Some weeks ago, Thing Fish and I made a wager. I lost and he won. I suppose I could do this over PM, but I suspect he, and many of you, will enjoy this more if it’s a public thread. I expect a good bit of ribbing, probably not all of it good-natured, and that’s fine. I only ask that you abide by the rules of this forum and avoid getting this thread moved to the Pit (because I’d bow out of it at that point). Perhaps some thoughtful members can even help us with some suggestions on refining the details.
I don’t have an exact figure on how many votes the House Dems got, and I understand they may still be counting a few votes. I’m willing to wait as long as Thing Fish wants for them to finish up counting, and am open to hearing suggestions from him or others on what we should use as the tally. I don’t think it’s terribly practical to have to dig up 50 states’ official websites, but I’m not sure who has a good, reliable total.
Also, Thing Fish, where’s the money going? The only stipulation we had was it has to be a tax-deductible charity. What’s your choice? And, while verification wasn’t part of the official wager, if there’s some mechanism you can think of that protects my PII but gives you confidence the donation actually happened, I’m open to hearing your suggestions on the matter as well and will try to make reasonable accommodations.
Sorry, it’s been a busy month, I’m back now! CNN, quoting Cook Political Report, has the total at 59 million plus, so that’s a nice $130. Still accepting suggestions for the designated charity. ACLU and PP are both good ideas. Also considering Equality Utah, a group which advocates for LGBT folks in HD’s home State, where it certainly seems they can use all the help they can get.
Anyone have any ideas for how HD can prove the donation was made while still protecting his personal information? Maybe we could identify a mutually trusted Doper to act as middleperson?
As much as I’d love HD to give to Planned Parenthood, that feels a little too much like rubbing it in to me. The ACLU and Equality Utah are both good choices.
If it were me verifying payment, I’d be OK with a scanned copy of the thank you letters with his name blacked out. But I’m a trusting guy. If you want to go the route of trusted middleperson, I’d nominate Bricker or Bone if they are willing.
He can provide either your email or physical address (I’d use a work or neutral one so no one has a way to hassle you should they want to) when he makes the donation; the organization will send you a note telling you it was made in your name.
Planned Parenthood of Utah would be a perfect recipient, they’ve been under attack by the Utah legislature/Mormon legislative lobby for several years.
Good on you for paying up, Hurricane Ditka. And well done, Thing Fish!!!
As for proof, one possibility might utilize the opportunity to donate in someone else’s name (although not all charities offer this, many do). If HD donates and does so in Thing Fish’s (real) name, most likely TF will be sent a donation notification by the nonprofit.
Me, I’d go for something consistently liberal/progressive in nature. ACLU can be a double-edged sword, which I do admire, but since I’m vindictive as hell, it isn’t craw-sticky enough for what I’d do were I the victor in this bet. Some ideas:
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Black Youth Project
Center for American Progress
Common Cause
Council on American Islamic Relations
EMILY’s List (supports pro-choice women candidates)
Fight for $15 (supports $15 minimum wage)
Media Matters for America
Move-on Civic Action (note: not tax-deductible; that shouldn’t matter IMHO)
NAACP
National Immigration Law Center
National Center for Transgender Equality
Progressive Policy Institute - Southern Poverty Law Center (this is the one that I’d choose)
For what it is worth, I know someone whose older sister was a volunteer for Equality Utah several years back, and according to her, most of those on the board of directors whold probably be happier with a couple of fat, uncut grams of quality Bolivian Marching Dust or some good, clean X.
Seriously, she said that when it came to (after-hours?) debauchery and illicit substance use, often using misdirected program funds, 90% of the people working there made Led Zepplin look like The Osmonds. She ended up quitting in disgust and started working for a Unitarian LGBQT outreach group.
That was a while back though, maybe they have cleaned up their act?
Some ideas: