I think Project Valor-IT is a good cause and, like a lot of other “support the troops” initiatives, both online and from a personal standpoint, I may consider contributing. But then I see posts like this from Malkin:
In addition to my donation yesterday, I will chip in another $25 for each left-wing blogger, up to 10 total, who signs up today.
Which, if you’ll forgive me for being a cycnic, may as well read, “We set up this charity so we could bash those troop-hatin’ libruls over the head with it,” and I become less interested in being a part of it.
Bubblegum Tate
So it’s basically like the Hannity Freedom Concert then.
Dreggas
Malkin and Co. took the cue from the bush admin Michael, to them the troops are nothing but a political football as well which is why they are the attack dogs who go after anyone who’s in the armed services that stands up. You know…the phony soldiers…
capelza
Oh screw her…250 bucks?
Whoop de doo. I’ve donated more than that without a dare, to our local veterans organizations. Anually.
She should list all the diaries at Kos that are asking for donations for troops. Of course that would undermine her whole snatchy plan, but it would be honest.
Tom Hilton
Why hasn’t Malkin donated to Fisher House over at Kung Fu Monkey? She must hate the troops!
Tom Hilton
Link to Fisher House went wonky for some reason.
Thom
Malkin one paragraph later says, with no apparent awareness of the contradiction:
Honestly. She wrote that.
And the comments? Not partisan at all. Not a bit. Nope.
***And am I losing my fucking mind or does Malkin have a post titled “Chickendove”?
Christ.
FbL
Hi, I’m one of the co-founders of Project Valour-IT.
Please allow me to clear up a misconception: Michele Malkin has had absolutely nothing to do with the inspiration, development or continuing management of Valour-IT. She is merely one of our literally thousands of donors and supporters–one who just happens to have a rather large megaphone. IIRC, she first appeared on our radar screen during our first Veterans Day fundraiser (2005, about two months after we began operations) when she was kind enough to be one of the first “big names” to blog about us.
John Cole
Actually, the good being done by this endeavor is inarguable, and we should join one of the teams. Anyone know how to go about joining?
BTW- I think helmets to Hardhats, which I have linked to for several years, is also a great work.
Dug Jay
This post must be an effort to win some “street creds” following your weekend post on the State Department FSOs. If so, this is just the kind of post that should do the trick…these clowns like nothing better than an opportunity to bash Malkin, who God only knows, deserves it on any number of occasions.
FbL
One more thing (sorry for the double post): Unless I misunderstand, her challenge to liberal bloggers is to POST about Valour-IT, not necessarily to donate to it (though we would certainly welcome both activities, of course).
FbL
“Actually, the good being done by this endeavor is inarguable, and we should join one of the teams. Anyone know how to go about joining?”
Thank you so very much, John. Here’s the link: http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=fundraiser
There’s tons of information on the site, including an auction.
(and now I’m late to work! ARGGHHH!)
FbL
May I suggest the Navy team? Or perhaps AF? They both have excellent reputations for being PC… ;)
(Just kidding. But it’d be very cool to see your influence/reach give a boost to one of the teams who are lagging in the competition).
Btw, all funds go to the same account. Teams are simply for fun/competitoin.
nightjar
MM commenter
Yes, I can’t wait to associate with folks like these, I just get a warm and fuzzy feeling in my tummy every time I think about it.
Jake
How much to prevent a repeat of her cheerleading routine?
Well spotted. I notice she hedged her bets by creating a 10 Librul Limit. But I’m sure we’ll all hear how the icky libs took some unit of time greater than a nanosecond to meet her challenge. That is, you or John will go to Malkinville and report back to those of us who are allergic to psychopaths.
Xanthippas
Non sequitur I know…but you guys aren’t doing badly in the polls over at the Weblog awards. I don’t know if you guys are taking a principled stance and deciding not to shill for yourselves, but I for one would love to see you stomp the snot out of My Pet Jawa and make Gateway Pundit sweat, so maybe you should post a link to the poll with a fancy graphic of some kind? Do it for the peeps.
ThymeZone
I support the troops by giving around $200 a year to http://www.antiwar.com, and I urge all y’all to do the same.
Mike
As John says, it’s a genuinely good cause that Malkin is trying to pervert into a hate-fest. I first heard about it from the filthy libruls over at LG&M (who are on the Air Force team).
Nylund
FbL,
Unfortunately, Malkin usually uses that “big name” and megaphone of hers to get people to stalk 12 year old kids or convince people that internment camps are a great idea, so as a general rule, one gets very suspicious of groups and projects when Malkin gives her support to them.
So far it sounds like a good project and I’ll give my support, but just know that Malkin’s megaphone pushes as many people away as it does to draw people in. It makes many people stop and think, “ok, if Malkin likes it, then there MUST be a catch.”
Tsulagi
Like the spirit in which the challenge was made. Good to see the Uniting-not-Dividing magic alive and well in the bosom, such as it is, of the 28%ers. With bottomless support of the troops capped at $250. Wow.
Snark aside, Project Valour-IT is an excellent program really deserving of couple of extra bucks if you got them. Forget Malkin, let her spin in her cheerleading uniform for those who drool for her words.
