I'm Giving Away Money - please help me decide how to allocate

[jsmirman]

I'm going to be donating an overall sum of money by midnight tonight (some time in the next 5 hours).

To keep this out of the realm of the unseemly (and just for my own privacy), let's say there are 10 total units I have available to contribute.

This is money I can afford to give, although it is money with real value to me (I'm no millionaire).

Allocations don't have to be in integers (1, 2, 3, etc.) - you can suggest 1.5 out of 10, or 2.5 out of 10, etc.

1.5 of the 10 units will be going to animal charities (so I suppose that means that there are 8.5 units left).

My donor profile: I am passionate about the environment, animal rights, voting rights, and the right of a citizen to access the courts to protect himself or herself from a corporation. Oh, I'm also stridently pro-financial regulations/Wall Street accountability.

I am frustrated with certain things during Obama's first term, but I want him to be reelected in the worst way (I'm all Team Obama, at least until November). Even if Mitt Romney wasn't a gigantic shithead, I believe the Democrats must retain the White House. In my dream of dreams, we'd take back Congress. Being that Mitt Romney is a scary, emotionless robot shithead who only wants to be president to be president and so that he can completely unbar the gates to our corporate overlords, we have to do all that we can do to get Obama reelected.

So: 8.5 UNITS AVAILABLE

I was planning on dispersing them between the Obama campaign, Elizabeth Warren, Al Franken PAC, Sherrod Brown?

Is this a good mix? Is this the wrong list? What would you take off the list or add to the list?

What would your list be?

Serious responses would be greatly appreciated. I've been buried under real-life stuff and so my time-window here is, well, five hours. Thank you in advance for your help.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I would go with your choices; I like all of them.

I'm glad to see you're including Sherrod Brown. He's up against a very unqualified young man who thinks he can buy the office of Senator.

[slackmaster]

2. You should squander at least part of it on hookers and blow

[A HERETIC I AM]

7. But not necessarily in that order. n/t

[spayneuter]

27. Or combine for economy...hookers that blow

[zbdent]

41. damn, you beat me to it ...

Welcome to DU!

[jsmirman]

38. Like Cutty in the Wire

I'm afraid it "just isn't in me anymore."

Besides, we've got elections to win.

[fredamae]

3. Create a Voter's Rights Fund

to help those who have no "proper" ID pay the costs/fees to obtain necessary ID?

ALL of your ideas are also very good...

[Wounded Bear]

4. It's a good list....

I would try to get at least one unit to your local Dem candidate for Congress (assuming he/she is not on that list).

Al Franken PAC, I'm not sure about. Is he up this year? If not, I'd move that to a more current recipient. Maybe you think he'd forward that to other important races or something, so that's just a suggestion. Normally I'd have no problem supporting him.

Is there a race in a Red state that you might send money to, implying a real Dem recipient and not a Blue Dog, of course?

IAE, thank you for supporting progressive causes and Democrats that support those.

Best of luck.

[jsmirman]

19. Franken PAC farms the money out to candidates

like Elizabeth Warren and Sherrod Brown. So I actually would be doubling up a bit, I guess by giving to Franken's PAC. But to answer your question, Franken's PAC is all about supporting candidates who seem to have my politics (Franken seems to be one of the politicians with a very close issue profile to my own).

As to local elections, I mentioned this in another reply - I'm a NYC/DC person so, not so much (I don't think).

Thank you for the thanks, but hey, listen, we all absolutely have to do what we can do in these next months, so I'm up for doing my part (I'm also going to be ready to volunteer at some point in the future, but can't just yet).

It looks like I should be thanking you, so thank you for your service!

[Wounded Bear]

29. We all do what we can...

I've been sending a few bucks almost every week to Obama. I haven't had enough money at one time lately to do what you're doing, but I'd love to.

Had a job interview today. Maybe I can ramp up if that pans out.

I'm in a Blue state (WA) and I think my Rep district should be safely Blue, too, though it was adjusted this last census.

My service was many years ago, but I remember it fondly, for the most part. Proud to have served, though.

This election is important. We lost a lot of momentum in 2010, have to get it back this cycle.

[jsmirman]

39. Living in NYC

or even DC leads to feelings of enforced uselessness. Our electoral college system is the pits.

