Inauguration Relief

The inauguration is upon us. I’m not going. Most of the balls and parties cost a small fortune to attend. Tickets to the Constitution Ball, for example are $795. Tickets to many of the balls cost the same, and several cost more than this. The elite will gather at these lavish celebrations to celebrate the inauguration of their leader, provider and protector. Meanwhile thousands are dying for their sake in Iraq, and thousands more are languishing in the devastation of the Tsunami.

Well, I can’t afford to go to the Constitution Ball, but I do feel compelled and duty-bound to contribute something to help with the Tsunami disaster. I can’t afford $10 million like Formula 1 racing driver, Michael Schumacher, nor can I afford $10,000 like the President. I’d like to somehow come up with $795 to symbolically snub the Constitution Ball, and simultaneously help those in need.

Which brings me to the reason for this post. Leave a comment below to pledge to contribute to some charity that is meaningful to you, and that reflects, hopefully, the priorities of regular Americans (those outside of the corporatist elites who direct government funding into things like wars and elaborate coronation ceremonies.) The goal here is to reach the symbolic $795. (This may prove to be a lofty goal considering the limited reach of this site. No guts, no glory, though.)

I pledge at least $200 (and will try to do more,) to Tsunami relief, though I don’t know yet which organization to go through.

So let’s go. Pry open those wallets and send some money to charity. Don’t send it to me, I can’t be trusted. The honor system will govern us in following through on our pledges.

As I heard on NPR once during one of their pledge telethons, “Don’t give until it hurts; give until it feels good.”