# E-NOUGH Amnesty International! Enough! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 8, 2004, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268 "2004-06-08T12:47:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kabbes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e99b99/32.png) [@kabbes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kabbes)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2004, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/21 "2004-06-09T10:57:44Z")
> [@Xerxes](#): > > **kabbes** , could you tell me where you found this out (sorry, that came over a bit like ‘_cite??_’ - it definitely wasn’t meant as such - I’m just very interested). Thanks… Radio 5-live. I’ve got no more information than that, sadly, though it is something I’ve long been meaning to do. I’ve noticed a few questionairres from the charities hinting at it recently though. “How much do you think it costs us to get a new supporter?” style things. pan ---
**Author:** ![TwistofFate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@TwistofFate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwistofFate)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2004, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/22 "2004-06-09T11:35:01Z")
> [@kabbes](#): > > It gets worse. If you sign up for DD with the people on the streets, apparently they receive commission on all future contributions that you make via that DD! I signed up with a few via this method before I realised this little fact. Now I know that I should break the DD and remake it or something but I just can’t quite be bothered yet. Anyway – that’s why they tend to be so _aggressive_ about it: they’re not volunteers, it’s their _job_. > > pan Indeed, but not always the case. I’ve checked up after hearing that and not all of the sellers work on that basis. Some companies pay a good rate per hour rather than the comission per signing. I really, really hate chuggers. ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2004, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/23 "2004-06-09T11:40:23Z")
_Concern_ is one of the companies that pay an hourly rate rather than a comission. Sight Savers also hassle you quite a bit after you set up a DD with them. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2004, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/24 "2004-06-09T11:53:55Z")
I made the mistake many years ago of donating to the ACLU. Even after changing residences twice since then, I still get the begging letters calling me a “valued contributor.” I wrote 'em a short note once and stuck in the return envelope talling them that when they finally recognize, and lobby for the rights of individual gun owners, giving the second amendment equal weight with the others, I’d consider donating again. No response, of course. Except for more begging letters. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_Wright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@Steve\_Wright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_Wright)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2004, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/25 "2004-06-09T12:51:39Z")
The bean counters will, indeed, have calculated the breakpoints (“how much can we get from extra mailshots” vs. “how much will we lose by pissing off existing supporters”). And, of course, charity fundraisers tend to be committed to the ideals of their charity … which means, well, how can you _not_ be concerned about (Very Bad Thing)? It’s the most important (Very Bad Thing) around! Surely nobody could object to being asked to give a little more, to deal with a (Very Bad Thing) like _this_ one … ? After a while, everything starts to look like a special case. **UncleBeer** , your letters will, if I am any judge, be getting the “this person has a hobby horse” treatment. Which is, essentially, heave a sigh and ignore. Believe me, the drone opening letters and taking the cheques out has _nothing_ to do with organizational policy … I know, because, once upon a time, I was that drone. (Not on commission, or indeed any money at all, but I was out of work at the time, and it got me out of the house.) ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2004, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/26 "2004-06-10T03:09:15Z")
> [@](#): > > Dear Jonathan, > > What country is this? > > In the past 48 hours we have learned that the Bush Administration devoted some of its best legal minds to the task of trying to define the Geneva Convention’s protections against torture out of existence. > > And yesterday, in one of the most shameful and arrogant performances before Congress since Watergate, Attorney General John Ashcroft was evasive and nonresponsive with enraged Senators seeking information about a 2002 Justice Department memo to the CIA that allegedly offers conditions under which torture can be justified. > > At issue is the continued determination by this Administration to sanction the use of torture on captive Iraqis and Guantanamo detainees without appearing to undermine our international treaty obligations against it. > > Amnesty must demand that our own nation be held accountable for its actions. Your emergency contribution will help us shine the light on human rights abuses condoned by Washington. > > Please give generously via our secure donations page: > > (Screw that.) > > In a lead editorial, the Washington Post describes the Ashcroft revelations as “shocking and immoral.” The editorial continues, “theirs is the logic of criminal regimes, of dictatorships around the world that sanction torture on grounds of ‘national security.’” > > With each revelation about United States misdeeds, concludes today’s New York Times, evidence mounts of “a morally dubious culture of legal expediency” that is driving foreign policy decisions. Obviously, the “few bad apples” arguments dismissing the horrific misdeeds at Abu Ghraib prison as isolated incidents is that much harder to swallow. > > Beyond the