Here is how I'm feeling the Bush* economy

[Bandit]

I get hit up a few times every week from local fire dept or local police or school kids or many many different worthwhile groups. They have been cut off from the government grants and receipts that they normally received so have to go begging for dollars. I am a soft touch and find it difficult to say no especially to the fire dept or police dept. Not to even mention the old standards like march of dimes or cancer society. I am starting to hate those callers. I know I am placing my hatreds in the wrong place but these guys are getting to me. How can you say no to a group of high school girls needing money for the swim team or pep squad or whatever. The rich have gated houses so they never get callers and I'm sure their phone calls are screened. The wealthy are no longer supporting America and I'm being put into a position of having to say no to a good cause just because I can no longer afford to keep on giving. I feel like hell if I say no but I can only do so much. I hate this administration for making me feel so guilty.

[TlalocW]

1. Put a sign on your door

That says "No Soliciting." I did it but for different reasons - Mormons kept knocking on my door and waking me up. I donate to the charities I want, when I want, and my naps aren't interrupted by religious wackos wanting to tell me why I'm going to hell.

TlalocW

[forgethell]

2. If they use the telephone

Just say, "Sorry, I can't afford it this year." Then, HANG UP immediately. Do not give them time to reply. I use it for all kinds of solicitors that I don't want to talk to. If it works for them,it'll work on charities, too. Don't mean to be hard-hearted, but there you have it.