Obama needs to raise money for the Red Cross

[LuckyTheDog]

For both humanitarian and political reasons, I think Obama's Web operation should set up a site for raising money for the Red Cross. Obama himself should pitch in the first donation. It should be a big one -- $50,000 or more.

DU should be raising money as well.

The need is going to be great. We should make sure the nation knows we care.

[KittyWampus]

1. the Red Cross is essentially a rightwing money funneling operation. Other charities do a better

job, spend more money on those in need and STAY THERE AFTER CAMERAS ARE OFF.

[liberalmuse]

2. The Red Cross helped me years ago.

My next-door neighbor's teens torched their apartment, and mine. The Red Cross were the second ones on the scene, after the Firefighters and they helped me and my daughter, who was two at the time, get into a temporary place. I don't know if things have changed, but I believe they are an excellent organization. At least pre-Dole they were.

I agree with the original post that it would be a great idea for Obama to come out and suggest people donate to an organization with excellent credentials for helping people in times of emergency.

[shireen]

7. it was your local chapter, the local organizations are wonderful

its the national Red Cross that I would avoid.

[Stellabella]

3. That's a good idea, but it should be pointed out that

it's the governments' responsibility to help the victims of the hurricane. That's what the government is for - helping rebuild areas of the country leveled by disaster.

No charity can do as much as the government, when it hasn't been strangled to death.

That's the repuke way - kill the government, then say 'see? it isn't working!'

[Connie_Corleone]

4. He already does that on his website whenever there is a natural disaster.

[glowing]

5. As a large organization, yes, its questionable.. but the local people

and the people who come in and vollunteer for Red Cross are real and helpful and good. I wish they didn't keep so much of the proceeds to pay Republicans wives who want something to do other than be stepfordish all day and shop, but at local levels, it is a real help. So, the good with the bad. AND I beleive they did this after the floods on the web site.. I'm sure he'll be encouraging service and vollunteers to go in and help clean up after this comes through... He's big on service and helping one another.. I'm sure he and Biden will lead the first crew in and ask for more to come in as they can.

[shireen]

6. money should go directly to state and local Red Cross organizations

I'm not a fan of the national Red Cross. I refuse to support any charity with overpaid CEOs. National Red Cross is one of the worst culprits, with their CEO making more than $600,000 ... I don;t want even a fraction of my money going towards that CEO's salary. I'm sure there are local relief organizations that do that job most effectively and efficiently.

For helping pets, google the local animal shelters and send money directly to them, not the national ASPCA or Humane Society (that also have overpaid CEOs). I sent a donation to my heroes at Animal Rescue New Orleans, who are mobilizing their volunteers to help with pet evacuation and care. I've heard that the Louisiana SPCA is currently doing a good job as well.

[LuckyTheDog]

8. I agree

State and local.