Air Farce? You really know how to piss off someone. ;)
BTW, since it’s getting to be the season, Keystone Soldiers in PA is an excellent all-volunteer organization. Not one penny goes to administrative expenses. One of the nice things about them is they go the extra mile or two to find guys/women who for whatever reason aren’t receiving mail or care packages from home. Then they fix that.
cleek
i’ve given to this one a couple of times, after learning about it from people over at ObWi.
f Malkin
The Other Steve
with Hewitt and Malkin involved in this, I’d question if the money is actually making it to the good cause, or if it’s being used for Hate America propaganda.
Bubblegum Tate
Seeing as how this thread is already sort of trending this way, let’s get list-tacular with it:
What are people’s favorite charities/groups to donate to in support of the troops?
OxyCon
I bought a Marine a beer on Saturday night.
Does that count Michelle “Stalkin” Malkin?
Xanthippas
Mark Cuban’s Fallen Patriot Fund.
Michael D.
I’m not here to please anyone. I stand by that post, and I wrote this one because I believe it too.
Nellcote
While I’m sure that, amongst many others, Project Valor-IT is a worthy project, I think it rather rude for “FbL” to get snarky on Libs in that Malkin thread linked to above.
Zifnab
It only counts if Malkin is watching. Fortunately, Malkin is always watching.
WhyDo'Conservatives'HateAmerica?
I feel bad for this charity, which is now ensnared in puerile right-wing blogitics. The notion that the aniwar mainstream of 75%ers needs to answer to some self-aggrandizing basement-dwelling marginalists over who is “more generous” to our soldiers redefines tawdry (a word being waterboarded daily, it now seems). Do the terms “ill-protected humvees,” “inadequate body armor” and “Walter Reed” ring bells? – to name a very few. Oh, and the immortal “You go to war with the Army you’ve got” and “Bring ’em on.” Amazing how the Bushists use the troops again and again as human shields to protect themselves from the shrapnel of their bankrupt Iraq fiasco. Help this charity, help soldiers and their spouses and kids any way you can, every chance you can. And let the malkinite chickenhawks stew in their non-balloon-juices.
Michael D.
My favorite charity is spending about $250, twice a year, on a care package for a friend of mine who is over in Iraq, which he unselfishly shares with all the members of his unit/platoon, whatever it’s called.
Of course, I don’t consider it charity. I consider it friendship.
ThymeZone
I’ll thank you not to steal my best line.
Also, anyone can say that, but I can back it up: I never do please anyone around here. Cashing that check month in and month out takes total committment and dedication, so don’t toss the line off lightly please.
capelza
Wounded Warrior Project.
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Maggie
Hi,
I heard you were considering signing on as a blog to support Valor-IT. That’s great! May I suggest you sign on to the Navy team? Navy really is the best and they were the winners last year.
As far as *la Malkin*, she is just another supporter, no different than the rest of us…..just deeper pcokets and a higher *Q*. Many bloggers are writing and challenging each other. There is a lot of interservice rivalry. Some bloggers write long serious, heartfelt posts on recipients and their experiences. FbL for example has met many recipients and had the priviledge of actually handing some laptops out at certain facilities.
I am incapable of heartfelt, so mine are nonsense. Some bloggers, like myself, have put up posts auctioning themselves off……mine’s not going well, lol.
Some are challenging each other with the prize being cross posting on each others blogs.
Michelle issued a challenge that suits her personality. If you like her, you think it’s funny, if you don’t…..
The whole point is to create awareness. Valor-It is a great charity where everything you donate goes right into laptops. All overhead is absorbed by Soldier’s Angels. It’s a good non-partisan cause. However, it does happen to be the case that it’s a charity that is better known in conservative blogs. When I read about the challenge (it was crossposted somewhere else I go, I don’t read Malkin), it just seemed like a good way to generate more buzz. I emailed a few of the more liberal blogs I read and one has signed on. He took the challenge in the spirit it was meant and attached the widget with a notice saying “So BostonMaggie Won’t Hurt Us…Pony Up For Valor-IT!”.
My point is that this is supposed to be fun for a good cause. Don’t let Malkin or how you feel about her ruin this. Donations are GREAT and gratefully accepted, but think how much more we could do with the greater awareness created by having you blog about it!
Lastly, please sign on for Navy, please, please, please.
nightjar
Thank you cap for reminding us there are many worthy causes out there where one can donate to help the troops.
Thankfully, also, Malkin can’t politicize all of them, though she tries her best. You might consider that next time FBL, when you choose folks to promote what sounds like a decent charity.
capelza
nightjar…thanks, but I do think that a good chairty shouldn’t be judged by some who would donate. Should FBL have said to Malkin, “Thanks, but no thanks, I just want money from people I approve of”?
It is unfortnunate and downright shitty what Malkin did to politicise donations, but that isn’t the fault of FBL.
Maggie
Nighjar – FbL didn’t ask Malkin to do this. The only thing Valor-It asked was that we blog about the charity and install the donation widget in our sidebar. Valor-IT no more endorses Malkin’s political views than they condone my obsessive love of chocolate or shameless pursuit of Sailors.
