<p>you,
jym626, in good form today.</p>
<p>Thanks, longprime. Seems its hard to please people around here today. Time to start limericks??</p>
<p>Typically when one posts an observation, an opinion, what have you, there are demands to back it up with data to support it. So the data is provided and then there are complaints about that too. Sheesh. And there was nothing “creepy” about reading an article on the web from a news station and clicking on links. [Bristol</a> Palin Buys Maricopa, Arizona Home in Cobblestone Farms, Pinal County](<a href=“http://news.lalate.com/2010/12/24/bristol-palin-buys-maricopa-arizona-home-in-cobblestone-farms-pinal-county/]Bristol”>http://news.lalate.com/2010/12/24/bristol-palin-buys-maricopa-arizona-home-in-cobblestone-farms-pinal-county/) Don’t shoot the messenger. </p>
<p>I hope this thread gets closed.</p>
<p>jym626 - gotta agree with you. If I’d done better in the March Madness pool, I might be inclined to enter a pool on how long this thread will stay open.</p>
<p>That being said, I do find it interesting to hear about how people go about deciding which non-profits they give to, and how they are rated. I obviously can’t search out every non-profit out there, but when I hear of a new one, I like to research it. Honestly, had it not been for CC, I would have not known about Partners for Health, or the Central Asia Institute (which was founded by Three Cups of Tea author Greg Mortensen), of which both organizations I give to now. </p>
<p>I used to be one of those - why give to organizations/causes that are overseas when there is so much need here - kinds of donors. But as I began to educate myself on non-profits and saw how much further my money goes when spent in such places as Haiti, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc., I became a believer.</p>
<p>Dear Terriwtt,</p>
<p>If you are seriously interested in educating yourself on the workings of nonprofits (a very commendable goal!) then I would recommend that you go work for a few of them. Doing this left quite a profound effect upon my views of our society, political system and what it actually means to be altruistic. </p>
<p>Writing a check is one thing, living the nonprofit life is quite a different story.</p>
<p>Yes, this is definitely creepy on a couple of different levels here. This is becoming all so familiar. </p>
<p>07Dad seems to be taking time out from his porn sites, I do believe.</p>
<p>Ouch. That was harsh. What did he do to deserve that ad hominem?</p>
<p>It’s quite easy to research non-profits to see where the money actually goes. Guidestar is the site I use. That is likely where the info on Candies Foundation came from. The founder, Neil Cole, took a salary of over a $1m with only $1.6 in revenues. The revenues were significantly up from the year before so Bristol likely did more to line his pockets than to prevent unwanted pregnancies. He’s got quite the little set up.</p>
<p>I personally don’t care who the Candies Foundation chooses as their spokespeople. It’s the level of pay that I object to - and I have a right to object, because we as taxpayers subsidize them. And anyone who sends money their way also gets to write off the amount from their taxes. Frankly, it sounds to me like a charity that pays name people big bucks in a disguised ad for their own company, and gets the ads tax subsidized. Cynical? Yes, I am. Because, as recommended, I am very aware of and knowledgeable about 501(c)(3)'s. Here’s the Better Business Bureau’s evaluation of the Candies Foundation:</p>
<p>“Despite written requests from NYPAS at the Better Business Bureau Foundation, this organization either has not responded to NYPAS’ requests for information or has declined to be evaluated in relation to NYPAS’ Standards for Charity Accountability. While participation in NYPAS’ charity review efforts is voluntary, NYPAS believes that lack of cooperation may demonstrate a lack of commitment to transparency and accountability. Without the requested information, NYPAS cannot determine whether a charity adheres to the Standards for Charity Accountability. The vast majority of New York charities contacted by NYPAS provide information and participate in the NYPAS evaluation program.”</p>
<p>sewhappy - </p>
<p>I hope you were joking in your reply, because you’re insinuating that until I work for a non-profit, I won’t know what altruism means (nor understand our political system or society). Until two months ago, I worked for a non-profit for the last seven years, and I have done a ton of volunteer work with non-profits in my lifetime (including the Red Cross, of which I now would stay as far away as possible from with my checkbook). </p>
<p>But there’s a whole world of non-profits out there that I have no clue exists that do some incredible work.</p>
