Got a TX DPS fundraising call.

[tanyev]

I've never sent them money before because I just don't respond to phone solicitations, but before I have always said, "Sorry, no, not interested." This time (it's the first time I got to do this!) I said, "I'm sorry, but we are not spending any money we don't absolutely have to spend until George Bush is out of the White House."

The man calling me said, "I understand, but we are not a political organization; we are not affiliated with George Bush" (something like that)

I said, "I realize that, but you will just have to call a compassionate conservative and ask them for some money. Sorry." Hung up on him.

I was shaking! Not that I said anything so remarkable, but that I had the nerve to do it. Felt good.

Do you ever get those calls? I'm sure the people making the calls really aren't DPS officers. Is the organization even legit?

[tx_dem41]

1. As you suspect...the organization is almost definitely not legit.

I've lived in Texas for 24 years and have read several stories in the local press warning that organizations that say they support the DPS are usually scams run by 3rd parties. I believe even the DPS has come out and said that.

[GOPisEvil]

2. Probably the DPS Officer's Association.

Don't know if they are legit, but I know where their building is.

[eek]

4. legit or no, it is s great idea for 'meme -spreading"

if we all say that sort of thing (and write it on the return envelopes of postal solicitations) we'd be adding to a new mantra (akin to
"clinton lied" )

Everyone has to turn in some sort of report to their bosses and if 'until bush is out of the office" starts showing up on these things the bosses may hafta take notice.

hey - any little pebble in the pond creates a ripple, right?

Well done, GOPiE !

[Bouncy Ball]

3. I've told a few phone solicitors that now.

It's great. Next time, wait for the reaction again. One woman just sat there for a second or two, then hung up on me without saying anything.

I don't think she knew what to say!

[silverlib]

5. The DPS association is legit

I think your response was super!

They are not non-profit and donations are not tax deductible.

They have quit calling me, as I always ask about their nonprofit status. I found out a couple of years ago after I asked them to mail me information.

I don't have money for this kind of thing. The only money I give that is not tax deductible is to the homeless on the street and political campaigns.

[alarimer]

6. The real problem with these solicitations

is that most of the money you send goes to overhead and very little to the actual charity. Cops' groups usually use a third party to do the solicitations so chances are it wasn't even a real DPS employee making the call. I usually ask them what percentage actually makes it to the charity, Often these groups won't even tell me. Then I say, well you won't be getting anything from me. But I liked your approach too.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

7. Those people are EVIL!

When my daughter was in 6th grade they called her and asked for a donation. They were pushy so she told them she was only 12 years old. They STILL hounded her for a donation. Finally she told them she would give them $10, the entire sum of her weeks allowance.

She hung up forgot about them and went on doing kid things.

They start calling wanting their money about a month later. I told them I had pledged them nothing. They swore that Mrs. Lonestar had pledged money. I told them I was positive I had not and to stop calling. They did. Then they started sending collection letters to my daughter! They were threatening to take a 12 year old to collections over $10!

I just shipped the whole thing off to a nice person in the DPS (who they are not affiliated with, BTW) and she took care of it for me. I don't know what she did, but they never called or sent another letter. :)

[tanyev]

8. Yeah, the reason I

hung up on him quickly was partially based on how smoothly and instantly he responded to my first statement. I immediately got a smooth-talkin', say-anything-you-want, sleazy salesman vibe. I'm sure he would have had some sort of response for anything I would have said, so I just ended it fast.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

9. You did the right thing.

They are pure scum. I like to spread the joy about them whenever I can. :P