other organizations that either have a direct or indirect relation to shrub or if I consider they have contributed to the problem.

I am glad to hear you speak of hands on work because, to be honest, that's how we get it done, right? I am sorting through my "pet causes" right now and trying to prioritize them myself. It's not easy.

[MsUSA]

6. Outstanding idea.

My husband and I decided to give the money we'd spend on each other for stuff we don't need to our local volunteer fire department and community center. We live in such a small city, less then 500 people, that we decided about 3 years ago to give them the money instead. I feel great doing it too.

[Coyote_Bandit]

7. Charitable Phone Solicitors

I've been telling the charitable phone solicitors the same thing - go ask George Bush for the money. Then I suggest that they might want to call the church down the corner. If they get huffy I tell them that I can't wait to moon the Tulsa city limit sign on my way out of crazy red f*cking JOklahoma. You can imagine how well that goes over here.

On edit: I used to tell these folks that everybody in this house was unemployed and had been for some time. That had absolutely no impact. They still kept begging for contributions. Now they get huffy. I guess it is an improvement.

It's not that I wish charities harm. But I cann't support anything here in JOklahoma.

[Behind the Aegis]

22. LOL!

JOklahoma! I love it! I live here and I call it Okla-HELL-ma! I can't wait until this place is nothing more than "dustbowl memories"!

[Coyote_Bandit]

33. I Think They Should Give JOklahoma Back to the Native Americans

Seriously.

[The Spirit of JFK]

12. It's a tough decision

I have decided to pick one or two local charities...that ONLY does work in my area, so I know who they are and what they do and get better feedback about their work.

Anything else I give will be outsourced....that's what I am telling other charities...just following our President's lead. I am sending my donations overseas to places like Doctors Without Borders. Although I'm sure I will give to a national environmental or wildlife group. And in lieu of gifts for some friends, I will be "adopting" some of Jane Goodall's chimps in their name (shameless plug there, my brother works for her). Maybe I will adopt one in Karl Rove's name.

Any religious based charity (or with ANY religious ties) will simply be told that I cannot give to religious organizations in this age of religious intolerence and that they should refer their requests to THEIR government.

[Booster]

14. The only charities I am supporting for the next 4 years are

local ones and Heifer Int. which supplies destitute people all over the world with live animals such as pigs, chickens, sheep, whatever to help them sustain life. I really believe in Heifer Int and you can actually go with them to deliver the animals, but that part is expensive. When these people get the animals they agree to pass the offspring on to other families in their area. A really neat idea. The hard one for me will be the veterans - that will break my heart not to give to them, and I may break down and change my mind.

[mondo joe]

16. I'll do something similar. I'm supporting LOCAL non profits the best I can

I'll do something similar. I'm supporting LOCAL non profits the best I can, but letting Red Cross and the nationals know I'm not and WHY I'm not.

I believe in voting through economics - but I want to be sure my vote goes where it counts.

[mondo joe]

15. I think this sort of indiscriminate absolutism is not good, or progressive

I think there is a very valid point to be made in denying some charities on this basis - particularly catholic charities, or those national charities that can effectively lobby, like the Red Cross.

Cutting off a senior center, community clinic or zoo in your community has zero impact on the people you're pissed at.

[cattleman22]

29. It does have an impact on the people you are pissed at.

The people you are pissed at who see you stop donating will have an even more negative impression towards liberals and leftists.

[muse]

57. I agree. Great! We can become the party of hate and negativity! Wonderful.

This will not attract people to our party or causes. I am absolutely opposed to this idea.

[shesemsmom]

17. I am defiantly

not going to support anything that is not to my way of thinking. We are currently feeding those in need on our own every weekend and that is all we can afford to do.

[sinkingfeeling]

18. I will not support any US charity now that we're a 'faith-based'

country!! I will continue to give money to international groups, environmental groups, and animal rescue groups. No more to food banks, homeless shelters, UW, Salvation Army, etc...

