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Kyle Reese
Cadet Gunnery Sergeant
Joined: 21 Apr 2003
Posts: 5672
Location: The United States of America
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 Sat May 20, 2006 6:32 pm Most New Yorkers Skip Donation on Taxes For WTC Memorial |
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| Quote: | Most New Yorkers Skip Donation on Tax Return For WTC Memorial
Saturday, May 20, 2006
NEW YORK � Fewer than 15,000 of the millions of New Yorkers who filed tax returns this year checked off a box to make a donation to the World Trade Center Memorial fund, state officials said.
The program raised $150,085, according to the Department of Taxation and Finance.
The state allows taxpayers to make contributions to as many as seven charitable organizations on their tax forms. More than $420,000 was raised for breast cancer research and treatment while a wildlife fund raised nearly $353,000.
"We are slightly disappointed by the results," WTC Memorial Foundation President Gretchen Dykstra told a newspaper for a story in Saturday editions.
Voluntary tax donations are only one way the foundation is raising money to build the World Trade Center memorial, a Sept. 11 museum and two other cultural buildings at ground zero.
In its first year, the nonprofit foundation has raised $130 million from private donors and another $300 million was committed by government agencies. But it is unclear whether that is enough.
The estimated price tag of the memorial soared past $972 million in recent weeks, prompting officials in New York and New Jersey to urge changes that would keep the cost under $500 million.
The Memorial Foundation board suspended fundraising several weeks ago while it reevaluates the costs and current designs.
The memorial, called "Reflecting Absence," would create two deep pools and a subterranean chamber in a plaza surrounded by oak trees. Construction is hoped to be complete by 2009.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,196321,00.html |
That's basically what they're saying, is it not? 
[Title Changed According to WN Rules - Puck]
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Republican_Man
STV's Premier Conservative
Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 14823
Location: Classified
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| Sat May 20, 2006 6:38 pm |
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Yes, it is. It's sickening, really. If they can forget, then who's to say that we can't forget? This just proves that the idea that people can't forget about 9/11 isn't so far-fetched after all.
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"Rights are only as good as the willingness of some to exercise responsibility for those rights- Fmr. Colorado Senate Pres. John Andrews
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Kyle Reese
Cadet Gunnery Sergeant
Joined: 21 Apr 2003
Posts: 5672
Location: The United States of America
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| Sat May 20, 2006 6:51 pm |
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I guess New Yorkers think it's "too soon" for a 9/11 memorial. 
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Theresa
Lux Mihi Deus
Joined: 17 Jun 2001
Posts: 27256
Location: United States of America
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| Sat May 20, 2006 7:04 pm |
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| Quote: | In its first year, the nonprofit foundation has raised $130 million from private donors and another $300 million was committed by government agencies. But it is unclear whether that is enough.
The estimated price tag of the memorial soared past $972 million in recent weeks, prompting officials in New York and New Jersey to urge changes that would keep the cost under $500 million.
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The cost is ridiculous.
-------signature-------
Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with our scars
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Link, the Hero of Time
Vice Admiral
Joined: 15 Sep 2001
Posts: 5581
Location: Kokori Forest, Hyrule
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| Sat May 20, 2006 7:40 pm |
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| Republican_Man wrote: | | Yes, it is. It's sickening, really. If they can forget, then who's to say that we can't forget? This just proves that the idea that people can't forget about 9/11 isn't so far-fetched after all. |
I have 2 questions for those who dont like this; Did you live through it? Were you directly effected by it?
If not, dont complain.
The decision should be made by those who's live were effected and not by anyone else. If others want a memorial, they can build one where they want.
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Lord Borg
Fleet Admiral
Joined: 27 May 2003
Posts: 11214
Location: Vulcan Capital City, Vulcan
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| Sat May 20, 2006 7:43 pm |
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I agree, the cost is a bit high, they must plan on using really fancy material for this.
RM, I don't think anyone forgot, You yourself are an L&O Fan, how many refernces are there to the fact that the Manhattan Skyline is not as tall? No, they didn't forget, they just chose not to donate money to a Memorial fund though their taxes
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Kyle Reese
Cadet Gunnery Sergeant
Joined: 21 Apr 2003
Posts: 5672
Location: The United States of America
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| Sat May 20, 2006 8:13 pm |
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Come on guys, don't you agree that the 9/11 victims deserve a memorial? The only reason we accuse anyone of forgetting 9/11 is because they don't seem to care. They're being disrespectful by not donating.
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Theresa
Lux Mihi Deus
Joined: 17 Jun 2001
Posts: 27256
Location: United States of America
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| Sat May 20, 2006 8:15 pm |
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I don't think they are undeserving. I think the cost is ridiculous.
-------signature-------
Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with our scars
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Kyle Reese
Cadet Gunnery Sergeant
Joined: 21 Apr 2003
Posts: 5672
Location: The United States of America
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| Sat May 20, 2006 8:19 pm |
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I didn't say anything about the cost. I'm saying that having less than 15,000 out of millions donating is a disgrace.
