The Next Time a Republican Tells You That The Private Sector Does a Better Job at Charity

[Exilednight]

Ask them how the private sector can stash away cash that is meant for soldiers in need.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29331853

FORT BLISS, Texas - As soldiers stream home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the biggest charity inside the U.S. military has been stockpiling tens of millions of dollars meant to help put returning fighters back on their feet, an Associated Press investigation shows.

Between 2003 and 2007 — as many military families dealt with long war deployments and increased numbers of home foreclosures — Army Emergency Relief grew into a $345 million behemoth. During those years, the charity packed away $117 million into its own reserves while spending just $64 million on direct aid, according to an AP analysis of its tax records.

Tax-exempt and legally separate from the military, AER projects a facade of independence but really operates under close Army control. The massive nonprofit — funded predominantly by troops — allows superiors to squeeze soldiers for contributions; forces struggling soldiers to repay loans — sometimes delaying transfers and promotions; and too often violates its own rules by rewarding donors, such as giving free passes from physical training, the AP found.

Founded in 1942, AER eases cash emergencies of active-duty soldiers and retirees and provides college scholarships for their families. Its emergency aid covers mortgage payments and food, car repairs, medical bills, travel to family funerals, and the like.

[Occam Bandage]

1. Malfeasance on the part of "the biggest charity inside the U.S. military"

is not very good evidence for the claim that the private sector handles money better than the government. I mean, yeah, it's technically private, but that article gives the impression of an private organization that's entirely wrapped up in the government.

[quaker bill]

2. Charity is a private sector function

Charity is in essence voluntary. Taxation and spending is not charitable because it is not voluntary, however it is simply far more effective.

[WinkyDink]

3. Republicans long for the return of Dickensian times.

[baldguy]

4. And actively work to bring them about.

[santamargarita]

5. Republicans are not allowed to tell me anything!

:patriot:

[AllentownJake]

6. I'm sure someone appointed or recommended by * is behind this

It fits their standard operating procedures, bully the lower people on the food chain for money for "their aid" and than deny the aid when they need it. I'm also sure there is probably some high ranking * friend who embezzled or collected management fees on the money.

[northernlights]

7. and btw how is poppy's infamous points of light foundation doing?

last I recall, it featured bloated executive salaries to FOPs, and one of the worst track records of percentage actually going to need...

haven't seen anything about it in many, many years now...