The Red Cross is not without a number of critics and claims of misappropriation of funds. Further, people decided to donate their OWN money, and do it as they see fit ......... last, the money donated would probably not been donated to another charity.
No kidding and compassion is compassion, giving someone $20 is a good deed - and shows quality character, if he was lying, it does not denegrate the deed. DD
You know what would be awesome? If CF could set up a college scholarship. THAT would be for a good cause.
While giving $20 is certainly a good deed, it is better to not give it to a scam artist or shady situation.
Not quite sure what you are trying to say here. If I give $100 to some scam artist that leaves me with $100 less to give to a deserving person or organization. It also leaves me with $100 less to spend on my family or friends. It also makes you wary of giving to someone truly in need in the future.
The problem I have with giving money to a cause like this - even before he was exposed - is that there are far bigger problems that my money could solve based on what almost everybody would agree are bigger priorities... such as orphan children in 3rd world countries, other North Americans who are in worse living conditions and working harder for opportunities, etc. Or even people that I personally know who are in similar situations... at least I have a better opportunity to know whether or not they are trustworthy and attempting to get help rather than accepting a random stranger at his word. The only reason this cause jumped to the top of the line for some people is because they were moved emotionally by the appeal for help. They likely know other people who could use the money just as much or more, but they don't bother to think "is this the best use of my donation". Instead, they are moved by an immediate appeal to emotion rather than looking at the situation objectively. And that's fine - they aren't thinking about their neighbor, friend, or family member who are equally (or more) desperate for the help at that very moment. And helping somebody, even if it isn't the best cause at the moment, is still a good thing. So bravo to them, but I just wasn't moved to help even though I wish him the best... and I don't see this as a 'lack of compassion' on my part as some people are insisting. I know where my money goes and I know I have shown plenty of compassion to situations that I feel are far more worthy than this one. That doesn't mean I think it is a bad thing to donate in this situation, but don't say it's the compassionate thing to do when there are better causes to get compassionate about. That's my 2 cents.
I am saying that some of the charities viewed as worthy, are not always as worthy as believed.... a certain level of fraud/controversy is expected. Second, I don't believe that giving to a "scam artist" always makes people apprehensive to give in the future.... I bet if you ask Xerobull he is no less likely to give in the future after this experience..... people give because they want to. Last, not everyone sets a certain amount they plan to give, sometimes (often) it is a spur of the moment decision. I dont think giving to this guy took any money away from the Red Cross or another charity. I agree with you in general...... but I dont think everyone thinks or operates the same.
I've give freely to anyone who can unhack my facebook. That's my charity right now. cop2comic@gmail.com
why is this guy a scam artist? because he has a nice watch? because he wants to rap? because he has a lot of facebook accounts? anyone can buy a bunch of crap when they are employed... i'm done with this thread, but i don't think any of you have shown any proof that he is not in need of the small donation that i/others gave him.
Nothing was exposed here except a kid's immaturity and lack of responsibility. Don't misrepresent people. As I said before, it's a small world, and that kind of assumptive behavior can really bite you later.
I know he wasn't exposed as a fraud, but he was certainly exposed as being completely undeserving of my money... though I'm fine if you see it differently. EDIT: I should clarify... he may need help and may deserve help. But for my money, I know people who are in equal positions or more desperate ones and I'd rather see my money go there.
I will take that and RUN with it, sir. What, hijacking a thread is a good way? You must think we're stupid. Name your price.
Important to clarify when you're possibly slandering someone. Deserving of help...that's objective, sure. I don't blame anyone who didn't want to help the guy; that's their right.
You might well be correct with your assertion, but you are way off base accuding BmwM3. He's been a poster on here for years and years, and I think there are tons of people on here that can vouch for him being legitimate. It's not cool to sully his name in this when he was just trying to help.
This is why I don't give people money.. Plenty of times in Austin I would see homeless people asking for money but I would always decline.. But plenty of times I gave them a bag of chips, a sandwich, a taco, bottle of water, soda, etc... and BMW if you met up with him and saw his situation in person, you should have just taken him to a grocery store and bought him some non perishable food items.. microwavable noodles, easy mac, canned fruits and veggies, etc..
i think the issue is the rapper persona. People see it and think he's a criminal trying to scam....but keep in mind a large portion of these local rappers trying to make it aren't thugs with criminal records. They're not hard-core. They blow paychecks on things that'll make them look like they're living it up. They may have $400 shoes, but it'll be the only pair they have. This guy probably figured it would be an easy way to break through and make cash, blew his money on trying to look the part, put too much time into it,and this is the consequence of those actions...he's broke.
