2005 - 09-01-05

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.

Don't get me wrong. I don't mean to paint the
Red Cross with a black brush. It's just I am now skeptical about
how they use the money they get from all generous citizens who
want to help their far-away neighbors experiencing unexpected
suffering. Like with Hurricane Andrew. And now Hurricane Katrina.