Backroom Politicking Doesn’t Befit Charities

To the Editor:

Although my views are not necessarily the views of my organization, I feel I should comment on the backroom politicking that goes into these non-meritorious appropriations (“Congressional Budget Deals Spare Programs of Importance to Charities,” November 5).

I strongly question the ethics of an organization that appeals to Congressional vanity — in the form of a representative looking to show federal dollars brought into the district — instead of applying substantive argument. These funds are undeserved, and as a citizen I am deeply troubled that the merit-review process has been superceded.

Daniel K. Winter
Manager of Major and Planned Gifts
American Lung Association
New York