Syndicate
stimulate this
Anyone else plotting a better use for your "Economic Stimulus Payment" than buying stuff?
I'm determined to donate mine to a cause specifically fighting government aggression, oppression, and/or repression. For a while the leading cause was Steve Kurtz, but since he won, that's off the table. I also contemplated the RNC Welcoming Committee in the Minnesota. Right now, though, I'm feeling best about giving it to the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee.
What are your ideas (other than blowing it all on gas or air conditioning)?
UPDATE: I have closed comments on this post because it's generating so much spam. 9/3/2008
Comments
Sonya Green:
In an attempt to spend the money willy-nilly (using only US-made parts) I did get a new tattoo, but that won't spend the whole amount. Perhaps donating the rest will be the perfect one-two punch.
http://flickr.com/photos/sundaykofax/2454820290/
jenna:
Ink! Now why didn't I think of that?
allaboutthebenajmins:
Well, I'm pretending that I haven't already spent/I'm not saving this money for friends' upcoming weddings (travel, lodging, stupid kitchen stuff they don't need), and I'm thinking of donating to WBAI, the NYCLU, the Innocence Project, and BARC.
jenna:
Stupid weddings! I've got one coming up, too, but at least travel will only be a round trip Metrocard, and I can sleep at home. There will be stupid kitchen stuff to buy, though.
Good choices on your donations list!
Kate:
I'm thinking about upping/starting annual donations to some of the NPR-affiliated music stations I listen to online, specifically KEXP and WXPN.
Miriam:
I had the same question. (see http://minimalaerie.blogspot.com/2008/03/when-i-get-my-stimulus-check.html)
I did a combo of things.
Unicef, Red Cross Red Crescent, Planned Parenthood and this:
http://www.womenforafghanwomen.org/
Chuck0:
Economic stimulus check? I've heard about this mythical beast, but alas, since I'm too poor to even file taxes, I don't qualify for this small check.
How much is it, by the way?
Even with my minuscule income, such a check would tend to go far, but even poor me would laugh at this thing if it's only a few hundred dollars.
If there was a library organization fighting for more jobs, I'd suggest donating to it, but there isn't one.
Frankly, I think you can't go wrong if you donate it to a group or spend it on your own bills. One thing people should keep in mind is that many nonprofits are hurting these days, so they can use any help they get. On the other hand, given the economic climate, paying off any debts with interest is a smart move.
Personally, I'll also suggest setting aside a few dollars to "stimulate" your next cat. ;-)
jenna:
Thanks Kate and Miriam. I like the idea of using the dough on things that are underfunded by the government, and also on Planned Parenthood, since Bush and friends are so bent on destroying reproductive freedom.
And Chuck, a longer post about this is coming soon, but as of Sunday, there is a new kitty stimulating our lives. His name is Farfel, and although he's supposedly nearly two years old, he's still young enough to chase his tail.
Chuck:
Farfel? Sounds like a good name for a cat.
Try saying it very fast....
Chuck
Julie:
I don't think everyone was entitled to this check, as we never received one.