Evacuee Purchases Designer Handbag with Redcross Donation!

News reports last night, indicated that an evacuee recieving $2000 Debit Card, purchased a Designer Handbag. Purchase was made in ATL and for $800! The store knew that it was a donation, but said that they couldn't legally prevent it. Hmm... seems to me, that someone has some splaining to do! Both in the donors(IF FOOD STAMPS CAN PREVENT SPECIFIC ITEMS, SO CAN THEY!), as well as the ***** MAKING THE PURCHASE! People like this, cause alot of us to be leary of donating!!:nono1: :nono1: :nono1:

My question is: What stops anyone from looking up some names and addresses in the NOLA phone book, say that they lost all of their ID, and get new ones made, along with cash cards?

My concerns, exactly! There are sooo many needing and deserving people and lots of sorry scam artists! :nono1: :nono1: :nono1: This is going to get REAL MESSY!

My question is: What stops anyone from looking up some names and addresses in the NOLA phone book, say that they lost all of their ID, and get new ones made, along with cash cards?

If I'm not mistaken (and I didn't hear/see the news report so I might be) those $2000 debit cards actually came from FEMA. Our tax dollars at work.

SlowMovin...in reading back over our Thread discussion of FEMA flood insurance, I realized that there's something missing in terms of the specifics. FEMA itself does not provide the insurance. Rather, they are the insurance administrator and private companies provide the policies. Just so you know that the FEMA flood insurance program is a completely different situation than the disaster relief. I am heartily opposed to those $2K credit cards, too. Just too much ready cash for people who can't possibly be thinking straight at this time. But this is like the welfare program...there will always be a few who abuse the system, yet many who benefit in a time of need.

If I'm not mistaken (and I didn't hear/see the news report so I might be) those $2000 debit cards actually came from FEMA. Our tax dollars at work.

The ones I saw were Red Cross debit cards. I think FEMA had some too. Actually heard yesterday or Friday that they stopped giving them out because they could not verify identity etc duh.

They are now going to a $$ deposit to your bank account or other account but that may not help most of the evacuees since they may not have had an account at a bank before the disaster.

No telling what they will finally do to help these people with Fed funds. Seems like the Fed plans are all flawed and noone can predict the flaw until after they implement.

I wasn't aware the Red Cross was giving them out also. My mistake.

As for flood insurance, I actually knew about FEMA being involved in that but had forgotten (not sure why...every property I've ever bought had to have it). I was not, however, aware that they only administered it--haven't looked into the inner workings too closely.

I think where we might have an interesting (i.e. animated and probably becoming heated at some point ) discussion is over the proper role of the Federal government in situations such as this. It could be argued that from a strict constitutional point of view it has little if any. However, the country (and the courts) have given it an increasingly larger one...especially in the last 70 or so years. Hence, much of the discussion between the "constitutional originalists" vs. the "constitutional idealists".

If I'm not mistaken (and I didn't hear/see the news report so I might be) those $2000 debit cards actually came from FEMA. Our tax dollars at work.

Acutally, I'm unsure at which organization, "purchased the handbag"!

Comes down to poor choices. It bugs me, that person could have used that for a deposit on an apartment or any number of things to help them get on their feet. I've seen this before with people who are "career poor" -- people who are able bodied and capable but choose a life of welfare. (Once, for one month, I was on unemployment. Couldn't believe all the "tips" I received from the "regulars" informing me how to buck the system and collect indefinitely. It's practically a business.) I have a great deal of compassion for those who are impoverished due to disabilities, age, and other circumstances beyond their control. But for the most part this is a land of real opportunity, and almost anyone with perserverence and the willingness to work can find a way to make it on their own.

Example of poor choices that keep you poor. I have a friend, wonderful guy, has always wanted a little house somewhere, but just can't seem to "get it together". Quits jobs when they get to be a hassle. He received a $25K inheritance a few years ago. He had tears in his eyes showing me the check. He spent most of it on a slick black Trans Am he bought on the spot from a lady at a gas station. (Didnt even know they still made those, huh.) Spent the rest on slick new conga drums (he doesn't play.) Car broke down in two months, he sold it for a small fraction of what he paid, bought a used Dodge truck with 300K miles on it with what he had left. That broke down a month later, he pawned the drums for rent and in 3 months, the inheritance was gone. So sad! But despite all of us begging him to put a downpayment on a house, he wouldnt listen. So your sympathy kind of has to end right there...


