Has the Red Cross been co-opted by the Repugs?

[JCMach1]

I ask this question in response to the following thread from LBN:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1765498&mesg_id=1765498

After Libby Dole's tenure, I wonder if the conservatives have completely infiltrated this organization...

Anyone else have any information on this?

[Autumn Colors]

1. I have no info, but my gut says yes. n/t

[BrklynLiberal]

2. I tend to agree. It is still being run by a Repuke Bigwig.

[serryjw]

3. OMG you read my mind

I resent that they are getting all this free press when there are so many organization doing great work.I have not trusted them sinse 9-11 and would not give them a dime thou I will give them my time at our call center.

[JCMach1]

4. Does someone have time to crosscheck with OPENSECRETS and other sources?

Lord knows I don't today...

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. Yes

"We had adequate supplies, the people and the vehicles," Howell said at a news conference in Baton Rouge. "It was the middle of a military rescue operation trying to save lives. We were asked not to go in, and we abided by that recommendation."

Any national society with any self respect would have quoeted chapter and verse and gone in...

I posted my rant this morning... but they abandoned their posts.

Disclaimers I was a Red Cross Worker in Mexico and I defied military orders plenty of times, usually during disasters, surprise surprise... but at this stage the upper crust is fully politized and they respond to FEMA, and they are not independent OF FEMA or the FEDS.

Could htey have been shot at? You betcha.

Could a volunteer have been killed? You betcha.

Is that part of the job when you put the uniform on? YES...

Anybody wants me to bend their ear as to how many times I thought I was not going home?

[JCMach1]

6. Good point-- please note I was not referring to the volunteers

of any political party.

It appears that the Red Cross BRASS has been politicized.

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. They have been for a long time

they need a good ol fashined revolt like happened in El Salvador, I fear that will need a civil war, a hot shooting civil war

[goclark]

12. It was apparent to me when I saw the Rethug Lady in the Red Dress

with the Governor from New York giving the 2 million $$ donation at the Concert last week.
My thoughts were 1. why just the Gov. of NY? Don't other states have money to give 2. Why does she remind me of Libby Dole?

I'm sure she had a heart attack when Kanye spoke out -----loved it, loved it!

[LaPera]

7. That's not where I sent my donations...

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. Neither did I

If I do, it will be to the IRCR, or any other National Society sneding personnel to the stricken area

[ThoughtCriminal]

10. Yes - it seems they have been a bit co-opted

And I think it is interfering with the mission.

Check this out:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200509090002

[applegrove]

11. They are being slammed for not being allowed in with their supplies.

A chance for Rove to "redirect money" to the Christian coalition that reflects "his perfection" so and acts out the frenzy of hate he so often goes into - so he can feel better.

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. The Red Cross should have defied the orders

under the Geneva Convetnion they can... international law, not that most volunteers know this.. trust me Clara Barton is spinning in her grave

[applegrove]

14. Think just how much Bush & Gonzales & Rummy hate the Red Cross

for tattle-tailing in time of war. Of course they would want to separate the Red Cross from its base of support & funding in the U.S.A.

Once it is diminished in the U.S.A. then it is considered an outside force and barred from doing its job in War.

Red Cross is a direct competitor to Halliburton & the like.

No doubt - by filling it with someone less qualified and not into cleaning up "administrative costs" they have scored a few points.

[nadinbrzezinski]

16. you know they WORK hand in hand with FEMA

right?

Look at LBN aparentoy they were not allowed in, is their own spin... they have been taken over by the brass and politiced

But there is another reason for this, if we have a civil war, you don't want a neutral Red Cross that is functional... call me cynical

[applegrove]

17. There are already wars going on where the Red Cross get's in Rummy's way.

[Brightmore]

15. I hope not

I just donated some money to them.