In my last two diaries(here and here), I have explained that, while I certainly could use the program-killing cut in my Social Security taxes, I am refusing this dirty money; and I intend to give it to local governments. See the two earlier diaries for my reasoning.
I had originally intended just to give it to my town. But it occurs to me that the GOP plan is to continue to starve state governments to force them into bankruptcy, and thereby break public workers' unions.
Now, my state is not close to bankruptcy. But I know that CA and IL are. So, I think I will send some of my 30 pieces of silver to them. But, I need some information...
Once again, a big disclaimer:
THIS IDEA ONLY FOR PEOPLE WHO AREN'T DESPERATE ENOUGH TO NEED THIS EXTRA MONEY.
Can posters please tell me:
- Which states/major cities are most at risk for bankruptcy? Can you give a dollar amount or direct me to a website that tells me that?
- Of those states/cities, which are controlled by GOP politicos who could screw up any outside contributions, like the ones I'm proposing?
- Can we do a kind of triage, to decide where we are most likely to make the difference between bankruptcy and survival?
- Does anyone know how to make a direct contribution to local/state governments on a per locale basis? (That is, I'm sure each locale will have different rules, different forms, different departments that have to be dealt with.)
- Can we direct funding to organizations that we, as progressives, think are vital, such as schools? Or are such organizations so at risk from Corporate Obama's war on teachers that we would be handing our money to the Hedge Fund/Charter School Complex? (Interesting, the HFCS complex - another unhealthy corporate product.)
- Can someone offer ideas on how to set up a website to direct contributions and to document what has been raised where and what sent where? (This thing has to be bullet-proof or it will become a liability instead of an asset.)
- Finally, what does it take to get people to realize that we are on our own and that this is one way you can direct some of your tax dollars where you want them to go? (That is, unless you are a funny kind of progressive who thinks this bleeding of government is less important than "its my money, and I want it back".) This is my third diary on this topic, and response has been underwhelming.
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Thank you in advance for any ideas/information you may give me.