I understand peoples’ reticence and anger where donations are concerned; relief money sent to Haiti in the past seems to have disappeared into the President’s pocket. It’s not hitting its mark. That didn’t stop me from donating to the Red Cross a couple of days ago. At least where the Red Cross is concerned, if their books are to be believed (yes, I research the books of charities so I can make an informed decision – you can too, it’s the Freedom of Information Act that let’s you do so), 70% or more of every dollar actually goes right into the field with the volunteers. That’s impressive so they get my hard-earned.

The bottom line for me is, though politically I’m staunchly opposed to the regime in Haiti, the people there require assistance and a lot of it. Bless Couric and her staff for telling it like it is, as well as the USA Today people who also have a clear eye to reporting facts and not fiction or maudlin and heart-warming stories. What we require in these situations is fact. I don’t care what celebrities are on board with relief efforts, I don’t care if that idiot evangelist is bellowing about Satan – what I care about is getting money, knowledgeable hands, food, medicine, Marines and clean water to Haiti. If the Red Cross can do that – and they can – then I hope y’all will help them out.

NOTE: To send $10 via text, simply send HAITI to 90999. Carriers participating in the program are Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Virgin Mobile, Cellular South. If you require a receipt for your donation, you can get one here.