2005 - 09-01-05

She Actually Burst Into Tears!

I was told I had raised more money for the victims
of Hurricane Andrew than any other individual. That was not
true. It was me and hundreds of my loyal readers who raised
that money. I certainly in no way did it alone. I was only the
spark that ignited a firestorm of generosity.

However, I'm not sure I would do it exactly the
same way again. I've heard some things about the Red Cross which
makes me think twice about that organization. I've heard from
veterans of World War II who said the Red Cross would come close
to the front lines where our boys were fighting with hot coffee
and donuts... and then... charge them for this "service".
I don't know if this is true but, I've heard numerous stories
like this from a number of different people.

And then after the terrorist planes hit on September
11, millions, tens of millions, perhaps hundreds of millions
of dollars were donated to the Red Cross for the express purpose
of helping the 9/11 victims. Unfortunately, a large portion
of that money was NOT given to the victims of 9/11.

The Red Cross then explained when money is donated
to them, they put it all into a big pot and distribute it to
people who need it, as the Red Cross sees fit. That's sure not
how the generous people who donated money to the Red Cross specifically
for the victims of 9/11 intended it to be used.

Also, there has been somewhat of a scandal a few
years back about the executives of the Red Cross siphoning off
a good deal of the money donated to that organization. The funds
were not used for humanitarian purposes... but rather... put
into these executives' own pockets.