Kowabunga

As has been mentioned in an earlier article, Captain Ed of Captain's Quarters, has begun a drive to accumulate $25,000 in Tsunami relief aid for World Vision, by January 12th. The Blog-O-Thon is well on its way and, as of this writing, is about half way to the desired goal.

Need a reason to give? Here's a few: millions of people devastated in the region, left homeless, without food, water or shelter; many children have been orphaned by this disaster; relief groups have a desperate need of funds to help those affected by this disaster.

How about tax deductions? From Fox News

In Washington as the new Congress convened, legislators announced plans to introduce a bill that would allow Americans to claim tax deductions when filing their 2004 forms for donations made through Jan. 31 to tsunami relief efforts.

If this goes through, you'll still be able to use it for your 2004 taxes.

It is bad enough that Jan Egeland Washington Times article, claims that the U.S. is being stingy.

U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland suggested that the United States and other Western nations were being "stingy" with relief funds, saying there would be more available if taxes were raised.

"It is beyond me why are we so stingy, really," the Norwegian-born U.N. official told reporters.

So let's get it together and show them how it is done: voluntary contributions.

I've given. Now it's your turn.