RNC: Are the Gustav Relief Efforts Legitimate?

[baldguy]

Last night, I watched Laura Bush and Cindy McCain tell delegates at the Republican National Convention that they should take immediate action to help the victims of Hurricane Gustav.

Certainly helping those in distress is something worth encouraging and celebrating. But how exactly are the Republicans getting the funds they raise to those in need?

You might guess the Red Cross. But you’d be wrong.

During their presentations, Laura and Cindy encouraged people to go to the website of something called called “Cause Greater.” I had never heard of this particular charity, so I visited their website. Here’s a screenshot:

<pic>

“Cause Greater” is not a charity, but rather a wholly owned subsidiary of the McCain campaign. Rather than directing assistance to existing charities (which is what the Obama campaign has done by encouraging people to donate to the Red Cross and/or Save the Children), they are instead directing charitable donors to a campaign portal that also happens to include a link to the McCain home page.

Wait — it gets even better.

more
http://www.undiplomatic.net/2008/09/02/rnc-are-the-gustav-relief-efforts-legitimate/

[skids]

1. K&R I was wondering that myself...

...last night but I didn't have TiVo to rewind and check out the URLs.

Just like when a politician has to give up a shady donation "to charity" -- but what charity? Their brother in law's?

You should feel free to kick your thread back up, given the busy night, so it gets noticed.

[Retrograde]

2. probably as legit as the dollars for Afghani children

back in 2001. People sent in money, some was sent to Afghanistan, according the the Red Cross, but I've heard nothing of it since, not seen any accounting of the funds collected. Maybe some good will come of it eventually, maybe not. I'll donate more directly, thank you.

[baldguy]

3. kick

[baldguy]

4. One more