immediate effects of this crisis - and make no mistake it is indeed a crisis - the Administration’s policy of playing fast and loose with a long-held taboo against torture by civilized nations puts young American men and women at extreme risk. Why should hostile nations exercise any restraint towards American captives when there is now no expectation of reciprocity? > > Amnesty has already begun to respond - by mobilizing our volunteers, reaching out to the media, and raising a ruckus in Washington. If you believe in universal rights, if you believe in American leadership on human rights, and if you believe that civilized nations should set an example to the world rather than lower themselves to the standards of the bloodiest despots, then we must raise our voices to new heights. > > In the weeks ahead, we will be communicating with you regularly, to enlist your help as an activist, as an educator, and as a voice of reason and justice. Today we enlist your help as a donor - please support these emergency actions as generously as possible. > Again, our secure donations page is at: > > (Screw that. I ain’t putting it in here.) > > Sincerely > > Bill Schulz > > P.S. No one who cares at all about human rights would argue that prolonged sleep deprivation, severe food deprivation, and profound humiliation are anything other than torture. Yet that is what John Ashcroft’s apologists are trying to say. Nice to know they’ll be contacting me ‘regularly’ to attempt to help. Isn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2004, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/27 "2004-07-10T04:07:10Z")
_RING_ Hello? Is this Mr Chance? Yes, may I help you? I’m XYZ from Amnesty International… Yes? We’re hoping you continue to support our activities in reducing the abuse of human rights across the country and could continue to show your support with a donation… _click_ The count so far: In 3 months… 14 contacts for donations. 1 magazine Zero action alerts ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2004, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/28 "2004-07-10T15:39:30Z")
I also used to donate to AI. I stopped after the incident where their telephone solicitor became rude to me when I turned them down on yet another request. I hate telephone solicitations. I use a standard script. “We do not accept telephone solicitations of any kind. Please place this number on your ‘do not call’ list.” ---
**Author:** ![voguevixen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5ac83/32.png) [@voguevixen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voguevixen)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/29 "2004-07-11T01:57:05Z")
A couple years ago I felt guilty for enjoying free PBS for my entire life and FINALLY pledged a year’s membership. Since that time I’ve gotten no less than 25 requests for more money, which when you figure what it costs in postage and paper and printing costs is probably double the amount I originally pledged to them. I don’t feel guilty now, they obviously have PLENTY of money to waste. The ASPCA is super bad too. First they show and tell you (in graphic detail) all the terrible things happening to animals, and then they send you crappy thing after crappy thing and follow them up with “did you get our lovely gift of crappy thing? I mean since you weren’t moved by our generosity so much that you plied us with more cash you must NOT HAVE gotten your crappy thing. Won’t you please let us know you received your crappy thing with the enclosed reply coupon?” Reply coupon states: "Yes! I received my crappy thing and wish to contribute: $10 $35 \* [] $50 $100 Other \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \*This amount will be most helpful!" How do you figure? I’d think the $100 would be most helpful! Or other, assuming it’s not going to be less than $10. (I’m always tempted to say “oh I wanted to send $1,000,000 but the “other” line was too small!”) ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/30 "2004-07-11T02:10:01Z")
Jonathan Chance, I know several longtime volunteers (area coordinators, group coordinators) that get annoyed by the tele-fund-raising efforts. But if you are looking for actions, may I suggest using the website? Try first signing up for the [AIUSA action center](http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/join/). ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/31 "2004-07-11T02:19:52Z")
Arnold, you know we’re together on this. I’ve been on that list for a while. Still, since I forked over the loot…no actions…just begging. It’s like I moved from ‘useful helper’ to ‘goose that lays golden eggs’. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/32 "2004-07-11T02:52:39Z")
> [@MLS](#): > > I hate telephone solicitations. I use a standard script. “We do not accept telephone solicitations of any kind. Please place this number on your ‘do not call’ list.” I do that too. And last fall, I put my name on the national “do not call” list. And for those charities I donate regularly to, I do it through the Combined Federal Campaign, and ignore whatever junk they send me in the mail. ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/33 "2004-07-11T03:04:26Z")
Jonathan Chance, that doesn’t sound right. I’ve e-mailed you with a couple of questions. You should be getting the actions at least. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268/34 "2004-07-11T03:12:49Z")
> [@voguevixen](#): > > A couple years ago I felt guilty for enjoying free PBS for my entire life and FINALLY pledged a year’s membership. Since that time I’ve gotten no less than 25 requests for more money, which when you figure what it costs in postage and paper and printing costs is probably double the amount I originally pledged to them. Probably not. Using the non-profit postage rate and the small cost of printing, they made money. They did this to me for years after a one-shot donation. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-nough-amnesty-international-enough/249268.md?page=1)