Malkin issued the challenge on her own, just like all the other challenges floating around the blogosphere.
I’m really glad that the Wounded Warrior Project was brought up. It’s a perfect example of what I’m talking about. Wounded Warrior is a GREAT project and the fact that Johnny Damon is one of their pitchmen does not faze this Boston Red Sox fan. I think it would be fare to say I *loathe* Johnny Damon now that he wears pinstripes….but that’s a charity I have made a donation to in the past and will again in the future.
Bill Arnold
Besides donating to several well-rated veterans groups, I pay federal income taxes, without complaint or cheating. About 5-10 percent of the Fed’s tax-take goes to pay for the unexpected expenses of warfighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Or for tax-cuts for the paymasters of the fighting keyboarders, if one argues that the warfighting monies are borrowed.
Zifnab
Should the swiss have taken donations from Hitler? Yeah, I thought not.
Ok, seriously though, if this is just a case of Malkin going off on one of her usual skreeds, then FBL is just a victim of crossfire. But if FBL actively encouraged Malkin… there’s something to be said about the company you keep. I’ve got other places to sink my charitable dollars and volunteer hours – namely the local literacy council – where I can feel good about investing time and money to a good cause without needing to wrap myself in a bloody American flag. If Malkin’s encouraged endorsement is dragging down your fund-raising efforts, maybe you shouldn’t be egging on shrill little harpies at your charity events. Bill’O got dis-invited to a number of abused children charity functions because of his Joshua Hornbeck “I bet he enjoyed living with a pedophile” remarks.
nightjar
capezla says
Maybe, but FBL has numerous posts on Malkin”s site and ignores the politicking by the Malkinites and doesn’t say a word, that I could find, to object to or distance himself from the the liberal bashing. He or she doesn’t mention it until posting on this site asking for donations. That shows a lack of character in my book which makes the charity suspect.
If there is a statement by FBL on Malkin’s site rejecting said liberal bashing then I stand corrected.
capelza
Fair enough. Ulimately, though remember it isn’t about FBL or Malkin but the soldiers the charity are trying to help. I just hate to see THEM suffer because of a political pissing contest. Because they’re already caught in one of those…IRAQ.
Bubblegum Tate
Here, here!
Also, thanks for the charity suggestions, folks.
Tom Hilton
1) Project Valour-IT is clearly a worthy cause.
2) Shame on Malkin for turning this into yet another liberal-bashing exercise.
3) Good for FbL for helping to found this.
4) Shame on FbL for engaging in liberal-bashing on Malkin’s thread. I would think that if the cause itself is the important thing, you wouldn’t engage in partisan crap that you know will alienate potential donors.
5) Project Valour-IT is just one of many worthy groups helping soldiers and their families, and they all need money, choosing one of them rather than another does not mean one supports the troops more or less than if one had chosen some other group to support.
6) Kung Fu Monkey matches donations to Fisher House (linked above), so that’s one way people can give to the troops without dealing with Malkinite partisan baggage.
nightjar
capelza says
I understand your concern and you are right about not letting politics cause the troops to suffer. I simply don’t trust a wingnut charity to support what I consider helping the troops.This would include not wasting their lives and health in senseless wars and continuing to take care of vets and their families AFTER they leave the service,ie “Wounded Warrior” project. I see none of that philosophy with Project Valor which is typical for wingnut philosophy about how to treat soldiers well so long as their fighting wingnut wars of choice.
Being a vet myself, I want nothing but the best for GI’s while their in service and especially when they leave the military. I guess I’m being a hard ass about this but I’m about fed up with wingnut’s using troops as political pawns.
odanu
I donate four hours a week to provide professional individual and group counseling for substance abusing homeless vets. In addition, I serve homeless vets at my full time job. Let Mannikin beat that.
capelza
Okay, I finally clicked on the Malkin link and I am furious. It didn’t hit how ugly that shit is..THEN I read the comments.
Really, fuck those people, the commentors. Fuck them. WHat a bunch of ass clowns, ill-informed ass clowns. I can see why some here are not impressed with FBL. He should have called them on that crap.
But still, don’t take it out on the soldiers if you think the cause is worthy.
Btw, I am a dirty lib, FBL…my husband and two of his sons are veterans. The husband..of a war. So I hope you’ll understand when I tell you how offensive that crap coming out of those commentors mouths are.
capelza
Oh yeah..and the fact that Malkin from her title on imlies that liberal bloggers don’t donate. I’m sure that if they informed her with a list of all the donations they do do she’d publish that..oh I am just sure…gag..disgusting.
John
Alternate Malkin:
“I have $250 right here, in my hand, that will not go to this worthy cause.”
“That just goes to that liberals don’t support the troops.”
ImJohnGalt
Actually, based on what I saw, he was an active participant.
Dixie
From the comments over there:
On November 5th, 2007 at 10:35 am, FbL said:
Didn’t say he [one of the “lefty” siteowners who took up the challenge] was a nice guy, swj719AWG. But he stepped up to the challenge and whether he likes it or not, his efforts are going to result in comfort and support for wounded troops. I kinda like the irony, frankly. *grin* (Bold mine.)
