Reviews from

Things I Think about

Viewing comments for Chapter 12 "Donations"
thoughts that consume, worry, intrigue, and tickle

8 total reviews 
Comment from lancellot
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Wow, this is very informative and delightful. I agree with much you have written here. Whose cause is worthy, how much can one person give. Should we have term limits to get rid of those politicos who've become entrenched, but what about those who fight the good fight that we need? I would hate to lose them too.

It's complicated.

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 16-Apr-2021
    I would, too. But they should not be there so long. It is not supposed to be a lifetime career. There is too much government control - which is invading everything we say and do. Pretty soon we will have no freedoms left.
    Thank you for reading and for your comments. From your pen name, you must be a good guy ;)
    Katharine
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
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Well, this is certainly a poem that reaches out to all of us. We are pretty well faced with the same dilemma. There are so many charities now that we could never fathom the total. Discretion helps, as you say, small amounts help to spread it around. It is definitely needed.

Ralf

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 16-Apr-2021
    yes it is, but am gong to have to decide on a few and that's that. more came today.
Comment from Begin Again
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Oh gracious me - we have so many things on the list and it never seems to stop...I love the humor throughout your poem ... and now my son and his movie believe I am a constant investor too. Woe is me! Either the ink will run out or the account will run dry. LOL Smiles to you - Carol

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2021
    I bet you are - an investor. Just don't forget yourself.
Comment from lyenochka
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Oh, that is such a dilemma, isn't it? The Lord will make it clear whom to give to and His kingdom comes first. Thanks for sharing that dilemma every time we open our mailbox!

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2021
    Helen, I believe God gave us brains to make decisions for ourselves. Of course, everyone is entitled to their point of view on the subject of free will. And I certainly respect yours.
Comment from judiverse
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There are many, many solicitation calls, letters, and ads on TV. I always avert my eyes at the ones that show the pictures of pitiful animals in dire need of help, because I'd probably give all I had to their cause. As you say, no one is more worthy than our veterans, and what about the cute little kids in wheelchairs who'll give you a blanket if you'll donate monthly to the Shriners' Hospital fund. It's always something. If you could give to every cause, you'd have to be a millionaire. Excellent subject for your poem and I enjoyed your humorous approach. judi

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2021
    thank you, Judi. I've decided that the sheriffs and police call and mail me every five minutes, so they go in the "not this time" pile. But with Wounded Warriors, Paralyzed Vets, and there's one more plus Tunnels to Towers, how to choose?
reply by judiverse on 16-Apr-2021
    You're welcome. Best of luck with your poem a day project. judi
Comment from T B Botts
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I can totally relate to this poem. I once heard that in order to be effective in our giving we should limit the number of charities to five or six. It makes sense, but I've never been able to do it either. I don't give to every one of them that asks, but there are a few that I give to on a regular basis. As you mentioned, you would run out of money long before you addressed them all. I like to see what they're spending the money on so I check out Charity Navigator. I feel like if everyone was giving some, then the government would get out of the business of supporting places they shouldn't be supporting, and could start fixing the roads and bridges that they should be doing. Thanks for sharing.

Tom

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2021
    Charity Navigator tells what they spend the donations on? Thank you! I am so glad to know that.
    Deciding between Paralyzed Vets, Wounded Warriors, and there's one more besides Tunnels to Towers- how to decide?
    It's bad enough that the gov't is dictating so much of what we can do, plus all the unconstitutional things they're doing, now Hollywood is all over the Ga governor for his voter ID requirement and they want people to blackball Ga.
reply by T B Botts on 15-Apr-2021
    Just for your general info, I used to support Wounded Warriors. I first heard of them while watching Bill O' Reilly. Then a story came out about them holding meetings in high priced hotels in Vegas I believe, so I just started supporting someone else. I like Samaritan's Purse, and the local food bank as well as St. Jude's Hospital. They don't charge families to stay with the kids. I ran across one that I support when I think of it called RIP Medical Debt. The founder used to be a collections agent and had a change of heart. Every dollar you give goes to reduce someone's medical debt by $25.00 I believe. All of these should be listed. Keep in mind that there is a certain amount of money that goes to fund raising, and of course the folks in charge get paid fairly well, but there is a comparison I believe that tells you what percentage should go for those items and you can see how much actually is. I believe they rate it with a star system. Frankly, if the government or Hollywood make a suggestion or comment, it immediately goes in the trash can of my mind. They've lost all credibility with me. I only wish others would realize the mess we're in. Blessings.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2021
    I wish so, too. Blows my mind that Dems don't see what is happening - and by Dems, I mean non-radical ones.
    Yes, I'd heard that about Wounded Warriors but they say that is no longer the case. Quien sabe? :)
Comment from Susan Newell
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You have really summed up what I experience on a daily basis. You start by giving to one, and then they sell your name to others, and then they all sell your name. I finally gave up and picked a few where I can make a difference. But every [just interrupted by a phone call from "state troopers" soliciting funds] one is a "good cause" and I won't let them guilt me into sending money. You send once and then they solicit every week thereafter, spending everything you gave on FUNDRAISING! Aaargh. It's never enough and there is always pressure for a monthly auto debit or auto charge.

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2021
    Yes! My sister is still fighting one where they made her hundred dollar gift a monthly one, which she did not authorize. she has contested it many times; they say they've corrected it , then it comes up again on her statement.
    I have to say I'm a bit put out with the sheriff's dept. they are driving me crazy.
reply by Susan Newell on 15-Apr-2021
    It probably isn't even them. We routinely get calls from people purporting to represent police or firefighters. We average five to six scam calls a day. I've been having fun responding in Russian or German. Theydon't know what to do, and it provides a little entertainment for me. :$)
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2021
    that's hysterical! hooray for you speaking those languages - good grief! I am truly impressed!
reply by Susan Newell on 16-Apr-2021
    I only know a few phrases, but it's enough to fluster them.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2021
    well, that's the point. good for you!
Comment from Michael Ludwinder
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It sounds like you are a very generous person. I love how your desire to help has turned your life into a stress bag with a sore hand. This was a fun (and funny) poem. Great job.

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2021
    You have been a member for a long time! Many thanks for your kind comments. Much appreciated.