[AZFolks]

Two quick points. First, the other blood centers in the United States did not do this and they collect @55% of the blood for the Country. So if the Red Cross comes knocking and so does your local blood bank, you know where to go! Second, despite their poor behavior lets not forget that sick people suffer if we draw back.

[NewHampshireDuo]

Agree that it will hurt the sick not to donate. But you now have to wonder at the motivation of these groups. I want to give but who do I want to give to? I'd be really ripping if I had run out to donate blood only to have it wasted the way it was. I'm already wondering how much of my donations for the 9/11 bombings were wasted on other things instead of being given to victims' families.

[meenie]

So in other words, if the Red Cross comes knocking on your door, you should tell them where to go, right? Local blood banks, specific donations to groups you choose to support should be encouraged. United Way and the Red Cross should be avoided as being totally corrupt with politics governing the use and distribution of their funds.