Oops, stream of consciousness, ddn't plan a long post. Poor choices. Bugs me, but only because I just want people to realize some of their potential, live as well as possible. flame away if you like..

News reports last night, indicated that an evacuee recieving $2000 Debit Card, purchased a Designer Handbag. Purchase was made in ATL and for $800! The store knew that it was a donation, but said that they couldn't legally prevent it. Hmm... seems to me, that someone has some splaining to do! Both in the donors(IF FOOD STAMPS CAN PREVENT SPECIFIC ITEMS, SO CAN THEY!), as well as the ***** MAKING THE PURCHASE! People like this, cause alot of us to be leary of donating!!:nono1: :nono1: :nono1:

This is so sad...it just makes me sick to hear this, because there are so many with a real need. Unfortunately, there will always be those low-lifes like the one you describe who give the whole program a bad name.

Katie blue, I won't flame you because I think what you said is true, about many poor people staying poor because of bad purchasing choices. We have a friend who is a bankruptcy lawyer and she tells us story after story about people who don't have enough to pay the electricity and rent, but they have a top of the line sound system, etc. It's enough to break your heart because it's all so pointless.

Truly disheartening & maddening!! Know for a FACT that in some of the ATL lines (waiting for their $2k) there were folks "hatching" their stories. Lots of fraud opportunity in any kind of chaos. Sad that we are all paying for this, at the same time we can look ourselves in the mirror & not feel shame. (we would feel that way, but those without conscience wouldn't be fazed!!) This type of fraud goes on everyday with our medical system....people checking out of hospitals and jumping into FINE CARS, going to FINE HOMES but not owing a cent because they are on medicaid. FACT. Meantime, we work hard to have insurance (whether thru employer or private pay) and then have to fight like crazy for the benefits for which we are paying!! Good, honest, hard working folks will often be the victims of the RULES, RED TAPE created because of the bad apples. Shame on those who abuse and waste our resources.

Katie blue, I won't flame you because I think what you said is true, about many poor people staying poor because of bad purchasing choices. We have a friend who is a bankruptcy lawyer and she tells us story after story about people who don't have enough to pay the electricity and rent, but they have a top of the line sound system, etc. It's enough to break your heart because it's all so pointless.

The path awaiting the average American is to grow dumber, greedier, and be pumped full of fear. In other words, the perfect consumer.

The path awaiting the average American is to grow dumber, greedier, and be pumped full of fear. In other words, the perfect consumer.

That's pretty depressing, Kurt -

I'm not worried if someone collects their FEMA $$ (which is suppose to help get them on their feet), and they decide to blow it. Lots of people at all economic and other levels make poor choices. Why wouldn't you expect to hear of some poor choices from displaced citizens, especially given all they've gone through. I'm sure most will make the most of their allotted funds.

The abuse of funds is not at all shocking.It will always happen.What is more amazing and disconcerting are all the odd stipulations the government will often put on benifits and disaster proceeds....after Andrew we decided to forego the FEMA route and chose a low interset long term SBA loan.They were more than willing to part with 40,000 for replacement of household goods,but quick to shoot down a request to use part of the loan for a down payment on a house.It took much wailing and nashing of teeth to fianlly convince this arm of the government (and a softhearted lawyer in the SBA offices in Atlanta) to release the funds to put down on a new home.I deeply feel for those in our grand old Southern States who not only have to deal with immense loss,but also a long term and complicated govenment maize just to rebuild.

I would much rather the individuals decide how and where to spend the money they receive. I do not want the gov't making a deal with Wal-mart, or any other store, so that victims would have to buy from Wal-mart stores only.

Be careful for what you wish. I am glad I contributed, and will continue to do so. There are so many people in need who will spend the money on much needed goods and services.

As for $2,000 being too much money. These people are without anything. Many still have outstanding loans and other debt, which they have to pay. On top of that, they have to find shelter, food, and clothing, while not having a job. I don't know about you, but I would find it difficult to rebuild my life in those circumstances with only $2,000. Now that they cut off the cards, what are these people in need going to do?

Let's face it, alot of this can come right down to sorry upbringing! Or, should I say, "lack there of"! Unfortunately, missusing the funds will make alot of people, reluctant to give. :nono1: :nono1: I guess we now know why the debit cards stopped, huh?

This is so sad...it just makes me sick to hear this, because there are so many with a real need. Unfortunately, there will always be those low-lifes like the one you describe who give the whole program a bad name.