And yeah, it's too expensive. There you go.
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Lord Borg
Fleet Admiral
Joined: 27 May 2003
Posts: 11214
Location: Vulcan Capital City, Vulcan
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| Sat May 20, 2006 8:19 pm |
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Like T said, they do deserve it, but over 900 MILLION dollars?
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Republican_Man
STV's Premier Conservative
Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 14823
Location: Classified
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| Sat May 20, 2006 9:43 pm |
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So the cost means that it's alright for only 15,000 people to pay into it? I don't think that's right.
Would they rather the government force it on them through an additional tax? I don't think so. The least they can do for the victims and their families is do what they can to support the memorial, even if the cost is, as I will admit, too high.
And LB, I wasn't saying that even most people forgot. I just say that it helps show that, if those who lived through it don't remember, it's not impossible for others to forget about it.
And yes, I do say forget. Reason being? I want them to have the benefit of the doubt--the benefit of the doubt as in saying that they forgot, and weren't dissing the victims and their families.
-------signature-------
"Rights are only as good as the willingness of some to exercise responsibility for those rights- Fmr. Colorado Senate Pres. John Andrews
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Lord Borg
Fleet Admiral
Joined: 27 May 2003
Posts: 11214
Location: Vulcan Capital City, Vulcan
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| Sat May 20, 2006 9:47 pm |
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| Republican_Man wrote: | So the cost means that it's alright for only 15,000 people to pay into it? I don't think that's right.
Would they rather the government force it on them through an additional tax? I don't think so. The least they can do for the victims and their families is do what they can to support the memorial, even if the cost is, as I will admit, too high.
And LB, I wasn't saying that even most people forgot. I just say that it helps show that, if those who lived through it don't remember, it's not impossible for others to forget about it.
And yes, I do say forget. Reason being? I want them to have the benefit of the doubt--the benefit of the doubt as in saying that they forgot, and weren't dissing the victims and their families. |
If thegovernment has to force people to pay for a memorial, then something is wrong
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Republican_Man
STV's Premier Conservative
Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 14823
Location: Classified
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| Sat May 20, 2006 9:52 pm |
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Oh, I agree. I'm a conservative. Forcing people to support an extraneous program, etc. is not something that should be done. There should be, like there was in this case, a slot on the tax form for whether or not a person wishes to donate his/her tax dollars towards a program.
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"Rights are only as good as the willingness of some to exercise responsibility for those rights- Fmr. Colorado Senate Pres. John Andrews
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Theresa
Lux Mihi Deus
Joined: 17 Jun 2001
Posts: 27256
Location: United States of America
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| Sat May 20, 2006 9:56 pm |
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| Quote: | Voluntary tax donations are only one way the foundation is raising money to build the World Trade Center memorial, a Sept. 11 museum and two other cultural buildings at ground zero.
In its first year, the nonprofit foundation has raised $130 million from private donors and another $300 million was committed by government agencies. But it is unclear whether that is enough.
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It's not like they said "no". They said no to putting a donation in with their taxes. We've no idea what personal donations were made.
-------signature-------
Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with our scars
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Republican_Man
STV's Premier Conservative
Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 14823
Location: Classified
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| Sat May 20, 2006 10:03 pm |
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But we can assume that it wasn't enough. Even if you don't give much, this is something that more than 15,000 people should give money to on their tax forms (and without being forced).
-------signature-------
"Rights are only as good as the willingness of some to exercise responsibility for those rights- Fmr. Colorado Senate Pres. John Andrews
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Lord Borg
Fleet Admiral
Joined: 27 May 2003
Posts: 11214
Location: Vulcan Capital City, Vulcan
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| Sat May 20, 2006 10:07 pm |
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Like T just said, you don't know what people have given before. if I have given like say, 60 dollars in donation already I probably wouldnt do it yet again on my taxes despite what a good measure it is.
And again, this will cost over 900 MILLION dollars, they've raised over 530 at least (By looking at the numbers....)
Look, I think it's cool that they want to make a memorial, but honestly? I can think of far better things to do with 900 million dollars
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Theresa
Lux Mihi Deus
Joined: 17 Jun 2001
Posts: 27256
Location: United States of America
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| Sat May 20, 2006 10:08 pm |
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| Republican_Man wrote: | | But we can assume that it wasn't enough. Even if you don't give much, this is something that more than 15,000 people should give money to on their tax forms (and without being forced). |
We can assume that 130 million raised from one foundation isn't enough? Maybe you can...
Besides, as a person who pays taxes regularly, that isn't really a time at which you are feeling your most generous. The other amounts raised weren't that great, either. (Breast cancer, etc...)