We're now an 'ownership' society (read: it's mine, it's all mine) and my tax dollars are going to 'faith-based' initiatives. My comments to requesters are they should seek funding from the upper 2% who received the mammoth tax-cuts (I got a whole $27/mo. break from feds and then got socked with a 3% sur-tax from the state, plus loosing a 'working' person tax credit from state...net increase of around $600 a year). They can also rely on the churches, whose congregations have such high morals.

[telamachus]

28. You are joking right?

nt

[AngryOldDem]

44. Sorry, I just don't get it

Someone please explain this attitude to me, because I honestly do not understand it. In fact, it grieves me deeply, because the very organizations that you say you will not support are those very groups that are on the front lines, picking up the social slack, helping those people who Bush is hurting on a daily basis. Not to mention that you are hurting the people themselves – the very poor whom the Democratic Party says it champions.

I find nothing laudable in your stance. Quite frankly, I find it sad and shameful.

Let me share some stories.

<<No more to food banks>>

I volunteer at a food bank, helping stock and distribute. The food bank serves six or seven of the poorest, urban-decayed areas in my city. (It is also one of only two large food pantries in the metro area.) Last year, this food bank served about 10,000 people. Already we know that we will surpass this number by the end of this year -- by exactly how much, we won't know until a few weeks from now.

Here is what it’s like to work there:

Some weeks we get a lot from the government and Red Cross (bulk items), as well as individual and group donations (the odd cans of tuna, peanut butter, cans of green beans, etc.) We sort and then bag these items. The bags are packaged to provide the minimum daily requirements in terms of diet – they are heavy on canned fruits and vegetables, and rice and beans.

On pantry day, approximately 200-plus people line up as early as 4 a.m. (rain or shine) to be the first in line when the doors open at 9. (It’s always worse around the holidays.) People know that to get the best groceries, they need to get there early. Our clients range from single mothers with infants, to grandmothers taking care of four or five grandchildren. There are adults living with their elderly parents. We get people with kids who receive less than $100 in food stamps; we see the disabled who cannot work but yet need to eat.

After they go through intake, where their income and family size are verified, “shoppers” (like me) get their groceries for them. They get a bag of basic stuff (what I mentioned above) and some meat, as well as “extras” like dried cereals, pastries, Tuna or Hamburger Helpers, etc., depending on family size. The clients have no say in what they get – sometimes, though, they’ll mention that it’s someone’s birthday, and do we have a cake we can spare? But it’s our call as to what “extras” they get. I compare it to going to the grocery store, sitting in your car, and having someone else do your shopping for you, using their list – not yours. It is a very humbling experience.

Most of the time, we have enough to serve everyone who shows up. Other weeks...well, one week last summer we had so many clients that we literally ran out of food. At the end of the day we were giving out bottles of hot sauce and Ramen noodles, because it was all we had left. For the first time in this pantry's history, we had to turn people away. We all left that day feeling as if we had failed.

What the holidays will bring, I have no idea, since we are pretty much reliant on monetary contributions and food donations to keep us going.

<<<no more to homeless shelters>>>

I volunteer at a homeless shelter (euphemistically called a “hotel”) three nights a week, primarily working with women and families. In the approximately one year that I have been there, there has been a marked increase in our clientele. The reasons why we are seeing more people are as many and varied as the people themselves -- people have lost jobs; some are getting inadequate drug and alcohol treatment; most have some kind of mental illness; others are fleeing abusive relationships from out of state and have no place to go once they get here.

Currently we are housing close to 100 men, women, and children (including babies) in a dilapidated firehouse that should be razed. We are in the process of renovating a new place, which should be ready by spring (it’s been held up by the old “not-in-my-backyard” controversies from nearby businesses). That’s the good news. The bad news is, we will most likely see many more than 100 as winter progresses – where we will put them is a question that a lot of us prefer not to think about. In the past, whoever we could not get in to the shelter itself we have been housing at the nearby Democratic Headquarters. But it appears their sense of charity only extends so far, too. There are about 10 nights this year – in the dead of winter – when we will not be able to use their facilities. That means that probably some people will be forced to spend the night on the street, since the hotel will be at capacity.