I finally have time to put my creative brain to use/try to bend the ear of people I know attached to the campaigns, and I'm going to put my boots on the ground eventually, but tonight is donation night.

It's so tough - believe me, I'm not as flush as I was the last time around, either. Doing what you can is exceedingly noble, and it's the right thing to do.

[pnwmom]

5. Maybe .5 to the ACLU? Thanks for your good deeds! n/t

[Motown_Johnny]

6. Did you see the thread about the 1200 dogs rescued ?

It deserves a "Graphic Warning"


http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021048276



You may want to consider helping here.



And thank you for your generosity.

[jsmirman]

22. I will look

something tells me that I'm about to be very, very angry/upset...

but I will look.

Oh, and thank you for the thanks. You're very kind.

[jsmirman]

62. Yeah, that's getting a donation tonight

the dog meat trade makes me insane with anger.

And if anyone wants to argue about it, please ask me for a link first, so I can direct you to the thread where we argued this extensively a number of months ago.

[justabob]

8. another duer has a fundraising challenge going on

to defeat Cantor http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021052912

[nenagh]

9. Defeat Eric Cantor fund...

Could use some help, I think...


Great minds..

[justabob]

11. :)

[jsmirman]

18. Is there a real, tangible chance?

Just have to ask.

Like I said, this is not money that means nothing to me, so I'm trying to choose very carefully.

So, what are the chances that f'ing bastard could be given a pink slip?

[justabob]

23. read through and see what you think

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021051897#post1

[jsmirman]

24. Excellent, thanks for the link

I will take a look.

[mopinko]

83. double your money

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021052912

[truedelphi]

28. Very very much a preference of mine.

And buy him a one way ticket to Hell, while you are at it.

[GoCubsGo]

68. I was going to suggest Wayne Powell's campaign.

Tammy Duckworth's, too. Her opponent, Joe Deadbeat Dad Walsh desperately needs to go, too.

[HopeHoops]

10. I'll PM you with my shipping address.

On Edit: Small unmarked bills please.

[Panasonic]

33. Hey!

If I wasn't out busy buying gold and then taking them to the smelter.. I'd think of the same thing...

(We got our first check from the smelter's - the amount they gave us was very surprising, we actually profited!)

[jsmirman]

40. I'll send it all in pocket lint

[lostnote12]

12. short term vs long term goals?......apply for a small band radio license!!!....that is my goal....

...in a heavy heavy heavy RW market!!!....best of luck and I'm certain your choices will be beneficial to a better tomorrow!!!

[jsmirman]

50. Not a bad idea at all

that's for another day, though, I'm afraid!

[grasswire]

13. ACLU and FAIR

Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

FAIR is beginning a new initiative against the corrupted MSM.

[grasswire]

14. and maybe Media Matters, too

If our biggest problem in making change is the corrupted MSM, then money spent on FAIR and Media Matters is excellent investment.

[Fresh_Start]

15. where do you live? can you help a candidate capture or retain an at risk seat in your state?

if so, I'd spend the money locally first.
And then think more globally.
Money now is a lot more helpful than money later so the sooner the better.

[jsmirman]

16. Problem is, it's NY and DC

not a great market to find a local election that hangs in the balance -

definitely on the sooner - that's why I'm trying to decide before midnight

[hay rick]

17. Defeat Allen West.

http://patrickmurphy2012.com/

West has raised over $10 million, Murphy- something over $2 million.
Murphy has at least two things going for him: willing volunteers (like me) and West's mouth: http://whatwestsaid.com/

[jsmirman]

20. Does Murphy have a real chance?

I know that's a tough question, so I hope you don't mind.

Without question, Allen West is an abomination of a human being.

[hay rick]

53. I think he has an excellent chance.

Registration in the newly formed district is close to 50-50. Murphy is on something of a mission. He started his campaign a year and a half ago- before redistricting, when West was expecting to run in FL-22. After redistricting, West decided to run in district 18 (N. Palm Beach and Martin and St. Lucie Counties). Murphy followed him up the coast and is now running against him in 18. I noticed his campaign manager was wearing an "old" Murphy District 22 shirt the other day...

I volunteer a couple days a week making phone calls. I've done this in previous years, so I have some instinct for how things are going. I am very optimistic. I get a high percentage of registered Republicans telling me that they can't vote for Allen West.

