OUR RE$PONSE IS 'INCREDIBLE' (Tsunami)

New York Post ^ | 12/30/2004 | Marsha Kranes and Ian Bishop

[F16Fighter]

"I have a watch...It's worth a lot of money...I could have given THIS WATCH!...Here, take the watch...How many more lives could I have saved??...."

[CFC__VRWC]

Everything into perspective please.

Welcome to Free Republic. I have a feeling that your stay here will be a short one. But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt enough to tell you that if you're only here to call Americans "stingy" and to bash our President, you ought to just come right out and say it instead of tapdancing all around it.

[cake_crumb]

Here's a good place to check out charities that have been around a while: charitywatch.org. All they gauge is how much donations make it to those for which they were intended and how well the charitiy appears to follow it's own mission statements.

They give both the Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse a good rating...however, they don't have the International Red Cross on their A-Z listing, so they might not distinguish between the American and International versions of the Red Cross. They give Americares an A rating.

[cake_crumb]

"It was also reported by those same sources (Including O'Reilly) that the Red Cross finally did get off their duffs and released all the money"

Yes, they did

[cake_crumb]

"I'm sure these are preliminary offerings, and there are countless other churches that I'm sure will be sending workers and aid."

Yep, I agree. That's an impressive outpouring, isn't it?

[jwalsh07]

Is not the greatness of america being allowed to say other opinions? I have only stated the facts.

No you misrepresented the facts. You are comparing government oulays in the socilaist states in Europe to private donations in America.

What is truly sad is that when all is daid and done the US government will have contributed considerably more than any other country and that in all likelihood the second largest donor will not be a socilaist country from the EU but private donations from American citizens.

[WVNan]

Welcome to Free Republic. Yes, Samaritan's Purse is a good organization. It's run by Franklin Graham, Billy's son. They are the ones who deliver the Shoebox Christmas boxes to children around the world. I would feel very comfortable giving $$$$ to them, knowing that the money would be used properly.

BTW, don't take the "bait" if you would like to stay around and converse a bit with people who believe in "common sense" answers to life's problems. Freepers are good loving people (there are exceptions).

[frank1976]

Great link. Having worked in the sector for a few years, I have experiences both good and bad. While most organizations are filled with people who want to do good, that's not enough. Sometimes the organizational structures are ineffective, top-heavy and obsessed with fund-raising and positive PR (all of which are necessary and positive, but shouldn't overshadow the purpose of the organization). Personally, I donated to Doctors Without Borders.

[WVNan]

Yes, Americans are always open handed and big hearted. I just pray that most of the money gets to where it is intended. I don't trust the UN. I don't trust the Red Cross. I would feel comfortable giving to Doctors without Borders, & any of the religious charitable orgs.

[cake_crumb]

Those are your tax pounds that were pledged...the US has pledged 30 million dollars in INITIAL aid in the form of American tax dollars. Private donations have already exceeded $21 million dollars on TOP of the $30M in American tax dollars the president has already promised in aid. By now, that private total is higher. Tomorrow it'll be higher yet.

[cake_crumb]

I gave to Americare, but after reading up more on Samaritan's Purse will donate to them too. They Do seem to be an excellent organization. Thank you for your input, and welcome to FR.

[Graybeard58]

there are exceptions

I personally, am rotten to the core.

(But I respect your right to be decent)

[cake_crumb]

Doctors Without Borders is very good too. They've done some truly MIRACULOUS surgeries and cures for those who'd otherwise have to suffer.

[Graybeard58]

I have no doubt the generosity of the american people will embarass your government into doing more.

Why don't you post your condescending B.S, at a forum where it will be more appreciated. D.U. perhaps.