But getting back to the families: About the only good thing I can say about it is they have a roof over their heads. Families -- including babies -- sleep on mats on the floor. (Single men and single women get cots.) If they’re lucky, they’ll get at least one blanket – which isn’t saying much. Most nights their rooms are like iceboxes because of the large uncovered windows and uninsulated walls. Still, they take care of their kids. They hustle them through the public showers, make sure they get enough of whatever there is to eat, make sure homework gets done, and that they are in bed so that they’re ready to get up at 5:30 (or earlier) so that they can be out the door by 7. When they go to sleep, they hope that all the doors leading to their area are locked, because that is what is keeping them separate from the men across the hall.

But the families I have met are a pretty resilient lot – the mothers are committed to finding housing, which is difficult to do here since the waiting list for Section 8 housing in the county is about a year, and the housing authority is getting ready to tear some places down. They are also committed to ensuring a much better life for their children – their emphasis on school and education is clear and unbending.

The shelter itself is a hateful place. It is not meant to be used a permanent housing, which is what it has become for too many people. We should not be seeing the people we are seeing – those who are obviously ill and need a better and safer place to stay; those who are obviously capable of living on their own but either can’t afford or can’t find a place. And it is definitely not a place for kids. But it is also a special place, thanks to the dedicated staff members. They are the ones who make this place work; they are the ones who are truly making a difference in a lot of people’s lives. They are helping some of the homeless navigate their way back to their rightful places in society. The bureaucracy the homeless have to deal with is mind-boggling and disheartening. Those who are helping them navigate their way through and back to their rightful places in society are truly saints among us who deserve every ounce of support (financial and otherwise) that we can spare.

I make no apologies that I am associated with a “faith-based” organization in this work. Thank God that there are still such people and groups in society who are willing to take on the daunting work of caring for our poor – especially so since apparently some of us can’t be bothered, or we want to use them to make some kind of petulant, political statement in our continued beef against organized religion.

Sorry this is so long. But I cannot let such an attitude go unchallenged. We are literally talking about people's lives here. If you can't understand at least that much, then I have probably wasted a lot of time and bandwidth.

[muse]

58. GREAT post.

[AngryOldDem]

69. Thanks. Glad to know at least one person read it. n/t

[Logansquare]

70. Thanks for reminding us that there are WORSE things than

being depressed about the election. I feel the same way about people threatening to leave the country. If we stop giving, helping, and sticking to it, what happens to the least among us?

[PsychoDad]

72. Thank you.

For both the post, and for being there for those who need you.

Unfortunatly, as can be seen here and elsewhere, our society is concerned about "ME". My guy "lost" (or gave up) the election, so screw the poor, as long as I'm not one of them.

If you cannot afford money, I can understand that, I'm poor also. But, I'm sure you can give a little time at a shelter or food pantry.

[Dorian Gray]

77. Thank you!

Thank you for all your hard work. I really admire you being on the frontlines to help people who are in dire need!

[Dorian Gray]

76. I don't understand

the bitterness. Some of those food bands are not religious. Same with homeless shelters. And even if they are, isn't the work they do for the poor in our country far more important than whether they are an organization that is based on a particular faith. Here, in NYC, there are some great Catholic, Jewish, Episcopalian, and other Protestant denominational charities that really help the community. They don't focus on people only with their religious beliefs, and they are formed as an outreach to the community. They are not missionaries. They don't force people to convert to their religion. They are out there for the good of the people. Many people associated with those organizations are actually liberal. Why punish these organizations? It's one thing to hold back if you don't have the money to donate. I totally understand that. But, if you do, why focus on punishing these particular organizations? I donate goods, but not money, to the Salvation Army. I sponsor a child through one of the Christian International Relief Funds. I research every charity before donating to them. There are many great faith based charities out there, and I think it's sad if you are going to cut them off for that reason, only.

