Random Thoughts, Notes, & Incidents

It's wonderful how people have come together to raise money for the families of the victims of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Over half-a-billion dollars ($500,000,000) has been raised so far, with more benefits planned, including: shows by Jerry Seinfeld and Paul McCartney, a CD soundtrack to the TV telethon that aired last week, and more. All of this with proceeds specified only for victims and families of the 9/11 attack.

All wonderful, but I do have one haunting thought that keeps reoccurring: What about the victims of the attacks yet to come? Eighty percent of Americans, including Attorney General Ashcroft and the President, agree that such attacks are likely within a year - and will me made even more likely following any retaliatory action by the U.S. Military.

Will we have the will and ability to raise these kinds of funds after every incident, or will compassion-burn-out set in quickly? As anybody in the non-profit and/or fund-raising sectors can tell you, this is a real problem. Funds raised for all causes tends to go down directly after a well publicized campaign for a national emergency. The old line about "I gave at the office" becomes quite popular and true. This is only natural: people only have so much to give, and once it's given... well, that's it.

So, again I ask, what about the families of the victims of the attacks yet to come?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not putting down any effort that has been extended so far - I've made contributions to 9/11 funds, and I'll be buying the CD of last week's telethon - I'm only suggesting that organizers accept the new reality, broaden their scope, and begin setting up funds for all victims of terrorism during this coming war. It's not a pleasant thought, but it is a necessary one.

More Terror Activity Likely -US Attorney General