[Tony Radford]

I'm sure I'm not the only one that receives solicitations in the mail for the multitude of charities seeking contributions. Since the marketing companies who capitalize on these scams are contributing 15% of their revenues to the charity and keeping the rest for "admin expenses", I never participate (I contribute religiously to Children's International). I got one last night that caused me to throw a rod.

The charity is Macular Degeneration Research. The intro goes like this:

Dr. Mr. Radford,

Macular degeneration is the #1 cause of legal bllindness in older Americans. A staggering 1 out of 4 people over 65 are showing symptoms and it is spreading at an epidemic reate. It strikes without warning to steal its victims' straight-ahead vision. Until we stop it, none of us are safe, not me, not you, not your neighbors there in (my town). Please send your $25 donation bla bla bla.

This is unbelieveable. When they call me on the phone I climb their butts and accuse them of scamming people in the name of charity. This really pisses me off! Am I alone?