[mbee]

19. Do you mind if other people use this statement on the requests

they receive?

[Eloriel]

20. One problem

A good many of those charities are good LIBERAL folks, helping people who are going to need it more now -- but you knew the last point.

[yellowdogintexas]

21. I am just the opposite

It makes me feel better to contribute, even if it is a small $$ amount.

but my charities are those that deal with specific illnesses:

Cystic Fibrosis in honor of my friend's son who died of CF
Susan B Komen in honor of my mom and ALL women who fear breast cancer
Diabetes Association because my husband is diabetic
Muscular Dystrophy because my best friend has MS
I probably will add Alzheimer's this year since my Mom died with it.

MY LOCAL PUBLIC TV AND RADIO because I couldn't live without them

and my own church of course which does wonderful local community based things.

Oh yeah I give my college a donation to the scholarship fund every year.

I intend to participate in more of the "walks" this year. I need the exercise and the causes are good.

[Maclilly]

25. I have done the same..

I will not donate to any more organizations that are tied to supporting Bush. Let me tell you something about the Snohomish Fire Dept. They told me that they have received $500,000 from the Bush admin. for first responders. I explained to them that that was not even the amount they were supposed to get. I even showed them a print out with pictures of Bush announcing the big dole of money and cutting it the next day. Anyway, the Cheif and several others didn't care and said they supported Bush. I received a call weeks later asking for donations to support the Firemen, I told them to ask Bush. It felt great. I donate to Women for Women International and it is wonderful. I will continue to support progressive charities but no more religious or RW. We need to put our money where our mouth is. Don't shop corporate america and don't support charities with political leanings you don't agree with.

[moderate_hero]

24. Now hold on there...

Greenpeace deserves our charity. PETA deserves our charity.

[Maclilly]

26. PETA

They are a terrorist organization. You think Bush is a hypocrite? These people kill more animals than the local shelter. Look into it.

[moderate_hero]

31. WHAT?!

Are you kidding me? What are you talking about? As a liberal, I am willing to open my mind, but you need to give me something to read to see things your way.

[Maclilly]

32. No, It is the truth

PETA is horrible. I used to support them until I learned what really goes on there then I found other animal rights and shelters. Just letting you know. If you don't want to know that is fine.

[moderate_hero]

36. I want to know

Tell me where I can find out the infromation you have found.

[bobbyboucher]

49. Don't feed him and he will go away.

PETA is killing animals? Whatever for?

[flvegan]

73. Bullshit.

Terrorist org. Thanks, Rumsfeld for that enlightening passage. Knowing some folks that work there, I can attest that PETA isn't killing "more animals than the local shelter"

I'd suggest you back your statement up with some facts and not some "look into it" crap.

[telamachus]

27. It feels good to screw

people that need it the most???? I thought that democrats were the type to look ou tfo rthe little guy guess I was wrong...

I do not see the logic in not giving to charities because Bush is in office yet again. The 'compassionate' conservatives will take funding away from services that help people now is the time to increase giving.

I have heard of some dumb protests but this takes the cake.

[Maclilly]

37. That is what we are saying

Put your money where you believe it should go and not a blanket organization involved in Bush like beliefs

[Coyote_Bandit]

38. I Live in Crazy Red F*cking JOklahoma

I was recruited, offered an effective increase in income of fifty percent, relocated to JOklahoma and then was laid off along with about 30% of my co-workers about a year later. The lay-offs occurred after a change in executive leadership and were not related to any financial or market problems at the company. I specifically asked about the prospects for such changes during my interview process and was either outright lied to or misled. The lay-offs were purely a political power play that occurred almost simultaneously with the CEO bringing in some folks whose loyalties lay with him. In the process of making the lay-offs they canned somebody from every department and from every organizational level - except owner employees, of course. Being the only non-owner employee in my department and having less tenure than almost anybody in the cmpany I was naturally a sacrificial lamb. I've been jobless for nearly two years now and have no prospects of employment in the forseeable future. And I will be required to exhaust all of my savings and retirement funds before I qualify for any kind of assistance here.

