Oxfam is also really good for relief efforts-- immediate, but they also do more than the red cross to address the structural issues that contribute to disasters like this--- poverty being the main one in this case, because poor people without cars got stuck in the city where people with money got out.
"A good friend who is an atheist bleeding-heart liberal with several masters in social work, sociology, psychology and a Ph.D in one of those disciplines and who cannot stand even the mention of Pat Robertson, nevertheless has glowing praise for the work of Operation Blessing. She believes them to be effectively organized and committed to being there for people."
Do you happen to have objections to Operation Blessing's actual behavior? I confess to absolute ignorance on that subject.
More appropriate to your comment: I have difficulty with value judgements placed upon an organization solely because of individuals associated with it. For instance, I know that the founders of LL Bean have strong ties to the pro-life lobby, but that doesn't mean that they don't provide a good product, and it doesn't mean that the community service the company performs should be dismissed out of hand. It seems akin to the single-issue voting idea.
I'm not a fan of the man, either, but unless the organization is providing bad service or makes preaching part of their aid package, it seems a little unfair to blacklist them without reviewing their record.
I hear what you are saying -- for example, I'm no fan of a lot of Catholic doctrine, but I have nothing but respect for the work done by the Boston-area Catholic Charities. However, but I could never trust anything associated with Pat Robertson. And I certainly don't want him to get any "reflected glory" when there are so many good alternatives.
It seems to be a mixed bag (http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2005_08_28.php#006385) - high marks from some organizations, but a history of co-mingling donations with Pat's for-profit companies that cozy up to dictators.
There are a lot of reputable charities to give money to and lessen the risk of misuse - I like America's Second Harvest (http://www.secondharvest.org/default2.asp), but there are others listed at Billmon (http://billmon.org/archives/002122.html) and elsewhere. It is distressing that Operation Blessing was (for a while) pulled out of alphabetical order to be the #2 on FEMA's list, but far worse things have happened in the past few days.
no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 04:36 pm (UTC)The Red Cross is usually a safe bet.
no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 04:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 05:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-03 07:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 04:40 pm (UTC)"A good friend who is an atheist bleeding-heart liberal with several masters in social work, sociology, psychology and a Ph.D in one of those disciplines and who cannot stand even the mention of Pat Robertson, nevertheless has glowing praise for the work of Operation Blessing. She believes them to be effectively organized and committed to being there for people."
Do you happen to have objections to Operation Blessing's actual behavior? I confess to absolute ignorance on that subject.
no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 04:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 04:52 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 04:56 pm (UTC)And no, but thanks for your concern.
no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 05:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 06:03 pm (UTC)I am wondering when someone will post the Phoenix's list of companies that support right-wing causes, though.
no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 06:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 06:19 pm (UTC)More appropriate to your comment: I have difficulty with value judgements placed upon an organization solely because of individuals associated with it. For instance, I know that the founders of LL Bean have strong ties to the pro-life lobby, but that doesn't mean that they don't provide a good product, and it doesn't mean that the community service the company performs should be dismissed out of hand. It seems akin to the single-issue voting idea.
I'm not a fan of the man, either, but unless the organization is providing bad service or makes preaching part of their aid package, it seems a little unfair to blacklist them without reviewing their record.
Just don't trust the guy...
Date: 2005-09-03 12:28 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 04:50 pm (UTC)There are a lot of reputable charities to give money to and lessen the risk of misuse - I like America's Second Harvest (http://www.secondharvest.org/default2.asp), but there are others listed at Billmon (http://billmon.org/archives/002122.html) and elsewhere. It is distressing that Operation Blessing was (for a while) pulled out of alphabetical order to be the #2 on FEMA's list, but far worse things have happened in the past few days.
architecture for humanity.
Date: 2005-09-02 06:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 09:29 pm (UTC)couldn't find the primary sources, though.
no subject
Date: 2005-09-02 06:43 pm (UTC)http://www.livejournal.com/community/dark_christian/245640.html
Do with the information as you wish.
no subject
Date: 2005-09-03 03:36 am (UTC)