Remember that post I wrote where I said you shouldn’t give money to Japan? I totally stand by it, but I got two comments that I want to answer publicly, because they represent the opposite end of spectrum and are both wonderful.

First Andrea,

you know, I used to work for the Red Cross and you can earmark your donation so it will go to exactly what you want it to go to. BUT, that could be bad, because, like in Haiti, people donated tons to the relief and there was excess that now the RC can’t spend elsewhere. but I never think it’s a bad idea to donate funds to worthy organizations, like the RC, Amnesty, etc. I agree that we get all crazy wanting to help, but the thing is we’re one of the richest nations in the world and hopping on a plane is just a baaaaad idea. so people want to give ten bucks. is that so bad?

Nope, it isn’t a bad thing. In fact, I didn’t mean to imply you shouldn’t give to your charity of choice. You should, and if it makes you feel good…even better. Red Cross has some issues, but I believe they do more good than harm. Nor should you hop on plane. Unless it’s to the Bahamas and you take me with you. I’m just saying when you do give, be cognizant of where the money goes and where it doesn’t go. But you raise good points, and you know that I love you, so it’s a win-win.

From Lara,

Outstanding post. Americans, as a whole, do tend to toss money at disasters. Perhaps it’s because we feel helpless to do much else. Or maybe it’s become so ingrained in our collective psyche that what we must to is “give” and the least invasive what to do that is by writing a check. Growing up in California, in a very small town, where earthquakes are far more common than reported (we usually got “a 6.2 magnitude quake struck east of San Diego” or less) I know all too well that the need is often beyond a greenback. My dad is the leader of an SAR group as part of his duties being a Fire Chief. I called him as soon as I read this. He said most of the Urban SAR groups going to Japan are government funded but that groups like the Search Dog Foundation can use support. So -as much as people doing this on my blog annoys me- I’m leaving a link here for their sight so that you can give it a look and a healthy dose of due-diligence. http://www.searchdogfoundation…

Thank you Lara, and for the great link.

Bottom line- GIVE.