Murphy has the early backing of the DCCC and a good resume- he is a CPA and also has a construction background (family business). During the BP oil spill he spent 8 months in New Orleans with a fleet of skimmers. I think Allen West is ripe for the plucking- his advantages are $ and tea party. His liability is higher turnout (presidential election), running in a new district with more Democrats- and now he has a Ryan plan/tea party/foot-in-mouth track record.

[jsmirman]

55. Thanks so much for the answer - so

the district he's in isn't overwhelmingly, unbeatably republican, you're saying?

I'm strongly considering this one. That guy is a boil on the public's ass.

[calimary]

61. Hey this is a good one! I liked your list up top, though -

except I believe Al Franken is NOT running this year. He narrowly beat smarmy normy coleman who held things up and kept him from taking office til he finally lost his "Sore Loserman" lawsuit against Franken in the Minnesota Supreme Court.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Franken

I know Franken's PAC does give money to other candidates though. I would certainly give to President Obama and Elizabeth Warren as well. Let's definitely try to lock it in for her.

Sherrod Brown's a good one too. Forgot you'd listed him already. Maybe split a little off for getting rid of eric cantor?

[jsmirman]

73. Yep - I'm talking about Franken's PAC

they call me multiple times a day -

I love them, but argh!!!!!

[Earth_First]

21. 1 unit to ACLU 1 unit to Remote Area Medical

Stan Brock began running vaccination and checkups in rural Africa.

http://www.ramusa.org/

After seeing the tragic loss of healthcare and dire need here stateside, he has turned the bulk of his missions to providing free clinics to US citizens in mostly rural communities.

Thousands line up a day before these clinics in hopes for a root canal, eyeglasses or a vaccination thy otherwise could not afford. Many hundreds are often turned away during these weekend long clinics.

Perhaps your generosity may help a few more recieve simply the most basic health care.

Thank you!

[jsmirman]

35. I really like the second suggestion

Last edited Tue Jul 31, 2012, 09:05 PM - Edit history (1)

ACLU feels more like a next year donation, right now.

Scratch that - I liked scheming daemons suggestion of those two local ACLU branches

[Drew Richards]

25. USe it all to start your own Republican Superpak then

Solicit donations from the tea party patriots, freedom works alec ect...

Then pay for independent advertising to promote Warren, Franken, Brown, Obama...ect...

[hlthe2b]

26. after seeing that ASPCA commercial repeatedly the past several days... I'd dearly love to just open

the checkbook to them...

[jsmirman]

37. They get at least something from me in a monthly form

so I think I'm good on them.

I'm a "Guardian," although, believe me, I wish I could give more (it just means I'm on a monthly instant-pay thing with them).

[rainy]

30. Elizabeth Warren, give it all to her. nt

[Romulox]

31. I'd give 5 to your local humane society or no-kill shelter, and 5 to your local food bank. nt

[jsmirman]

44. I hit the first during the local heat wave

so I think they're good for now, I'll think about the second one, though.

[ellenfl]

32. another thought . . . dga

we got our heads handed to us and lost a bunch of states to repubs. we need to do more locally, which is why i also give to the democratic governors association. i'm not too keen on our state dem party so i consider the dga a good alternative . . . oh, and anything dr. dean wants. i wish he was still in leadership.

ellen fl

[jsmirman]

45. Anyone else's thoughts on the Dem Governors Association?

Other opinions on giving to them?

[mercuryblues]

34. A back to school program

A local business here donated a hundred stuffed backpacks for kids in our district, who otherwise would not have anything.

Perhaps even to a local school cafeteria, for kids who do not qualify for reduced/free lunch, but the parents are struggling to provide. The lunch lady knows who they are.

[dkf]

36. Personally I started aiming my donations at the local food bank.

Someone on this site inspired me to do so a few years ago and I can't remember who it was but it made a lasting impression.

[jsmirman]

46. That tends to be more a Christmas/Thanksgiving thing for me

and I'm kind of election-focused at the moment, but I'll think about it.

[dkf]

60. Yes that is where it started. But the needs are so much more than just a turkey dinner now.

[jsmirman]

69. I know. Things are bad. Really bad.

I've put it on the master list, and I'm going to see what I can afford.

I give to The Bowery Mission in NYC, City Meals on Wheels, and Feeding America (national).

