Red Envelopes....Really?

Here is an excellent posting on facebook by a college friend of mine who is also a pastor.  I couldn't agree with him more.  Right on Jason!!!!

By Jason Moyer

On March 31st, pro life supporters are being asked to waste millions of dollars to send empty red envelopes to President Obama. I realize some of my dear friends have joined this campaign. Some of them have invited me to join this effort. I appreciate ppl who are willing to stand for their beliefs and convictions, my frustration is in the approach.

 50 million red envelopes being sent to the President with the hope it will change his 'heart' ... Really? Come on ... First do we really think we will get 50 million envelopes? Second do you for a moment think President Obama will see even the first red envelope ... let alone millions? Thinking this will be effective in any way seems to be more in the realm of fantasy instead of reality. I hope our great God will change the President's heart and mind, as well as many judges, senators, and representatives since all 3 groups will be needed for change to occur. My biggest problem with this is the significant waste of money. As I figure it, 50 million envelopes sent to Washington will cost $21 million in postage alone. That is correct $21 million. Add to that 8 cents per envelope (based on their website deal from The Paper Mill Store) and now you are looking at $25 million to send envelopes to Washington to one man. 

Let's just pretend that President Obama does see them... each and every one and that they are not just "3 lines on a 50 page briefing", is this the best way to spend our $25 million? Is this the biggest impact we can make with $25 million? I do think ppl should stand for - by using their $ - what they believe. So let me suggest that if you want to make an impact in this realm take your 50 cents and double it to $1 and find a worthy cause in your local community. I would say send it to me and I will start some kind of adoption foundation ... but I feel confident one already exists, I just need to go find it online. Think of the number of husbands and wives who could be helped offset the cost of adoption, think of the number of young moms who could obtain tuition help ... perhaps my ideas are just as firmly rooted in fantasy land as the red envelopes? Appreciate you letting me vent on this ... look forward to your thoughts and conversation.

Jason

Comments

[Jess]

I actually love the red envelope idea, and rather than spending the money on some fancy envelope, you can make your own out of red paper or construction paper you have lying around the house! What are you out but just a few cents on postage, and the time it took to use your voice and say "yes, I care about the millions of babies being killed through abortion." Will he ever see them? Probably not - but I think that lies more in the fact that he doesn't WANT to see them.

Could the money be used differently, it absolutely could - but so could the money BO wants to use to fund these abortions.