I despise the culture of bigotry, greed, intolerance and hatred here. I will not support my local economy. And that includes charities.

There are two large fundamentalist mega-churchs in this town that easily have over 10,000 members. One of those churches is in the midst of the first phase of a $24 million building project. That same church owns multiple properties in several locations. In the wees leading up to the election, the pastor of that church repeatedly told his congregation to vote based on the issues of abortion, gay marriage and religious expression. And now this joker is likely to get federal faith based initiatives funding. I say let the charities call him for contributions.

The best way to help the little guy these days may well be one on one.

[bobbyboucher]

51. I'm with you, well said.

Get the fuck out of Oklahoma before it kills you.

[goddess40]

41. Another reason for not donating

This is Goddess40's mom. I tell charities I now must give any extra money I may have to my own family. My daughter's husband (not Goddess40 but her sister) after being out of work for some time took an $8.00/hour job at Wal-Mart with no benefits, and they have four children. I have two adult grandchildren with low paying jobs and no health insurance. I help them also. In fact, I think I will ask those charities that call if they could help out my family! I will also tell them we were all just doing fine before Bush took over so they can talk to him about financial help.

[VOX]

34. Yeah, right - *don't* support People for the American Way, or the WWF...

or Greenpeace, or the ACLU, or Amnesty International, or Doctors Without Borders, or Americans for Peace Now, or the Carter Center, or Friends of the Earth, or the Center for Reproductive Rights, or Planned Parenthood, or the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, etc. etc.

It'll FEEL REAL GOOD to let these types of non-profits go wanting -- some of our last lines of defense against the right-wing government.

Better think twice on this one -- they're gonna keep on receiving what little $$$ I can scratch out to give them. Now THAT feels good!

[GodHelpUsAll2]

50. Are you aware

that just about ALL of those charities you mentioned use huge amounts of the donated money for "administrative" costs. Such as the salaries to the ones with lofty titles, the phone banks they HIRE to call you and solicit donations. The endless pieces of mail they send out to solicit you for donations. I stopped donating money long ago when the United Way kept sending me T-Shirts and gifts for donations. When they turned down my nephew for help when he was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalitis and a myriad of other physical and health problems and my brother and his wife had no where to turn. I participated in Walk America for 10 years in a row for them plus had money deducted EVERY paycheck. I use to donate blood every three months like clock work. Did this for YEARS. When my mother-in-law was diagnosed with Leukemia I put my life plan in her name. You know the plan that says since you have donated so much your family members and yourself will be covered. Well guess what, when she needed blood they refused to allow her to use the life plan because she was not my IRS dependent. But hey, they gave her a discount. A whopping $15.00 per pint discount. Then she only had to pay $220.00 per pint a 2 pints per week until she finally gave up the fight and died. Now, any donation from me comes in the form of physical labor. Hands on help. They are pissing away huge amounts of money on fluff and bullshit that could be used to actually help people.

[Starlight]

55. But she didn't mention Walk America or United Way.

I also would not donate to Walk America or United Way. They are corporate sponsored & IMO rather shady. But I would definitely support most of the charities she mentioned.

[GodHelpUsAll2]

62. You are correct

she didn't mention those particular two. I was using those tow as examples. Most all big charities are about the same. I could write a novel and touch on all of them but that woul take a really long time. My opinion, most all of them are the same.

[Starlight]

68. That's only your opinion. I worked in non profits for a number of years

and no, charities are definitely NOT all the same. IMO that's a very irresponsible statement.

[VOX]

35. Dupe post - but it bears repeating!

[CityDem]

39. Add the DNC to your list

No more money for the DNC until they find a candidate who will fight for all the votes. I would consider donating money for Harry Reid or Patrick Leahy to get a spine transplant.

