We Can't Just Sit Here

Lots of talk going around about the United States's "stingy" aid pledge to the tsunami-afflicted regions of South Asia (it's something like one hour's worth of Iraq war--something like 3/4 of one Inauguratation Day blowout).

So you wanna help directly? Make sure you don't send your hard-earned donation to some fly-by-night "charity" set up yesterday to suck money off compassionate people.

Here's a list of rated, reputable charities with experience in the affected region.

If you have a few bucks to spare this month, pick an organization from the list and make a donation, especially if you're American. (I gave a couple of weeks' coffee money to the American Red Cross. If you choose them, be sure to designate the "International Response Fund." That way, your donation goes to the tsunami victims.)

We need to let the world know that we, the people, still care. Even if our elected leaders don't seem to.