Pick Your Battles

I donated to the Red Cross on Monday. I was checking out at Safeway and the clerk asked if I wanted to donate, so I did. I didn't ask her about the different causes that Safeway supports, or what the company's political stance was. I didn't ask because it doesn't matter. I wasn't donating money to Safeway; I was donating money to help the people who need assistance as a result of a natural disaster.

I understand having political/moral convictions, but get over it. I'm tired of seeing people choose their donation service based on the other things that said service accepts donations for. I've even seen someone making another feel bad because they made a donation without knowing the entire background of all of the causes that a donation service supports. "Sure, they're a legit operation, but they take money for those crazies at PBS. Did you know that Big Bird is the DEVIL? DID YOU???" Starbucks is taking donations. You can walk right up to the counter, and make a donation. They have a special SKU in the register dedicated to taking Red Cross donations. Oh, but did you know they support the GAY AGENDA??? That's right. They're marketing for those crazy gays. Before you know it, Starbucks might start a HOMOSEXUAL PROSTITUTION RING.

On second thought, better not donate via Starbucks. Who knows what else you might be supporting.

I have to say I'm really bothered by people who turn everything into a political argument. Yeah, a lot of people really fell short when the hurricane hit. Unfortunately there has been much unneeded suffering as a result. Well, I'd say it's about time to stop with the finger pointing and just take care of the issue at hand. There are lots of people out there who don't have time to sit around while we sort out this business of who is at fault.

I think Mighty Girl puts it best:

Thank you to all of the countries who have offered that help, especially those of you who have put aside political differences to do so. Thank you Canada, Cuba, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Dominica, Russia, France, Japan, China, El Salvador, Israel, Paraguay, the U.K., the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Honduras, Germany, Venezuela, Jamaica, Australia, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Columbia, The Dominican Republic, Mexico, South Korea, New Zealand, Guatemala, Belgium, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Italy, Guyana, Indonesia, Austria, Lithuania, Spain, Norway, and the Bahamas. We're humbled by your compassion.