[jsmirman]

42. Any thoughts on allocation?

Thank you for all the replies, and thanks to the people who used my units system.

But on this - does Obama get a larger slice of the pie, or should I distribute equally?

[scheming daemons]

43. The Pennsylvania and Florida chapters of the ACLU that are fighting the Voter ID laws

They need it most.

[jsmirman]

48. Would people agree that the ACLU is waging the most effective fight against the Voter ID laws?

Or should I be looking more for an organization getting people to ID centers and making sure our electorate can vote?

I think you may be on the right track, scheming daemons

[scheming daemons]

51. If you know of such an organization (now that there is no more ACORN), have at it....

I don't personally know of any.

[jsmirman]

56. That is sort of my question - is there a new version of ACORN

anyone know?

I sent the maddowshowblog a "my head is exploding" tweet about how the legal challenges were all well and good, but what the hell were we doing to make sure PEOPLE CAN VOTE on November 4th? It was interesting(?)/gratifying(?)/slightly heartening(?) to hear Rendell focus on the effort to get people proper IDs the other night. No matter what IDs people have, you're right, though, the local ACLUs are vital to protecting people's right to be registered before and remain registered on election day.

I wonder if anyone has an answer to the question we're asking.

[Zanzoobar]

47. Keep the dough.

You're gonna need it.

[jsmirman]

49. My country needs it more right now

I won't give a crap about my money when I'm drowning thanks to global warming, our President is chosen by four billionaires, there is no elected local government, and we all have five eyes but nobody to sue.

[Zanzoobar]

54. Best of luck

It might be the time to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

[Curmudgeoness]

52. I do almost all of my donating on a local level.

Food bank, domestic abuse shelter, homeless shelter, animal charities, local political candidates. I also have a small fund set up at my vet's office to help people who are in dire need of care for their pets but cannot afford it, and I add to it when I can.

[jsmirman]

57. Those are awesome things to do

thank you so much for your efforts!

That vet thing you do is just so wonderfully thoughtful.

I kind of have some of those covered and am part of a group working to create a DV/Animal Abuse assistance network.

[Curmudgeoness]

65. The vet fund came by accident.

I was at the vet's office when an old man with a kitten who had been mauled by a dog came in. They said that it would cost $200 just to treat the one hole in the kitten's belly. The man didn't have the money and was going to leave with the kitten---and I knew that the kitten needed treatment. So I agreed to pay for it. Then when I had a little extra money, I set up the fund to be used for situations like this. I cannot imagine an animal suffering with a treatable problem because their parents are poor.

[jsmirman]

67. That's brilliant

if only there were more of you in this world. Truly.

[jsmirman]

58. No votes for the DCCC, Act Blue, Move On?

Getting close to putting it all on a pad and starting to do some math - it's all up on a white board right now.

Thanks for all the suggestions - any thoughts on the orgs in this subject line appreciated.

[chknltl]

59. There are DUers who could use help too.

A fellow DUer once helped me out a few years back. It made a huge difference. I am betting there are other DUers out there right now who face homelessness and hunger due to how low this nation has sunk. I doubt they are openly discussing their plight but maybe you might ask around....

[jsmirman]

66. I tried in one instance

and I'm horribly afraid I gacked the whole thing when I got buried at work. Long story, more a helping out than charity thing.

I'm not sure directly giving money online is the best way to go.

[chknltl]

87. for example

Here is an example of what I was thinking about:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021058040

[jsmirman]

88. I think the best you can do

in situations exactly like that is to try to provide good advice (if you have any) or help direct the poster to a source of good advice/assistance.

I hate to say this, as well, though, but it's important to monitor your overall emotional/time availability resources - a number of months ago I think I got caught up in almost literally trying to save the whole world, and I forgot about myself. There is so much to be legitimately concerned about and upset about, that if you don't pace yourself, you'll crumble from a broken heart or lose your damn mind. Finding the right balance is really hard, because there is so much that is not right and so much suffering in this world. But I realize that I can't be all things to everybody or be in all places at once...

[blm]

63. Sherrod Brown, Warren absolutely need it - also Cantor's opponent and a new pickup seat in NC

would make a huge difference - Jennifer Roberts is running for Sue Myrick's seat. Roberts has the best chance Dems have ever had to pick up this seat.

