Katrina Blogburst

Legacy blog posts Miscellanous

If you are a regular blog reader, you have no doubt been touched already by Instapundit’s call for a "blog burst" in which every blog recommends a flood relief charity deserving of help.  MP is honored to pitch in.

My recommendation is simple:  The American Red Cross (1-800-help-now).  Whatever issues they may have had in the past, disaster relief is what they do.  They are on scene now and already doing more than anyone else.   They meet the standards for charity accountability set by the BBB.  Most of all, as the IT folks might say, they are arguably the most "scalable" operation out there.  They can absorb your donation and put it to good use very quickly.   

The MP household has met the "Skippy challenge" (and then some) and hopes every other blogger does the same. 

Of course, there are many other deserving charities collecting funds for flood relief.  Instapundit is posting a very comprehensive list of what bloggers are supporting, so is the site Truth Laid Bear.  The Better Business Bureau’s "Wise Giving Alliance" (give.org) has posted "Tips on Disaster Relief Appeals" and a list of reports on organizations that are providing Katrina relief.

Also, please feel free to post links to causes you support in the comments section.  It’s all good.

P.S.  Actually, it’s not all good.  A colleague reminds me of the ugly history of bogus web sites trading on the Red Cross name.  She had already received the first piece of bogus Katrina SPAM this morning.  If you give to the Red Cross, be sure to use the official site or call 800-help-now.  Be patient.  It took some waiting but I just made a donation online. 

Mark Blumenthal

Mark Blumenthal is political pollster with deep and varied experience across survey research, campaigns, and media. The original "Mystery Pollster" and co-creator of Pollster.com, he explains complex concepts to a multitude of audiences and how data informs politics and decision-making. A researcher and consultant who crafts effective questions and identifies innovative solutions to deliver results. An award winning political journalist who brings insights and crafts compelling narratives from chaotic data.