-------signature-------
Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with our scars
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Kyle Reese
Cadet Gunnery Sergeant
Joined: 21 Apr 2003
Posts: 5672
Location: The United States of America
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| Sat May 20, 2006 11:36 pm |
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| Quote: | The estimated price tag of the memorial soared past $972 million in recent weeks, prompting officials in New York and New Jersey to urge changes that would keep the cost under $500 million.
The Memorial Foundation board suspended fundraising several weeks ago while it reevaluates the costs and current designs. |
Unless I'm misunderstanding something here, the current cost at almost $1 billion isn't final.
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Lord Borg
Fleet Admiral
Joined: 27 May 2003
Posts: 11214
Location: Vulcan Capital City, Vulcan
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| Mon May 22, 2006 4:49 pm |
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| Kyle Reese wrote: | | Quote: | The estimated price tag of the memorial soared past $972 million in recent weeks, prompting officials in New York and New Jersey to urge changes that would keep the cost under $500 million.
The Memorial Foundation board suspended fundraising several weeks ago while it reevaluates the costs and current designs. |
Unless I'm misunderstanding something here, the current cost at almost $1 billion isn't final. |
Perhaps not, but still for an estimate, it's pretty darn High....
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IntrepidIsMe
Pimp Handed
Joined: 14 Jun 2002
Posts: 13057
Location: New York
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| Mon May 22, 2006 8:18 pm |
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I find it rather interesting that people talk about how 9/11 was a national disastor (and don't get me wrong- it was), yet bitch and moan that NYers aren't donating to build this memorial, with a current price tag set a rediculous rate, no less. If it was such a national disastor and if everyone was affected (not just NYers), then why shouldn't the option to donate be given nationally? It just seems strange that people are so quick to judge.
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Lord Borg
Fleet Admiral
Joined: 27 May 2003
Posts: 11214
Location: Vulcan Capital City, Vulcan
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| Mon May 22, 2006 8:23 pm |
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I agree that the option (no matter what the price)to donate should be given nationally, I bet the could have raised the money...
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Kyle Reese
Cadet Gunnery Sergeant
Joined: 21 Apr 2003
Posts: 5672
Location: The United States of America
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| Mon May 22, 2006 10:17 pm |
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It's because I feel that it's absolutely necessary to have one built, why shouldn't there be one? Now don't try to say that I wouldn't donate, it's not as if I get to choose whether or not they come to me for a donation, but the ones who can donate aren't. Since the estimated price is so high, they want to make changes to reduce the price by almost half. Why assume that the final price will be the estimated one right now? Divide how much money was raised by the number of people who donated, and each gave about a measly $10. No, I don't know how much each person donated. Maybe some gave $1 and others gave $100, I really have no clue. But what I'm saying is that if each of the donaters gave $10 the total would be about the same as it is now. Guess some people just aren't willing to part with $10 even for a memorial for the 2,700 people who died at the WTC. Another reason I don't plan to move to NYC.
And Puck, sorry about the title. New Yorkers are just starting to piss me off.
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teya
Commander
Joined: 02 Feb 2005
Posts: 423
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| Mon May 22, 2006 11:24 pm |
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| Kyle Reese wrote: | | Now don't try to say that I wouldn't donate, it's not as if I get to choose whether or not they come to me for a donation, but the ones who can donate aren't. |
Anyone can donate to the fund, no matter where you live. NYers just had the option to do so via the tax form.
| Quote: | | Since the estimated price is so high, they want to make changes to reduce the price by almost half. |
There's still a lot of controversy over the design of the memorial. Many victims' families aren't at all happy with it.
| Quote: | | Why assume that the final price will be the estimated one right now? |
Usually the final price exceeds the estimate. That's true no matter what project you're tackling.
| Quote: | | Guess some people just aren't willing to part with $10 even for a memorial for the 2,700 people who died at the WTC. Another reason I don't plan to move to NYC. |
My brother was a rescue worker at Ground Zero. He still has respiratory problems as a result which requires medical care that is paid for out of his pocket. He was out of work for over a year after 9/11. With 3 kids to feed, he's still catching up. He doesn't have the money for charitable donations at this time.
That's just one guy among millions. Please don't paint all NYers with a broad brush. Many who didn't give through their taxes did directly. Many have given in other ways.
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Resume your disorder.
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Republican_Man
STV's Premier Conservative
Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 14823
Location: Classified
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| Mon May 22, 2006 11:47 pm |
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Your brother nearly gave his life for them. I think that's enough in and of itself 
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"Rights are only as good as the willingness of some to exercise responsibility for those rights- Fmr. Colorado Senate Pres. John Andrews
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teya
Commander
Joined: 02 Feb 2005
Posts: 423
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| Tue May 23, 2006 10:58 am |
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My point was that the broad condemnation of NYers as selfish and unwilling to give includes condemnation of the thousands who already have in many different ways.
I think that most folks understand that, though. I hope the OP will come to understand that as well.
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Resume your disorder.
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