We can point out problems to a charity, but we're not a service to charities.

Americans are stuck at giving 2 percent of their income to charity. What that means is that it's a fixed pie. ... Unless people change their behavior, a lot of giving will be taken away from other groups.

In the past three years there's been a decline in giving to human service-type organizations. People need to step up to the plate and give extra.

The Red Cross is a brand name, and people automatically pick it for donations. But there are a lot of local groups who could use assistance and reimbursement, and the Red Cross isn't willing to do that.

The Number 1 reason Americans give is because they're asked.

I would think if she wants to do something beneficial for Katrina victims, she shouldn't be making the decision that the vendor is her son.