Campaign donations at what price? Well some are so expensive you have to give them back. I would like all the Candidates to not only have to disclose all and where the campaign funds have come from, But wouldn't it be nice if Candidates had to disclose all speaking engagements, fees paid and who paid the fees for the last 8-10 years. I think this would enlighten the public to just what one was willing to do, to make a buck.
It is very easy to tell others to give until it hurts and dig deep, where Charity is concerned. Many can't give monetarily but what they can give is their time and their hearts. I would like to see a list of all the candidates giving records. It might open up our eyes, to find out that many a past President and their wives charged many a Charity to show up and lend support...that is not Charity, it is making a buck... and business as usual.
I wanted to clarify some points in my last blog. I speak from the heart where charity is concerned and with some expertise. I have done some of the biggest most memorable Charitable events in this country. I wanted to not just teach my children words, I wanted to show them. I gave from my heart and not because of a paycheck. But when I give, it is with an education to know what is legal and what my morals can live with. I wanted to get the message that we have a responsibilty to give back, one person can make a difference. Sadly I lost my faith until this campaign. I can't sit back and complain while doing nothing.
When you are blessed with talents, gifts and knowledge; it is selfish not to use them. Yes school was helpful but experience far more valuable. I know first hand that doing the right thing while legalities say otherwise, is a moral issue. It doesn't take a rocket science or a law degree to figure out, that fundraising practises can be dicey. If you hold yourself up to public office, you should have a responsiblity to make sure your campaign is above board. When you make promises in a campaign, have the fortitude to follow through & not take the easy way out. "Just don't tell " doe's not correct the wrong nor not wanting to know the truth. Set an example be a role model that your children can be proud of. Our next President needs to be someone that runs out of committment and fortitude, to be willing to step out of the norm and be a healing decisive leader, a role model. Desire for office & not what's best for this Country, seems to be more important to the Candidates running against O'Bama.I want a President that Forgives the sinner, not cover up for him. To be a leader and Role model first set a good example as a parent, as in Father of our Country.That's what we deserve and need...and our pride back.
Shockingly it is my experience that Bush Senior cared more for the AIDS Pandemic. It was the Clintons watch that put an end to the Ryan White Charity. As a first hand observer to the AIDS Quilt Display 1996 in DC the only Presidential emotion I saw came from the Gores. Yes the Clintons appeared, but then the election was two weeks away. The year before at the Rose Bowl when it was about familes united and education for AIDS they were no-shows (the re-election wasn't looming).The Clinton family was in town anyways, the secret service made me jump through hoops for their safety. But then again you all heard about his blowing his sax at the House of Blues. 20 thousand kids were educated not Chelsea. Raking in dollars the priority; only both could have been done. The Quilt was in the daytime, blowing things is an all night possibility.
As a women, I want my president to care and like women, not attack them. Listen Paula Jones didn't go after anyones man she was the victim. Instead of Hilary attcking her imagine putting that energy into women's charities: like battered women and their children. Educating women so that they don't have to be victims of men in power, that get off on their dreams of putting food on their families table. Especially lawyers you would think should be accountable for their political fundraisers that are unethical. The saying is ignorance is no excuse under the law. Don't turn a blind eye to your watch! Give the money back! Our next leader needs to be a uniting force, one that doesn't sweep the past wrongs under the carpet (or keep a straight face at hearing I never inhaled). Let's say honestly and openly: "yes I, as well as this country have done wrong". We can't heal until we get the truth out, and then work to change it. Close the charity loopholes and then be a nation charitable to all... and as great as we should be...and as our children deserve us to be. The same old politics as usual isn't working. It is a new day and we need a new hope in office.
Philantropy the concept started in the 15th Century of anonymous acts of good will and kindness. Sadly due to Government cuts that thought the private sector would be able to pick up the slack a new problem was created. Great tax advantages to companies should have been enough incentives to have companies give for the right reasons, not all cause related marketing ploys that only benefit the companys.
Why do people get greedy and steal... because money can corrupt and tempt the good into doing evil. Loop holes need to be made closed, so the right effect can be a reality...a good percent on the dollar. More money spent on programs and good then administrative costs.
Demand to read a charities 990 you have that right. Then look through and read between the lines. Make sure the money you donate is spent the way you want it spent. There is a way...and checking off a choice box isn't nessecarily the way.
I have worked on some of the biggest charitable events in this country for love not money, so when I get approached to do events and offers to be bribed to keep my mouth shut I am sickened. The Charity world has some really great groups but beware of the bad, and the really ugly.
