I'm not trying to rabble rouse here. I'm really not looking for speculation or poo-flinging (sorry, can't get that out of my mind after watching Madagascar).

But I've heard some pretty awful things about the Red Cross in the United States, in particular certain chapters, such as San Diego and New York.

-In San Diego, the local Red Cross used the 1997 wildfires to raise huge amounts of cash, even though they did not share the money with the victims, and in fact, charged local residents for any aid rendered.

-In New York, the local Red Cross took in tons of money after September 11th, and only agreed to return/release it after being called to testify before Congress.

Yet, once again, with this disaster, everyone is saying "Give to the Red Cross". Is it just me? Am I the only one wondering how putting more money in the pocket of a local executive who makes $1million a year helps the people of New Orleans? Or am I way off base on this one? Have I fallen for a really nasty urban myth?

In any case, one agency that I KNOW does good work in these matters, that I have been donating to, is the Salavation Army.