MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Opinion

Discussion

December 8, 2012

THE PEOPLE SPEAK – Information in recent letter was inaccurate

A letter published on the Dec. 4 Editorial page contained some excellent suggestions for Christmas gift-giving, including a recommendation to reflect the spirit and message of Jesus.

However, some of the information, presumably gleaned from the internet without verification, was largely inaccurate and/or out of date. I have consulted a reliable fact-checking site, www.snopes.com, under the topic, “Charitable Compensation,” and found the following: The President and CEO of the American Red Cross Gail McGovern receives a salary for 2012 of $561,000 not $951,957. The President and CEO of United Way (worldwide) Brian Gallagher’s base salary is $415,613 not $675,000. UNICEF’s CEO Caryl Stern’s last reported compensation is $472,891 not $1.9 million, and UNICEF reports that “no Rolls Royce or company car is proved for any staff member.” The last reported compensation of the National Commander of the Salvation Army William A. Roberts was $126,920 much higher than the $13,000 figure in the Phoenix letter.

Finally, a 2011 addendum to the original message stated that the National Commanders of the American Legion, VFW, DAV, Military Order of Purple Hearts, and Vietnam Veterans Association, receive no salary.

According to the most recent available Form 9990 filings, all of these statements are false and or misleading in large part because the National Commanders are not necessarily the top business executive of these organizations. Readers can consult snopes to see that compensation actually ranges between $103,71 and $329,868, often divided among more than one person.

The important point is accuracy of reporting. This is especially important when it involves some of our most cherished and charitable organizations.

BILL MOORER

Muskogee

Text Only
Opinion
AP Video
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51 Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7 Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Poll

Should Congress cut federal food programs in its effort to reduce government spending?

Yes
No
     View Results
Featured Ads
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Stocks