Patti Patton-Bader
Honestly every dime that you donate to Project Valour It
goes to laptops for wounded troops. No admin fees no hidden costs.
Soldiers Angels is a non partisan all volunteer
Charity that solely is there for men and women who wear the uniform and stand for us.
There is no hidden agenda but to help heal those most affected by the war.
I hope you take a few minutes and check the site,
consider helping.
Thank you for giving us this forum to discuss it,
Patti Patton-Bader
Soldiers Angels
nightjar
Thank you Dixie, I missed that comment by FBL. I think his comment pretty much speaks for itself on the non-partisanship of his charity.
Tsulagi
I’d go with Maggie’s take. Malkin isn’t the issue, neither are her site commenters. If FbL is being a nasty, naughty boy on her site in the comments, he is just playing to the crowd. If that gets them fired up and separates them from a few more dollars, works for me.
The laptops aren’t going to Malkin nor her commenters. They are for people who currently don’t have the capability to post a goddamn comment.
The charity/program is not suspect. It’s a damn good one. Just because you don’t like Malkin or her cheering squad, don’t make assumptions when obviously you have nothing to base them on.
BTW, the organization I mentioned above, Keystone Soldiers, they also help others. From their site…
Good stuff. So if you wanted your money to go in that direction instead, that’s fine too. There are plenty of good organizations out there.
John S.
I have a hard time donating to charities founded by duplicitous people. It’s especially a shame when the cause happens to be good, but how can you give money to an organization associated with someone like FbL? I sure can’t.
Regardless of his whatever his own personal convictions are, he is acting like a used car salesman in a cheap suit. Shamelessly pandering to the readers of different blogs based on their political leanings is just slimy at best.
What a pity.
nightjar
What do you base your assertion on Tsulagi? I’m basing mine on FBL who is at least a spokesman for this group, if not one of it’s founders.and he assured us his charity was non-partisan and he flat out lied about that. And he isn’t a Malkinite per se. This group may be actually a decent one, but I stick by it as suspect. And there are many groups out there who are genuinely non partisan and above reproach. Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is and pony to Malkin’s offer. JbL ,as he said, will be grinning at the irony. You can even pick up a few bucks from Michelle to boot.
The Other Steve
There are plenty of local agencies that are working with returning vets and trying to help them get back to a normal life. I would recommend seeking out a local group if you want to help.
Zuzu
I’ve donated to http://www.anysoldier.org for years now. Always include a note wishing them well and come home soon and safe.
I discovered this group through Michael Moore’s site, at a page he’s had up for years:
I’m sure Malkin et al would like to congratulate him for getting the word out.
Think they’d also give a shout out to Garry Trudeau, who’s been supporting Fisher House with the proceeds of his books for years as well?
Zuzu
Hmm, for some reason it won’t let me post the Michael Moore link.
So, go to http://www.michaelmoore.com/links/index.php
and click on “How to support the American soldiers and help the people of Iraq.”
Zuzu
Dang.
http://www.anysoldier.com
capelza
TOC…one can do both, too.
A great thing about national organisations is that they get the word out in a way that individual good deeds do not (not that there is anything less honourable about the individual and local act.)
But I do feel it is important that people in this country are made aware of what soldiers need, about their families and about them being able to return home with all the care and assistance they deserve.
Larger organisations put a national face on these people…from the brain injured vet to the ones that come home after 22 months (or rather 729 days) and find they have been screwed out of college money.
But each person has to do it their way. Just wanted to make that point.
Tsulagi
nightjar,
Project Valour-IT was originally started to help a milblogger, an Army captain I believe, whose writing was cut short by an IED. Over two years ago IIRC. Yes, I believe FbL was one of the co-founders along with other milbloggers. The captain was able to resume writing and communicate online with a laptop loaded with voice activated software. They’ve helped a lot more since then who’ve come back missing a few body parts.
Before I donated the first time, I checked and was satisfied all the money was going were intended. They are now partnered with Soldier’s Angels, an organization with a solid reputation.
Am I going to going to spend any time searching for documentation that would convince you? Obviously that would be a waste of time. You just know the truth, right? FbL said uncomfortable things on a site so now you’re in pouting mode.
Bullshit. I’m pretty sure I’m on very solid ground when I say Soldier’s Angels would accept money from Michael Moore and Cindy Sheehan skipping together arm in arm for Project Valour-IT, dipshit. Those who benefit and their families don’t care what party registration or not you may have. Nor are recipients chosen by their party affiliation.
What a lame little turd. I’ve donated to Project Valour-IT before and have already done so again. Whether FbL is grinning, double wetsuited or whatever the fuck does it for him I wouldn’t give two shits. I do what I want to do. My guess is you’re a Democrat, nightjar. Because apparently if you think someone is calling you names, or if in fact they are, you can’t think or function just like most of the Dems currently in Congress.
nightjar
You’re a brave little internet prick Tsulagi. I didn’t call you any names, it’s a sure sign of a coward to puff up on the internet. Your not on solid ground about FBL, shit-for -brains. Obviously you haven’t read the entire thread before you started running your sewer mouth.
