One of the things William Shatner is up to these days:

[jeffreyab]

Dear friends,

Elizabeth and I were shocked to learn that an alarming number of wounded U.S. soldiers are not necessarily receiving adequate treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, one of the country’s most prestigious hospitals for our armed forces. Many of these brave people have been severely injured and their lives forever changed. It’s horrible to contemplate that they are not getting the class-A care that they truly need and deserve.

Instead of waiting for and hoping that the government will remedy the situation, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do what we can now. The hospital needs several items for their patients—and we sincerely hope that you will join us in giving back to the men and women who have given so much for our country. Some of the things they need include:

Luggage
Electric Razors
Portable DVD Players
iPod's
Men’s & Women’s Summer Clothing (dress shorts & shirts)
Hair Trimmers
Sports Bras
Ankle Socks
Casual Polo-type Shirts

Gift Cards:
Walmart
Target
Macy's
JCPenney
Grocery cards
Gas cards
Pre-paid Visa gift certificates



You can send your items to:

Maurice McDaniel
Soldier Family Assistance Center
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue
Room 3G04
Washington, DC 20307
202-356-1012 x40706

Thank you for all your help and generosity. This is a great way to tell these brave people how grateful and thankful we are for them.


William Shatner

From: http://www.williamshatner.com/Article286.phtml

Comments

[rmeidaking.livejournal.com]

I actually think this is a bad idea, because it's bailing out the government. It's enabling in its worst form: Helping a bad situation keep from healing appropriately. The core situation - inadequate administration of Walter Reed and other hospitals - won't get any better if people spend their own money to fix it instead of requiring the money we already paid to be spent appropriately.

I would do it if I could take a tax credit for it (thus targeting how my tax dollar is spent), but it's not clear that this donation would even be tax deductible.

[jeffreyab.livejournal.com]

When I read it I was reminded of a story I read where a wounded GI in Germany was discharged in the middle of the night in his pajamas to open up a bed.

Sure you could wait until your government does something about it, but in the meanwhile the soldiers are still suffering.