<p>I don’t mind Bristol taking advantage of her moment in the spotlight for whatever celebrity status she happens to have - others do it as well - Bill Clinton reportedly has earned over $65M in speaking fees since leaving office and Al Gore has also made a huge amount of money in speaking fees as have all kinds of reformed alcoholics, drug users, etc. who happen to have names that are known. People can thank the media for heaping enough attention on Bristol through their obsession with her, largely in an attempt to discredit her mother, to put Bristol in a position to be well known enough to receive any kind of speaking fee.</p>
<p>Personally I wouldn’t be incented to attend a speaking engagement simply because Bristol was speaking (or most other ‘celebrities’ including the former politicians I mentioned) but obviously enough people are drawn to these celebrities to allow them to command the fees they do. </p>
<p>However -
… this I do mind. People are donating to the charity expecting the funds will be primarily used for the cause and not to line the pocket of the founder.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I hope 07Dad has a more forgiving heart than I do. That was quite uncalled for.</p>
<p>zoosermom – I’ll bring gluten-free beer. </p>
<p>The political cognoscenti figured the rationale behind the Arizona house purchase was that Mrs. Palin might launch her presidential campaign from there…as she is currently more popular in Arizona than in Alaska. However, it doesn’t look (at the moment) as if she’s planning a try for the Big Brass Ring. </p>
<p>I wish Bristol Palin well…I really do. I hope she gets an education and doesn’t need to rely on the remnants of her ‘fame’ for her survival. We’ve seen too many young ‘stars’ crash and burn over the years, whether through bad advice, swindling, or just collapse under the pressure. I hope she has enjoyed her time in the spotlight and that she can let go of it before it becomes damaging to her or her child. Maybe she can follow the path of a Monica Lewinsky, who has married and moved on, or even a Chelsea Clinton who popped up on the Q-ratings for her wedding and has now become less seen. </p>
<p>There are plenty of so-called charitable organizations that are lop-sided in terms of money given and salaries paid. Buyer (or donor) beware.</p>
<p>Hey, and this is why I don’t miss the politics forum. Wow, ad hominems and insinuations abounding…though it’s always neighborly to see who comes back just for the sport of it.</p>
<p>It certainly is neighborly garland. Also to note the same disturbing behavior continues. Hard to let go of compulsions, isn’t it? I hear tell that requires professional intervention.</p>
<p>Hey, teen birth rates have gone down, so she must be doing something right. </p>
<p>And I don’t object to her pay either. I remember what the Red Cross paid Elizabeth Dole when she took money OUT of California following the 1989 earthquake. </p>
<p>I don’t care for her mother, and think it’s great that she’s able to make it on her own.</p>
<p>Quote:
It is hardly an exclusive American trait. You read Italian?</p>
<p>Actually, I do. And you’re right. And, I believe the whole reality-tv stuff started with the Brits. So, they are even worse than we are!</p>
<p>Another quote:
Creepy? What do you call envisioning another poster in the nude? </p>
<p>Huh? I must have missed something somewhere…Where did this come from? Are you envisioning posters in the nude? If you have a good imagination, surely we look hot…grandmothers though we may be…</p>
<p>
She was just seen here, at UCSD, along with her father this last wekend.
[A</a> Global Call to Action](<a href=“http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/thisweek/2011/04/04_CGI.asp]A”>http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/thisweek/2011/04/04_CGI.asp)
I don’t know if she was paid for the appearance or not though.</p>
<p>
I’d rather pay an educated, professional woman than snooki.</p>
<p>
Novelisto,
That is very interesting. Another theory that I ran across as I read a bit about this topic today was this possibility: </p>
<p>[Bristol</a> Palin Buys Home In Pinal County - Child Support - The Phoenix Family Law News Blog](<a href=“http://phoenixfamilylawnews.com/2010/12/bristol-palin-buys-home-in-pinal-county.html]Bristol”>http://phoenixfamilylawnews.com/2010/12/bristol-palin-buys-home-in-pinal-county.html)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Totally agree with garland’s post #114. Some things never change. Much more pleasant to stay on topic than to antagonize others and attack posters. What you are confused by, sopranomom, is a response to a now deleted rude post. I so hope someone shoots this thread and takes it out of its misery.</p>
<p>*<em>Edited to add</em>8
Couldnt agree more. Wow. we agree. Time to close the thread on a high note!</p>
<p>I don’t know if it’s common elsewhere, but often here young people who have faced difficulties or have overcome poor choices speak at schools and put a face on how hard overcoming those choices can be. I think that is often very beneficial. I don’t think those folks are PAID, though. I’ll tell you something, though. I wouldn’t mind hearing Chelsea Clinton speak. I bet there is a lot she could tell about overcoming difficulties, making one’s own path and conducting oneself with dignity. I might even pay to hear that. Particularly if cheese popcorn was for sale!</p>