Help Haiti

[ryoder 1,590]

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And here we have another opinion pulled straight from the ass!

I suggest (i) you read up on the histories of the DR/ Haiti and the wars between them; (ii) understand the difference in cultures (Hint!: one is a Latinamerican country, the other is straight out of Africa); (iii) and maybe, just maybe, spend a decent amount of time in either country outside the tourist ghettos (e.g., AI resorts, Labadee).

After that, let's revisit your suggestion...

And we have a response pulled straight from the ass.

You seem to have missed the fact those wars were started by ruthless dictators
using the people as pawns in their empire-building schemes.
You really think the people wanted to go to war???

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[Andy9o8 2]

I plan to donate, but I want to be certain the money gets to the right place and isn't either squandered to incompetence or lost to corruption. I plan to be careful about what aid organization(s) I donate to.

At some stores, I've been asked by the cashier "Do you want to donate $1 to Haiti?" I politely decline, without guilt, simply because I don't know where the money is really going.

Here's a story that discusses this concern:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_haiti_following_the_money


(Edit: This isn't a commentary on Yele.com. Yele might very well be a reasonable channel through which to donate; I simply haven't researched it out yet for myself.)

[LuckyMcSwervy 0]

And so it starts...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583169,00.html

Always be kinder than you feel.

[warpedskydiver 0]

Are you saying the info is wrong?

[western 0]

corruption eh, not good children have died are they corrupt

[warpedskydiver 0]

Can you please restate that?

[LuckyMcSwervy 0]

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Are you saying the info is wrong?

Absolutely not. I'm saying it was only a matter of time, in my opinion, that some of the business practices of WJ's charity/organization would come under fire.

Sucks no matter what position you take on donating to charity because when people read these articles it may sour them on donating in the future to organizations that even have stellar backgrounds. I know it certainly stops me for randomly donating money here and there....

Always be kinder than you feel.

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

It's also only a matter of time before the other slimeballs come crawling out from under their rocks and set up "charity" organizations that spend 90%+ on admin and fundraising.

My standard question when a telemarketer calls for a charity is to ask "What percentage actually goes to the cause and what percentage goes for admin and fundraising?"

Places like "Kidwish", "The American Cancer Fund" or others that sound like legit organizations often say 80%-90% for expenses.

I usually then ask a really uncomfortable question. Like "Do you think I'm going to give you money to annoy other people?" or "How do you sleep at night knowing you are taking money from legit charities?"

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[mwk1976 0]

Food for the Poor has a long and reputable history of giving aid in Haiti. The Washington Post and Forbes endorse them. The only scandal I've found is sexual misconduct by the founder- don't think that factors in- check 'em out