“Am I going to going to spend any time searching for documentation that would convince you? Obviously that would be a waste of time. You just know the truth, right? FbL said uncomfortable things on a site so now you’re in pouting mode.”
I didn’t say I knew the truth, I said FBL basically comes on like a con artist and that caused me to be suspect. Yes I am a democrat tsulagi and if I was pouting I wouldn’t be writing about what a chicken shit little fucker you are. Wish it could be in person though.
Tsulagi
nightjar,
Please continue. You’re cracking me up!
nightjar
I could say the same thing about your post tsulagi, it’s your turn anyway, unless your laughing to hard. You started the nastiness, only you can end it.
Mary
You know, if Project Valor-IT were the only charity supporting soldiers in one way or another, I’d shrug off the passive-aggressive bullshit and sniping from FbL et. al. and would just chip in anyway.
But it isn’t, and I’m not, and I won’t. But I did just donate to Fisher House, where John Rogers will match my contribution. Win win!
You know, all those exhortations from the charity’s supporters that those of us who don’t like being slagged should just think of the recipients — that’s just weak. There are non-partisan ways to encourage people from across the political spectrum to support a cause. Sniggering with Malkin and her devotees (Oh, it’s just part of their personalities, you see!) ain’t one of those ways.
FbL
Please forgive the length of this, but I wanted to be as clear as possible…
To those who have defended me, thank you. To the rest, I will attempt to explain/clarify (and apologize where necesary).
1. I am a girl, not a guy.
Thankfully, also, Malkin can’t politicize all of them, though she tries her best. You might consider that next time FBL, when you choose folks to promote what sounds like a decent charity.
Neither I (nor anyone else in the organization) “chose” Malkin or anyone else. We put up a site where people could sign up, and encouraged bloggers to sign up and recruit others. She is not a spokesperson or associated with our organization in any other way. She has simply decided that Soldiers’ Angels (which runs Valour-IT) is her favorite charity.
Ok, seriously though, if this is just a case of Malkin going off on one of her usual skreeds, then FBL is just a victim of crossfire. But if FBL actively encouraged Malkin… [snip] If Malkin’s encouraged endorsement is dragging down your fund-raising efforts, maybe you shouldn’t be egging on shrill little harpies at your charity events.
It is a case of the former, not the latter. And I definitely feel caught in the crossfire. Again, I did not actively encourage. However, I was (short-sightedly) happy to see challenge on her blog and the opportunity to raise more for Valour-IT–both by lightening her wallet and by spreading the word into more liberal blogs. Because Valour-IT’s very earliest supporters were among the conservative blogs, we’ve always had trouble reaching into the more liberal arena. It’s something we’ve tried to do over the years. In fact, I actually put up a post at a group blog that said essentially, “Come on, friends–prove her wrong!” [I’ll get to the comments at her site below]
Maybe, but FBL has numerous posts on Malkin”s site and ignores the politicking by the Malkinites and doesn’t say a word, that I could find, to object to or distance himself from the the liberal bashing.
My apologies for not speaking up. I was disappointed and disturbed by the nasty comments, but it is not my nature to confront people over political differences. In fact, I try (with moderate success) to avoid politics as much as possible on my own blog. Had such statements appeared in comments on my own blog or Valour-IT’s project blog, I would have admonished people that it was not appropriate. I’m sorry for being too deferential. I tend to be of the mindset that says, “Lead by example” (in other words, act how you wish others would act). Heh. In fact, my friends joke, “So, did you win the Niceness Award you were up for?”
If there is a statement by FBL on Malkin’s site rejecting said liberal bashing then I stand corrected.
There will be when I finish this comment and take the time to write it tonight. I have been deeply upset about all of this, and am very concerned that I have a public statement of where I’m coming from.
4) Shame on FbL for engaging in liberal-bashing on Malkin’s thread. I would think that if the cause itself is the important thing, you wouldn’t engage in partisan crap that you know will alienate potential donors.
I did not liberal bash. Read the ENTIRE comment thread and you will see that. More below.
I simply don’t trust a wingnut charity to support what I consider helping the troops.This would include not wasting their lives and health in senseless wars and continuing to take care of vets and their families AFTER they leave the service,ie “Wounded Warrior” project. I see none of that philosophy with Project Valor which is typical for wingnut philosophy about how to treat soldiers well so long as their fighting wingnut wars of choice.
Excuse me sir, but I find that a very insulting comment. Valour-IT provides laptops to SEVERELY wounded soldiers (i.e. amputations) who are likely not going to be returning to active military service. The laptops not only help them connect with friends and family while recovering, they are used for college study and other preparation for leaving the military so that they are well-trained to enter the workforce of their choice. I’ll never forget a blogger who contacted me about a former-soldier friend who had lost an arm and was taking college courses… and typing term papers with one hand! We got him the voice-controlled software ASAP.
I have worked with the WWP’s Soldier Ride and came away from it moved beyond description. I saw it as an example of the hopes and dreams we have for a severely-wounded soldier when we hand/him or her a laptop while they’re still in a hospital bed. The laptop says, “See, life is not over.” SR is proof that they can/will still do great and powerful things.