[AngryOldDem]

40. Really sorry to hear that

As for me, I wish I had more disposable income so that I could contribute more this year, because I see on almost a DAILY basis how much Bush and his policies have hurt ordinary men, women, and children, not only here but abroad. In fact, I was just mentioning last night that in lieu of Christmas gifts, I would much prefer to make a donation in my family's name to a project such as Heifer International, or another group, that would actually mean something more than a toy that will be forgotten after a week, and could possibly make a small difference in someone's life. And the Catholic charities you bash -- well, they are some of the most effective charities going. Any research can prove their track records.

Take out your frustration at Bush on charities? You may see it as cathartic -- I see it as being petty and short-sighted.

Happy holidays anyway.

Flame away.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

42. My policy is no money for the DNC or NPR

but I will continue contributing to my church, which is liberal and does a lot of good work locally as well as maintaining progressive international ties (they've sponsored trips to South Africa and Cuba), and to charities that help the needy here and abroad.

I may also contribute to individual politicians who reflect my ideals, but no more money for the national DNC.

The needs will increase, and most of the people who run these charities did NOT vote for Bush because they could foresee what would happen.

[Carolina]

43. excellent idea

I know all too well that I need a cure for this post election depression and drugs (prescription) and alcohol are not the answer. But now, instead of shredding/tossing all those solicitations away, I'll respond as you did especially if they provide the postage paid return envelope!

[huskerlaw]

45. Wow, this sounds like my family's Christmas discussion...

Last year we decided that instead of buying large presents for each other we would donate $$ to charities in each others names. Sounds great, except everyone but me and one sister are fundies. So when the conversation started again about a month ago, I asked who got to decide which charity was picked. Of course, my fundie mother realized that reaching an agreement would be an issue, since I wanted to donate to Planned Parenthood (or something similarly offensive to her) and she wanted to donate to Focus on the Family (or something similarly offensive to me).

We did manage to work it out, though. We have adopted a family through the local school's Head Start program and will be buying them basic necessities as well as toys for the kids. To make a great idea even better, we're getting together as a family pre-Christmas and wrapping the presents, thereby providing my (very middle-class) nieces/nephews with the opportunity to learn that there are people far worse off than they are, in a non-political and non-religious manner.

[secedeeconomically]

46. Giving to NPR or not?

What’s NPR's story these days. Is it true the Bush put in a few of his lieutenant’s on NPR's board of directors a few years ago?

[retread]

47. Let me get this straight. Turd blossom gets another 4 years and

you decide to take it out on the people and organizations that will suffer first and hardest?

[AngryOldDem]

52. A real head-scratcher, ain't it?

If anything, it's my intense dislike for Bush and his asinine domestic policies that have lit a fire under me for the past four years.

Do you think Bush really gives a shit if a poor kid in the inner-city doesn't get enough to eat? No. BUT WE SHOULD.

[JerseygirlCT]

53. Put me under here.

To those doing this I'd say: I think this is counter-productive. Unless what you're after is vengeance, not changing things for the better.

These charities will need a great deal of help in the next four years. But they're not all just big, faceless organizations. The money you don't send affects thousands of people without homes or food or who are sick. Do you honestly think GWB gives a rat's ass about them? Someone has to, don't you think?

[sangh0]

48. Why does it feel good?

Though I don't agree, I understand why you're not giving to charity, and am not criticing that decision. However, I do wonder why it feels good to you. Is it because it's just human nature to feel relief after taking action, or is there more to it?

[barb162]

54. I have to disagree, I think of animal shelters and what do the

poor homeless abused animals know about the shrub. They just want to eat, be loved, be warm this winter and be adopted. It takes a lot of money to feed and shelter them.

