Because I contributed $ to various Democratic campaigns during 2008, I have gotten on the list to receive information of current legislation and all of them ask for additional funds to make things happen. In addition to mail from the DNCC, I get mail from several animal rights and rescue groups. All of them ask for contributions. My solution is to not read them and delete them all. The alternative is to rent a space under a bridge for when my money runs out. I am in favor of most of these causes but I can’t afford to support them non-stop.

In addition to the numerous E mails, I also get tons of snail mail solicitations for funds from these same outfits, including the humane society and the ASPCA. I joined both but a recent request for an additional membership renewal plus request for money came only a month after I sent a check for my 2010 membership. As the Italians would say, “basta!” I wrote them a letter saying I was willing to be a member and pay yearly dues but that any further mail in the middle of the renewal period would result in a cancellation and a “forever ignore” note in my bills file. I added that there were many ways for me to help animals in my area and my funds could go to the mom-and-pop shelters that are so desperate right here in my back yard rather than sending them money to spend on mass mailings and “gifts” (key rings, address labels, etc.) that I don’t want. I think I got them.

A few years ago, I attended services in New York for a man I once worked for at The Times. He was in his early 60s and had died of lymphoma. He was a terrific human being, fun to work with, supportive in every way. I shall always remember him. I contributed to the lymphoma society in lieu of flowers and that began another avalanche of mail that ended only recently. Their last mailing included prepared materials they wanted me to mail to friends and neighbors at my expense to further the cause. I returned the materials with a note saying they could not count on me.

I think many of these organizations do good work but it is not possible to always know how much of your contributions go to the actual fight for the cause and how much of it goes to pay inflated salaries and mass mailings that are overkill. But perhaps this works because they keep doing it.

Incidentally, we also get phone requests and one that particularly bothers me is from an outfit that wants us to support the local police. Obviously they haven't seen our tax bill. I let Ed handle those. My own response if I am stuck with the call is to interrupt the opening monologue without waiting for them to pause, because they don't, and say, "I'm sorry, I can't help you," and hang up. They count on people not wanting to be rude.

Sorry everyone, my emotional button is permanently out of order.

xx, Teal