[jsmirman]

64. Thanks for the heads up *

nm

[boomerbust]

70. Send me to Jamaica

I want to do research on the legalization of marijuana. Just a suggestion.

[Spirochete]

71. Just send it to me

I'm broke, and those Nigeria assholes are taking forever!

[HarveyDarkey]

72. Alan Grayson is running again

I like your list, but maybe you can squeeze him in.

[loudsue]

74. GRAYSON!! GRAYSON!! GRAYSON!! GRAYSON!!

He gets my vote, too!

[One Voice]

75. If you could;

We need this lady to win in Indiana's 9th district,
and she really needs help!

Any amount would be appreciated!

Thank you,
A Yoder voter

http://www.shelliyoderforcongress.com/home/

[jsmirman]

78. Can you tell me anything about her chances?

I wish I had more to give, but I'm not flush enough for statement donations, so I gotta ask...

[elleng]

76. Its a good mix.

Please include Wayne Powell, challenging cantor in virginia's district 7. (Powell's champion Mudcat Saunders was at DU this afternoon.)

[jsmirman]

77. Oh, I got to him

As a MOT, I hate Cantor with extra relish.

[elleng]

80. Great. You and me both, jsmir.

SO angers me.

[mzteris]

79. Something to Tammy Baldwin.

Running for US Senate in WI.

[Nevernose]

81. Shelly Berkely -- pick up Senate seat in NV

Rove's Crossroads are smearing all over, and she needs money to fight the smear machine. She's a good Democrat, and I honestly believe she's being hurt badly by the shadow money.

[B Calm]

82. We need Alan Grayson back in congress. .

[Blackhatjack]

84. Make Your Donations Effective Only If Matching Donations Received...

A way to leverage your contribution to increase the outcomes you are seeking.

[jsmirman]

85. That was exhausting

yikes, that gotta out of hand.

Ok, the shop window is closed.

I think I got out shelling out only 20 units (with 10 intended), which is pretty fucking awful, but I've seen worse.

DUers!!!! The TIME IS NOW!!!!

I gave until it hurt, but it's time to step up. It's now or never. At least until the next election cycle. But this one feels pretty damn important.

Let's just say everyone got served. Most units were similar, but I found I really disliked a few of the particular Republican opponents, so those races might have had a little vig served on top.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I discovered a bunch of candidates I really like thanks to some pointers here tonight.

Let's get (or stay) in gear and do what we can for these elections.

And while you're at, take good care of the animals, support spay/neuter programs, and if you're looking for a good animal charity, these are just a few that are pretty great:

Animal Legal Defense Fund (no better advocate for the animals than these folks. I know the founder and she's one of the better humans you will ever meet)

North Shore Animal League (some folks criticize how hard it is to get an animal into their shelter, but they've adopted out a ton of animals and they do some great medical work)

Alley Cat Allies (they rock. TNR (Trap Neuter Return), one of the staunchest allies to homeless animals, if not the staunchest, really sane, practical, determined help and advocacy for animals. And a friend works there now)

Mercy for Animals (They have the guts to expose animal cruelty like few others. I believe strongly in what they do)

WWF (World Wildlife Fund) (Our wildlife is under seige - they have many, many great programs)

PCRM (Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine) (Promoting sanity in research and helping to end useless, duplicative, outdated cruelty labs)

and Soi Dog and Associated Humane Societies got donations tonight, too. That Soi Dog story is appalling; as to Associated Humane, the truth is that I haven't researched them as thoroughly as the other organizations above, but they really get me with some of the work they do).

Bowery Mission does great work for the humans in NYC and thanks for the information about the Remote Area Medical.

Sorry, no one got sent to Jamaica, and no prostitutes were procured or blow consumed.

Have a great night everyone! Be kind to animals and let's put the wood to the Repubs in November!

[ellenfl]

86. i know how hard it is to choose.

i give monthly to aspca, north shore, alan grayson and patrick murphy. i would add many more if i had the $ but i'm just a poor working schlub . . . will be 'til i'm at least 70, i'm afraid.

thank you for making a difference.

ellen fl

[jsmirman]

89. And thank you!

Choosing is agonizing, indeed.

The one thing I shoot for is making sure I've done my due diligence on the charities I contribute to - beyond that, there are just so so many worthy causes.