There IS a cost to the religionists' constant attacks.

[Zenlitened]

I have on my desk letters from three organizations, appealing for additional donations: Mass Equality, CSICOP and Planned Parenthood. Gay rights, science education, and reproductive rights. These are all issues I feel are DIRECTLY related to the battle against religionism in America.

At the same time, as we all know, relief is needed for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Which one should get my money?

It's September now, and I've done all of my planned charitable giving for the year. I'm very fortunate in that I can plan ahead and make large-sum donations early in the calendar year, when cash inflow is often at its lowest ebb for charities. I don't have to wait for each paycheck to come in before I can give.

Now I must to decide what to give over-and-above what I had budgeted.

Should I neglect the very real needs of the GLBT community, scientific literacy and women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies? I'm not willing to do that. I feel these groups genuinely do need additional funding right now.

So I'll find the funds to make additional donations. AND I'll find the funds to support hurricane relief efforts.

But wouldn't it be nice if I could give the entire sum to help Katrina's victims? Wouldn't it ne nice if the other battles didn't still have to be fought, if the disease of religionism wasn't still draining away resources here in the 21st century?

:(

[NMMNG]

1. Tough decisions indeed

I myself am going to give as much as possible this year, even to the extent of letting my credit card balances remain a bit high for now (though not overdue by any means), as part of my master plan. Charitable donations are tax-deductible. Every dollar I give to a charity is a dollar that does not go to the Bushco/Rethuglican evil empire*. I'm still out roughly the same amount of money at tax time, but at least my money is going to causes I approve of, rather than war, "faith-based" discriminatory organizations, tax breaks for rich corporations and individuals, etc. ( I also have other itemized deductions to further reduce my taxes)

Next year I'm going to be able to give even more, as my bills will be paid off within a few months. Bushco will get virtually nothing out of me. :evilgrin:


*This is not to say that I give to charities solely for the tax benefits, but depriving Bushco gives me an incentive to increase my donations as never before.

[Gelliebeans]

2. Zen did you

see this post
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=263x10084

It's a message from Paul Kurtz(Center of Inquiry) asking for donations for hurricane relief efforts.

I know that still doesn't solve the dilemma your having but that might make you feel better if it goes through an secular organization :shrug:
Just a thought

If all else fails, what I have done this year is continued to make my donations to my favorite charities just cut back and added the difference to Center of Inquiry. It's up to you and I am sure you will find a solution. :)

P.S.
I am over budget this year myself but I had to send money to the rescue efforts for the animal victims :cry: What can you do?