will47 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

The most unscrupulous bastards of all are politicians and political parties. Never give them a effing dime.

katbandit Loc: new york city

since as long as i could remember i would not donate dollars to any organization ..even when working when they wanted to take it out of our salary to the charity of our choice...instead i donate my time with volunteer work ..i take photos at the local shelters and upload the photos to their sites...i also do fostering for cats..i volunteer at the school to help tutor ..now..if that isn't helping financially i don't know what is...since I'm not being paid they are in reality saving dollars..and I'm not losing money..anything i spend i KNOW where it is going..sorry to sound so miserly and I'm sure there are many organizations that are legit..but not knowing which ones are which i say that people should not give CASH so easily..i could never understand how anyone could be so cruel as to wipe the elderly out of their savings..

Ralloh Loc: Ohio

This is, unfortunately, typical of most online forums. They tend to bring out the very worst in people because they can hide behind their computers and not have to say all the nasty crap to someone's face, which most would never do. It really is a shame. The Internet, one of the greatest inventions of mankind can also be one big stinking cesspool.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Amen.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

You forgot the most corrupt charities. The ones supposedly helping our Veterans. Millions of dollars have been collected by some. One Administrator stole nearly 90% of the money he collected, bought himself a Rolls Royce automobile and more things for his family. Low and behold this guy is presently a Federal Employee working for Veterans Affairs. This was reported by CNN just in the past weeks.

anotherview Loc: California

Karl Marx defined a utopia which he expressed as communism. He founded this ideal society with the humanitarian goal of lifting the human condition for all. To that end, he voiced such mechanisms as this one: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs." Today, we might call this mechanism "economic equality," in conformity to egalitarianism -- a political theory active in America and elsewhere.

If implemented, this mechanism of communism would foster a leveling effect producing a benefit more to the favor of the mob at the expense of the competent members of society. All would of course have their basic needs met, but how would exceptional individuals realize their full potential in this scenario? Such individuals throughout history have contributed to the advance of civilization. Does Marx even recognize this positive historical dynamic? If so, then how does he address the natural response to such individuals involving remuneration for their achievement?

This citizen finds the society functioning in accord with communist ideology as wanting in key respects given the nature of humankind to seek recognition.

Big Bill Loc: Phoenix, AZ

CAUTION: INCOMING TROLL POST

Well, if you don't want to give to an organized charity, you could just give to the people on street corners with signs telling of their woes.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Got stuck with one a number of years ago, about 10 if memory serves. I received an email asking if I'd do some property photography. The person was trying to get a mortgage and needed photographs of the property. I replied with my hourly, 1/2 day and full day rates. They agreed to a 1/2 day. They'd also send a driver to pick me up and make sure I had the correct property, as there was no address. The subdivison was under construction. Their only requirement was they needed someone who was good and also honest, as they weren't going to be dealing with me directly.

The car/driver arrived as scheduled, the car was just short of a limo, the driver impeccably dressed. We drove to the site, which was a bit north of where I lived at the time. I spent a couple of hours taking photos of the property, they neighboring property and anything else I thought would assist their securing a mortgage. Job done, I was returned to my house to post process and mail off a CD of the photos, along with a bill for $350.00.

The payment arrived a few days later. I deposited the check and went about my day. A couple of days later I received notice that the check was drawn on a closed account. I should have left it die at that point. I wrote an email informing the person of the situation. I received an email back almost immediately. There was a profuse apology and the explanation that the account was closed when they changed banks and the secretary wasn't informed of the situation, or simply grabbed an old checkbook to send me the payment. Again profuse apologies and assurance that another check was on its way.

I received 4 U.S. Postal Money Orders within a few days. The only problem now was that it was for 10 times the amount they owed. I didn't want to loose the money orders so I, scanned them, and deposited them, but only after sending an email informing them of the mistake. Again, I received a reply asking that I wire the money back to them, as this would cause a financial burden, along with complimenting me on my honesty. I replied with an assurance that as soon as the check cleared, I'd wire the money minus my fee and costs to wire it. They replied that if I could expedite the return, they be very appreciative, as their account was not short a few thousand dollars. So, I did withdrew the amount needed to make up the difference and wired the money back.

A few days later, I received a call from the bank that the money orders were counterfeit. Things went downhill from there. I did take the high resolution scans, along with all correspondence to the local Secret Service office and discussed the issue with them. They appreciated the assistance, but there was nothing they could do other than enter the incident into their database. Very understandable.
--Bob

scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan

This is not really a place for political discussion except as it relates to photography, but since the Red Cross was mentioned, I'll respond. My wife and I were volunteers in their Single Family Disaster Relief Program for many years, so I speak from experience. The Red Cross is chartered by Congress as our official national disaster relief program and as such is subject to some government oversight. It depends on voluntary charitable contributions to do its work and while it has had issues over the years (most large organizations do) most of its efforts and resources do go to its mission of helping victims of disasters. You may or may not want to donate your hard earned dollars to their work, that is your choice, but the Red Cross is definitely not a scam.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

This is why I rely on our local Charities Review Council ratings. A charity must apply and submit verifiable data attesting that they confirm to council standards. Some other States have similar councils and there is even a national whose name I forget.

zigipha Loc: north nj

And what were they doing? I think UW is one of the good ones

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks for that post. It's a nice break from all the Political Chanting that seems to incorporate into almost any discussion. And, from their lengthy posts, it appears there are some who relish the opportunity and have a great deal of time on their hands.

Mark

pete-m Loc: Casper, WY

There are a few good charities. Salvation Army is one.
I agree that most of these organizations have highly paid executives and only a small portion of the total donations are actually put to good use.

anotherview Loc: California

Again, charity begins at home.

CAS1951 Loc: San Diego