Btw, I am a dirty lib, FBL…my husband and two of his sons are veterans. The husband..of a war. So I hope you’ll understand when I tell you how offensive that crap coming out of those commentors mouths are.
I hope you’ll understand how offensive I find your comment. I’ve never called or even thought of someone as a “dirty lib.” My best to your husband and sons, and my deepest appreciation for their service.
I can see why some here are not impressed with FBL. He should have called them on that crap.
In retrospect, I think you’re right. As I mentioned above, I allowed my natural reticence to lead at a time I should’ve been more bold. Again, click the link above for my thoughts on “liberals” and donations to Valour-IT. In fact, Malkin’s challenge was too strident for my taste, which is why I said, “Friends, prove her wrong.” I don’t know the political affiliations of most of our donors (it’s not even on the radar screen), but I know that those who have identified themselves run the gamut.
Actually, based on what I saw, he was an active participant.
Thank you Dixie, I missed that comment by FBL. I think his comment pretty much speaks for itself on the non-partisanship of his charity.
That comment was a (very poor) attempt to lighten the mood after it appeared that one of the liberal bloggers linking Valour-IT had called the troops Nazis. He later clarified that those were his family names (Eichmann, etc) and I stated that welcomed his support and I found him unoffensive.
I have a hard time donating to charities founded by duplicitous people. It’s especially a shame when the cause happens to be good, but how can you give money to an organization associated with someone like FbL? I sure can’t.
In all honesty, please explain where I have been duplicitous. Here, I did not defend Malkin from ideological or personal attacks (merely clarified the terms of the challenge). At her site, I did not defend the attacks on liberals. In both cases it was in deference to the blog and its regulars.
Regardless of his whatever his own personal convictions are, he is acting like a used car salesman in a cheap suit. Shamelessly pandering to the readers of different blogs based on their political leanings is just slimy at best.
Again, please show me where I have pandered. I have made (again, possibly ill-advised) jokes to lighten what was a nasty mood at times. I have the perhaps-naive idea that we don’t all truly hate each other just because of philosophical differences (and believe me, so much of the shrillest discussion on both sides is so distorted that I doubt we truly hear each other). I don’t like to argue politics; frankly, most politics these days makes me feel ill. I want to believe the best of people; I keep thinking there are points in this world where we can meet up and agree on something. I honestly thought Valour-IT was one of those (which is part of why I did not engage the “haters” on either side).
I have been sadly disillusioned these days–by both sides.
Thank you for those who took the time to read my musings. This is too emotionally draining for me, so I will have to leave this as my final statement. I am neither a professional politician/pundit nor professional fundraiser. Thus my missteps in this matter are a function of naivete and ignorance.
Bob In Pacifica
How ’bout Malkin drag her whiny ass over to the nearest VA Hospital and volunteer to push a few wheelchairs for a week?
FbL
One thing I forgot…
For those of you who somehow have decided I’m a Republican political partisan: This spring, I was recipient of a Congressional Flag (don’t know the proper term) from a DEMOCRATIC member of congress who is toeing the party line and with whom I have since been in correspondence. I have never been more honored than I was to receive that flag in recognition for my heart’s work. Said congress member has since driven me to a desire to kick the wall over certain actions/statements, but serves as a constant reminder that political labels don’t mean much when it comes to caring for the wounded.
Poika
FbL, Ma’am, if I may: I appreciate what you’re doing, and as a liberal/libertarian, took no offense- it almost seems as some of the politically astute commenters here don’t understand the concept of ‘playing to the crowd.’ That may not be the best concept when playing both sides of the aisle, but I understand that you’re trying to get everyone involved.
I’ve only just read this in the last fifteen minutes, and will be happy to contribute upon further investigation. Thanks for your effort- don’t be afraid of the liberal or libertarian sights! They pony up quite generously- they just happen to investigate a little further than the ‘wrap yourself in the troops’ sights who actually wish to spend no money on them… well… $250 isn’t nothing, I guess…
ImJohnGalt
However, even though I’m a Canuck, you’ve motivated me to also go the Kung Fu Monkey and donate to Fisher House, where Rogers will match all contributions (without capping them, either). Consider it supporting the troops who are dealing with a miserable situation with aplomb, as well as supporting the WGA and someone whose quality of writing I would put up there with Digby & Billmon.
WhyDo'Conservatives'HateAmerica?
FBL, or Fuzzy if you like, as I said in my earlier post here, and as comes through in the many posts since then, your own post included, you’re risking being unfortunate collateral damage in this matter.
Perhaps you have labored hard in the apolitical vineyards of the blogworld/charity world — and if so all’s the better. Your work for injured troops is outstanding. As a newsman in a big city I try every day to focus attention on the needs of soldiers and their families. Legislation protecting them from job discrimination, mortgage foreclosures, a loss of supplemental health care — fundraisers, parades, and alas funerals — it goes on and on. Not long ago a local group organized a mini-nascar-type race/rally for war amputees – they got to drive scaled-down high-horsepower models that were designed for prosthetics users. It was beyond touching to see the joy these young men felt to be able to drive a racecar — there were Southern boys who’d never set foot in the East and were visibly undone by the love they were shown — a lot of us were weeping. People see these things all the time and reach deep for these men and women. Many are frankly America’s future political hope, as they will have shared a crucible and (god willing) be able to govern as comrades.