Let's face it, alot of this can come right down to sorry upbringing! Or, should I say, "lack there of"! Unfortunately, missusing the funds will make alot of people, reluctant to give. :nono1: :nono1: I guess we now know why the debit cards stopped, huh?

So one person buys an expensive purse, and 50,000+ people have to suffer? The focus of this one story is out of focus, people. Wake up!

Smiling Joe, I'm awake, it's just a shame that the Gov't isn't! I believe that if funds are to be rec'd, the doner has a right to expect, or at least do all possible, to prevent missuse. And yes, this missuse will automatically affect donations...nature of the beast!

So one person buys an expensive purse, and 50,000+ people have to suffer? The focus of this one story is out of focus, people. Wake up!

Ah, but i think it's best not to give that power to the govt...they're no smarter than anyone else, and with all the bureacracy, less so sometimes. Usage has to be the choice of the individual. If they're responsibe they won't misuse it. I really hope the vast majority don't, but as i said earlier, it happens. but we cant' not give the money out, that's what it is there for after all, right?

The Red Cross cards could have been the ones they give to volunteers for expenses. My niece was flown from California and given a Red Cross card to rent a car, buy gas and food. She was suppose to stay 2 weeks. However she call us to come get her as we were about 6 hours away. She is flying home tomorrow at her own expense. Said she was moved from shelter to shelter, each one saying we don't need anymore help. There was 4 people in her party, each one came to work and help. She works with underprivliged families and felt she could contribute something good in that field. Said she felt guilty using the card as she was not being of any help. So she opted to leave. Fell sorry for her. She is only 20 and she really thought she could save the world. I told her that her heart was in the right place. She said next time she would go with a church or private group. Said lots and lots of churches were feeding and most times where she was that was all the food being served. Said one place where police and firefighters were in shelters that churches brought all the food. They (police & fireman) had been promised paychecks but they never came. A private citizen brought 500.00 for each one. She saw lots of good deeds such as that.

I gave money to a man in a parking lot once, who had a far-fetched story. The person I was with said I was duped, but I replied that I had done my part, and whether or not they did theirs, had nothing to do with me. But I think that we do need to be careful in how people are helped. You want the money to stretch as far as it can.

Stories like this & first person stories that I know to be true do not keep us from continuing to make our contributions. The bad apples will always be there!
So many are giving sacrificially to others right now....taking in families, feeding them, leaving their own families to help, providing in many many ways, even if it means they are inconvenienced or giving up something. These GIVERS provide ongoing inspiration to us!!
I am THANKFUL to have the DESIRE & ability to provide help for Katrina victims.
We are gratified to have found several different ways to help and we know that the needs & our involvement will continue for a LONG time. I appreciate reading on this board how others are pitching in (loved your SHOES story SJ!)
as it gives us new ideas of what more we can do in the days and weeks and months ahead.
Last week we met a business owner in So. Walton who told us it was the first time he has ever donated to the Red Cross or for any appeal like this. We have also stepped forward in a bigger and more varied way than we have ever done before. I hope this is the norm & that all of us can continue to do whatever we can to soften the blows of Katrina. We are ALL giving these people the basics for now but most importantly HOPE!!

I'm not worried if someone collects their $2grand (which is suppose to help get them on their feet), and they decide to blow it. Lots of people at all economic and other levels make poor choices. Why wouldn't you expect to hear of some poor choices from displaced citizens, especially given all they've gone through. I'm sure most will make the most of their stipends. It's like the looters and shooters - most of the people are not partaking in this kind of behavior, but its what we hear about and what people seem to focus on. I don't think its right. Let's help people any way we can, even if some take advantage of the situation.. so what...

A relatively good case of moral relativism. So what?

My understanding was that the evacuees would receive $2,000 from FEMA, not Red Cross. They thought the debit card system would expedite the process, but have since decided that depositing money directly into bank accounts would halt most of the fraud that they could see would grow out of control. Of course, I would imagine that many of the people either left their checkbooks behind or didn't have an account to begin with. I'm sure there is a better explanation out there, but I do not think the Red Cross has ever handed out monies to victims, maybe to volunteers though.

In college, I took a course which discussed the very issue surrounding this handbag purchase. We all see it everyday...with clothing, cellphones, jewelry and cars. It's called a value stretch....individuals spend what money they have on those things that will enable them to "look" like they live the good life. They don't put much value on things such as housing, education, insurance and the like. When they are out in the nice car, wearing cool clothes and talking on their cellphones, no one "knows" the real life they have.