posted November 19, 2008
With Thanksgiving just a week away, I've seen the Salvation Army bell-ringers now for about 10 days at my local Wal-Mart. I can't remember them so early before, which I'm sure is an indication of the sour economy.
If you're employed, not on the edge, and have a cushion, I suggest this: I always tell the bell-ringer on the way in I'll stop on the way out. Whatever is in my pocket is jingle (sometimes three bucks), but after I pay in currency for it I get more change, which is added to the pot, and when I throw it all in the bean-pot, if it's not much, I throw in another buck. Doesn't sound like much, but multiply that by three or four Wal-Mart visits a week, and if a 1,000 more people felt the same way, well, that's a lot of meals for a lot of wayward, lost folks.
I read somewhere several years back that millions of Americans are still paying-off Christmas at tax time. That's the middle of April, for heaven's sake. Why not spend just 2% or 3% less on spoiled family members, and think of the truly disadvantaged folks the Salvation Army helps every day of the year? If not Salvation Army, whatever charity you prefer.
John R. Smickle
Chattanooga
jsbottomfeeder@juno.com
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With the election of a new President and Congress I am anticipating an increase in my income tax rate. Since I believe this action is unjust and unfair, amounting to a declaration of "class warfare," I will be suspending my charitable giving for the remainder of their term.
Although I have given generously to many charities in the past, I will be looking for new ways to give, such as providing "sweat equity," or material possessions I no longer want or need, etc., rather than monetary gifts as before.
John Johnston
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