BUT: the issue with the malkinites boils down to this …
With the aid of the Washington establishment, the Cheney-Bushites and many enablers in the media, these armchair cowards got away for SIX full years calling anyone who wanted to get our soldiers out of that hellhole “traitors,” “cowards,” “islamofascists,” “frenchified surrender monkeys” and more besides. It isn’t a “gag.” They really believe that people who oppose or even just question — hell even just speak and report honestly about — the Iraq war should be silenced, slimed, politically prosecuted or persecuted, dismissed out of hand … and in some cases even held in custody with no charges.
WE ARE NOT MAKING THIS UP. I’m sure fellow posters here will provide MANY relevant links. Now these SAME people have inveigled themselves into your charity work — not because they are deeply committed to the welfare of soldiers, but because they see a chance to make political and blogospheric hay with it.
These people are disgusting. Yes they have the power to project your efforts far and wide and if you can ride them for all they are worth to aid needy troops perhaps you are in the end outsmarting all of us.
But do not trust for a minute that you will not be used as a political (little green) football by these people, that your work will be spoken of in the rightwing echo chamber as something THE RIGHT backs while THE LEFT disparages. It is the risk you take when you lay down with dogs. I wish you all the best, as you are clearly sincere, if more naive than anyone ought to be in these times.
Poika
Man… do I miss Billmon. Does he comment anywhere anymore?
nightjar
just gave to wounded warriors project. jeeze. what a night.
Zuzu
FbL, Greg from the Left was being roasted by the linear thinkers at MM’s site for saying he was making his donation “on behalf of the Subers and Eichmans who’ve served in our armed forces.”
To the commenters who accused him of equating veterans to Nazis – yes, they actually did! – he very civilly responded:
Yet here’s how you responded at his comments section: “The humor’s a little touchy, but thanks so much for clarifying that.”
You also described Greg’s comment as “perhaps an ill-advised joke” over at MM’s site.
Could you please explain how someone donating on behalf of family members qualifies as “touchy humor” or an “ill-advised joke”?
I think he deserved better than that, and I hope you follow up with a “clarification” of your own.
Thanks.
ImJohnGalt
[Posted this elsewhere, but thought it bore repeating]
To WDCHA’s point, above: You may recall that Democrats tried to exempt serving military from being subject to the Bankruptcy Bill – Republicans defeated it. Dems tried to ensure that soldiers were back home for as long as they were deployed – Republicans defeated it. Last year, 10 Dem Senators asked for an increase in military pay above the 2.2% Bush proposed in his budget (the lowest increase since 1994), and the Republicans said no.
In almost every way but writing a blank check for Bush [and frankly, they rolled over for that too], Democrats have supported the troops far better than Republicans who use them as political props. US taxpayer dollars even go to fund Rush Limbaugh on American Forces Radio, where the troops get to hear him call half the country that pays them and funds that selfsame broadcast “wackos”, “traitors” and “loony”.
Maggie/FbL, in the same way that the Republicans have politicized *everything* [DoJ, NASA, Climate Change], Malkin will use whatever the outcome is here to aggrandize herself – she won’t be able to help herself.
If liberal blogs take up her challenge overtly, she’ll crow at how she shamed some dirty libs into donating to the troops, which they would otherwise *never* do [regardless of your prior assertion that some have donated, anonymously]. If they donate anonymously and don’t tell Malkin, she’ll use it as evidence that “The Left” doesn’t give a shit about wounded soldiers, their efforts to increase funding for the returning wounded (defeated by the Republicans, by the way) notwithstanding.
It’s a fool’s game. It’s *really* unfortunate that your charity is caught in the crossfire, but her motives are *never* unselfish. I think that’s what people are reacting to. As I mentioned at Balloon-Juice, FbL playing along with that just rubs people who are already accused by Malkin’s ilk of “hating the troops” the wrong way.
Look at the bright side, at least you’ll have the 101st Fighting Keyboarders full-throated support, and to hear them talk, they support the troops more than *anyone* [up to $250.00].
Maggie
Man, I go out to the movies and miss everything!
Ok, you’ve nailed FbL up on the cross, now she’s down…..so what’s the verdict? Any chance that Valor-IT gets a write-up? Even if it’s not take to Malkin’s challenge, which is clearly distasteful, can’t the charity itself get a little ink here?
Is Malkin really worth getting this upset about? My favorite priest used to say “He who angers me, conquers me.”
Put her aside. Think of the good this will do. Yes, there are lots of legit charities who do good work. There are lots of causes that deserve our money. I’m asking you to give this one a little *attention*.
So I don’t get accused of hypocrisy….I am a raving right-winger and the great love of my life is in the Gulf right now.
I don’t read Malkin cause I don’t want to read the shite in the comments….but I had to step around a few piles here too.
Go Navy!
Maggie
BTW, FbL is addressing the issue of politicing the chairty here.
http://valour-it.blogspot.com/2007/11/on-politics.html
Yeah, I don’t know all the nifty tricks of embedding and such…whatever………lol.