[Starlight]

56. I agree. Only a Repub would turn away from a homeless puppy. n/t

[barb162]

59. or those pussycats

[Starlight]

61. My sweet little Gypsy cat was adopted from a shelter.

Poor thing was living on the mean streets of Newark NJ when I got her 5 years ago. She was sick & pregnant & only weighed 4 pounds. :( Now I have 3 sweet & very, very spoiled kitties. :)

A wonderful holiday gift would be toys, food, litter, sleeping rugs, etc for your local shelter. :)

[barb162]

63. I have 4 rescues all wonderful little babies

[flvegan]

74. Thank you.

I run an animal rescue that barely gets by. Should our donors back out, we would be out of luck. Support your local, small charities if you don't want to give to the usual suspects.

[HarrietBrown]

60. This is a fascinating thread--I've worked for nonprofits all my life

and I have just two things to say:

I give regularly to history museums, but I will now only give if they are working VERY actively to promote and teach critical thinking skills (ie, how to analyze what you are reading in history books and in modern newspapers) and if they are willing to use their resources to bring historical context to current debates.

As for food pantries and soup kitchens--I worked in anti-hunger in the 1990s, and came to realize that while these are tremendously helpful, they are only band-aids and those who support them need also to support programs such as WIC and food stamps by writing to legislators and ensuring that people in soup kitchens understand that they are available--volunteers are also needed to provide assistance in applying. These programs are historically severely underused because people don't know about them, don't understand them, or are discouraged from applying by long and scary applications.

OH, I have three things to say: the third is that while I hate All Things Considered now, there are good NPR shows like Diane Rheme, Talk of the Nation, etc. I am torn about NPR and fear for the right wing pressures being put on public TV.

[Patiod]

78. Is there a way to donate directly to the better shows

such as NOW, Travis Smiley, or Fresh Air, without providing a dime to ATC or Tucker Carlson?

NOW is very important to me each week.

[Greylyn58]

65. This Is Cause and Effect

Bush has caused us and will continue to cause us to to lose money, health insurance, social security, our homes...jobs. We'll be too busy helping ourselves to give to charities. They will begin to feel the pinch very soon, if not already.

The effect will eventually make us stop spending because we will need it to pay bills, pay for medicine (if we can) buy food. pay our rent or mortgages. No one will buy things, go to movies, eat out, take trips. Only the rich will be able to and there are not enough of them to float this country. And this will eventually effect everyone and then maybe, just maybe some people, not all, will awaken from the fog they've been in.

Eventually - I give it till 2006 elections - Bush and his cohorts will have spent his so called "Political Capital" and we might not make a big dent, but I think we will get some of our house and senate seats back.

Absolute power corrupts, absolutely. If we give these jackasses enough rope, they'll hang themselves.

[Generic Other]

66. Shouldn't we try to support charities Bush hates for tax purposes?

If we give enough to charities Bush would dispise, can't we deduct from our taxes and make him even madder? For example, giving to planned parenthood is always a good option. And saves the money from landing in some Pentagon fund.

The downside is that any charities liberals support will probably be designated terrorist front organizations, and we'll all get investigated.

[Bridget Burke]

71. If you're really deeply depressed, get help.

Let's hope you've got lots of money and/or good health insurance. Wouldn't want to use any of those services that accept contributions.

Just out of curiosity: How much do you usually give?

[Dorian Gray]

75. Okay....

Your decision. Since my job is charitable work, I disagree with what you are doing, but I, of course, would not want to make you feel bad for not donating to people who truly need it, now, more than ever.

I, however, will be donating much more to charities than before. The reason is two fold. One, I feel it is needed more than ever. Two, by doing so, tax break! Which means less money to the government coffers to use for this war. (And other uses that I feel are against my conscience.)

[Patiod]

79. I've always been fairly picky about where my donations go

Mostly to my Meeting (church), American Friends Service Committe, and a local inter-faith group that houses homeless and abused women.

I am going to cut off NPR and my local PBS affiliate, but I'd like to see if there's a way to donate directly to "NOW".

Is there any way to give blood where the blood won't be marked up and sold?