spiderplanet | Cynicism and vitriol

One of the nicest things about being an irreconcilable cynic is that it's usually not disappointing to be wrong - unless of course, it's because one is wrong because of insufficient cynicism.

About a week ago, I made some speculations about the space program.

Though it's only rumor, Phil Plait's blog seems to indicate that I was perhaps, a bit too optimistic when I said that the Constellation/Ares program would continue under publicly accountable direction.
Someone on another online journaling service this week made a locked post about holiday based charitable giving. I will not violate the lock by giving away a usuername or quoting, but I will probably paraphrase. I do not mean to speak on anyone else's behalf, assume that the opinions expressed are entirely my own but originally fueled by another discussion.

The issue is holiday toy drives and the surrounding programs.

First, there is a common complaint heard around this time of year, that some families who received toys or charity had something expensive in their home, usually electronics such as a large TV or a video game system. There are many reasons why a person might have those things. There may have been recent unemployment and the decision was made not to sell something with a low resale value, the item may have been a gift from someone outside the family, or the item may have been bought on the cheap via Craigslist or similar, or - and this one is probably the most likely - it's none of your fucking business.

I am strongly in favor of charities protecting the identity of individual families receiving aid. I prefer it partly because I would want that the person choosing the gift to be someone who knows the child well, and also because I wouldn't want strangers coming to my house during a season which is busy enough.

More than either of those reasons, I prefer the anonymous style because the system in which the contributor has a chance to meet the family allows people with oversimplified views on the causes of poverty to inflict their bullshit upon someone who is desperate enough already.
When giving to a toy drive, please remember that not all children are white, female, traditionally heterosexual toddlers. The toy drive organizers have got plenty of blonde dollies, I assure you. Back when I listened to the radio, I remember that every year there was a reminder that the shortest supply is always for teens, and more specifically for teen girls.
Teen girls are a pain in the ass to buy for, even if you know them well.

Cynicism and vitriol

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