WhyDo'Conservatives'HateAmerica?
Maggie, it’s not about anger. It’s about accountability. These people have ENRICHED themselves doing DAMAGE that we will be dealing with for generations. There is no free pass for that.
The Other Andrew
Maggie–just because I’m curious, what do you think about what John Galt mentioned? How Republicans defeated Democratic attempts to help the troops?
And, I really don’t appreciate your equivocating. Yes, both sides have their fringes, but implying that they’re equally bad is ridiculous. Relying on those kinds of jaded stereotypes is a large part of what’s gotten us into this current mess.
ImJohnGalt
Maggie, I did just donate $50.00 to Fisher House (which helps wounded returning vets as well) at Kung Fu Monkey, which John Rogers will match, so your work has produced a desirable result regardless of any of our political affiliations ($100.00, thanks to Rogers matching all contributions).
I hope you won’t interpret my not donating to your particular charity as my being hostile to your goals. I just didn’t want it being used as a political bludgeon by Malkin and her sycophants. Your charity seems to have noble aims that can significantly help the injured vets cope when they come back. I hope you’ll continue to visit BJ and comment on the various posts here not as a Valor-IT official, but as a conservative – we can always use more of you here.
Maggie
WDCHA – Ok, for you it’s not about anger. For some here it is, that was who I was talking to.
The Other Andrew – I didn’t come here to stir up shite. I came here to pimp a charity. I didn’t read the political parts John Galt wrote. I didn’t read any of the political stuff. I am not into the bomb throwing and the yelling arguements. I am a Republican living in Boston…..there are plenty of people to fight with here. You can call it equivocating, I am not going to be drawn in.
John Galt – You are absolutely right, it’s all good. There are a number of great charities and Fisher House is certainly one. If all this thread did was remind someone to throw a couple of bucks in *ANY* pot, I’m happy.
Tsulagi
Oops, sorry, FbL. I referred to you as “him” in one of my comments. The others started it. I thought you might be “she”; guess being wrong sometimes happens when you follow the crowd without thinking.
A few years ago a friend pointed me toward Project Valour-IT. Also the blog of a Army captain who was the first recipient I believe. IIRC, he was a tank company commander when an IED drastically changed his life. Hope he’s doing better now and life is good again.
BTW, you have nothing to apologize for. Good on you for the effort you’re putting into Valour-IT. Maggie too. And if it would get that twit Malkin to drop a grand into the program, I’d be quite happy to post a comment on her site that Michael Moore is fat and Cindy Sheehan is fugly. But that’s just me.
glasnost
FBL, your very sincere post has cleared up my concerns.
Without your clarifications, I’d have been suspicious of your charity.
It’s not going to be as easy to get support from liberal blogs, but it’s certainly possible. There’s a certain distrust of supremacism in every form, and a lot of conservatives use their support for the troops as a form of supremacism. For some people, that poisons the well right there – they tune you out immediately. Michelle Malkin is not someone anyone on the left will grant legitimacy to by participating in anything with her.
Having said that, it is indeed a good cause for wounded soldiers to have laptops, and most liberals I know would agree.
I suggest you try emailing some of the front-pagers at DailyKos, the largest political blog in the world. They tend to be supportive of veterans and causes like this. Include a statement along the lines of your recent comment.
glasnost
Again, please show me where I have pandered. I have made (again, possibly ill-advised) jokes to lighten what was a nasty mood at times. I have the perhaps-naive idea that we don’t all truly hate each other just because of philosophical differences (and believe me, so much of the shrillest discussion on both sides is so distorted that I doubt we truly hear each other). I don’t like to argue politics; frankly, most politics these days makes me feel ill. I want to believe the best of people; I keep thinking there are points in this world where we can meet up and agree on something. I honestly thought Valour-IT was one of those (which is part of why I did not engage the “haters” on either side).
I have been sadly disillusioned these days—by both sides.
Cheer up! You seem like a nice person.
The online world isn’t real. In the real world, many people will treat you with dignity, regardless of your political affiliation. Soldiers with missing limbs – in person – raise the sympathies of most people, regardless of political persuasion.
The problem – down the road – is that there is a conflict of interest between supporting individual wounded soldiers by keeping the military out of unnecessary war and exposure to death, and supporting the military by trying to constantly increase its financial power and organizational power, and its control of other institutions in our government, and control of the public.
The first one is the liberal way of expressing the empathy they feel for former soldiers. The second one is the conservative way. We can’t pretend to have a consensus on this. We don’t have one. Democracy demands that we not fake one, either. That conflict influences our behavior even in unrelated areas.
Now, you’re not dedicated to increasing the organizational power of the military. You’re just dedicated to giving laptops to wounded soldiers. But when conservatives who are generally pro-militarism jump on the bandwagon, the fight inevitably spills over. It’s harder to support soldiers when you feel like militaristic values threaten the sound governance of your country. It can still be done, it just takes a degree of maturity and recognition of complexity that not everyone can find – regardless of their political affiliation, but including liberals.
Nevertheless, like I said, most liberal blogs I know would be willing to support this cause.