Bertha Moakley – 3/27/06

This page was last updated on March 27, 2006.

County must support shelter; Bertha Moakley; Beaver County Times; March 27, 2006.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I am writing regarding the Beaver County Humane Society. As many of you may know, the humane society will need to vacate its present location this year and is in need of funds to establish new facilities.

“Although the humane society plans many fund-raisers throughout the year such as hoagie sales, rabies clinics, H.O.G.S. for Dogs, etc., it is in desperate need of support from Beaver County to supplement its budget for a new building.

“It’s hard to believe that the county cannot dig into its pockets and help a very worthwhile organization that has been dedicated to providing shelter and finding homes for homeless animals along with enforcing laws for the protection of animals and offering free humane educational programs to the public.”

[RWC] Ms. Moakley seems to forget the county’s “pockets” are really your pockets and mine.

“Since its inception in 1950, the humane society has survived mostly on donations and fund-raising. With the threat of losing this shelter for good, it’s time for more tax dollars to be targeted for such a well-needed organization.

“I’m sure the issue of funding in our county is difficult, but there are many places to put money, some of which just didn’t deserve it. I also know that getting funding often boils down to politics. Therefore, I ask that you contact the county commissioners and implore them to place funding for the humane society on their budget.

“State Rep. Mike Veon in particular has helped our county in numerous ways, but sadly falls short for this important project. Please remember, we don’t forget in November.”

[RWC] Ms. Moakley also wants state funding for the Humane Society?

“These animals need our help. I and so many others are waiting for someone to come forward and save the day for the humane society.

[RWC] Ms. Moakley, don’t wait “for someone to come forward and save the day for the humane society.” You and your fellow Humane Society supporters need to get out and earn the money and/or collect donations. The waiting for “white knights” to come along and save the day is a trait that afflicts too many Americans.

“Let us all be proud that we care enough to help our homeless and abused animals. Their time is almost up. Please help!”

[RWC] The Humane Society does good work and I believe Ms. Moakley means well, but she is wrong. It is not the role of government to force people to pay for “good causes” they choose not to sponsor voluntarily. For example, the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the YMCA are good organizations that do good work. Should taxpayers be forced to support these good causes? Of course, not.