Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro is urging the public to stop donating money to the Red Cross.
During a press conference on Staten Island Thursday morning, several local officials gathered to discuss the needs of the borough in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Molinaro called the organization an “absolute disgrace.”
Molinaro told NBC after the press conference that there has been a lack of response from the organization and that they should be “on the front lines fighting, and helping the people.” Molinaro went on to say:
“You know, I went to a shelter Monday night after the storm. People were coming in with no socks, with no shoes. They were in desperate need. Their housing was destroyed. They were crying. Where was the Red Cross? Isn’t that their function? They collect millions of dollars. Whenever there’s a drive in Staten Island, we give openly and honestly. Where are they?”
Several other officials agreed with Molinaro’s sentiments but did not specifically target the Red Cross. State Senator Andy Lanza criticized the city for not postponing the New York City Marathon this weekend, and the focus on getting water out of the East River tunnels. Lanza said:
“Let’s get the water out of the tunnel tomorrow, let’s get the people out of the water today. There’ve been thousands of people who have been displaced. There are people who are cold, who are hungry, who are without a place to go, and looking for warmth. There are people still trapped. Yet we’re talking about marathons and tunnels. I walked on the rooftop of a house yesterday, I stepped on it because the debris that surrounded it was level with the rooftop. That’s what happened here on Staten Island.”
Congressman Michael Grimm agreed, saying, “I think this is an example of what infuriates people here on Staten Island … We’re not back to normal and we’re not going to be back to normal for a long time.”
Do you agree that people should stop donating to the Red Cross because their lack of response in Staten Island?
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I agree with James Molinaro.
Yes I agree and I think Andrea Mitchell should take them into her home since she ridiculed Mitt for boxing food and supplies and blankets. I bet these folks would love one of those boxes.
Here's my question – did you Staten Island Leaders even communicate with Red Cross or FEMA? Because watching the folks affected and interviewed on TV, they indicated that they were given NO warnings or anything about hurricane Sandy, and that speaks volumes to me of how the leadership there is…
Hold it! There are over 40 American Red Cross shelters open in New York alone. NONE are at capacity! These shelters are staffed and ran by volunteers. People from all over the country who have put their lives on hold just to help the people of the affected area! Then you get this local NOOB that gets all this air time and damages the reputation of a great organization because his borough was hit by the most devastating storm in recorded history and the people he represents weren't smart enough to get out when warned! Yeah, it's all the fault of the Red Cross. James Molinaro needs to expand his focus and shut his New York mouth!
Add a comment…the people in staton island are devistated and FEMA and the red cross know how couldn't the people there not communicate they don't have houses its annihilated. I agree they aren't doin enough for these people they are worried about tunnels and races its backwards life should be put first before anything. the death toll in staton island is still goin up they are still tryin to find people and still no help pretty bad.
Absolutely Do Not give to the Red Cross. They Bumbled the 911 Funds and we were told the money would carry over to the next disaster and then Katrina hit and they bumbled those funds as well. I wouldn't give a dime to the Red Cross. Go to CharityWatch.org and find out which organizations are good before giving a dime. Their CEO is paid waaaay too much money and I don't believe they are accountable with their funds one bit. Go check the charity watchdogs and see what their ratings are. I would imagine they are D's and F's.
There were warnings about Hurricane Sandy for at least ten days before the event
The problem is transportation. It is much more difficult, never mind costly, to transport a box of food from swing state Ohio to New Jersey or New York.
Shut his New York Mouth?? James Molinaro is stating the hard facts. And, he gets all the air time?? Are you kidding? The first day after the storm I did not see any reporting, from any of the major networks, focussing on the total devastation coming out of Staten Island. And by the way, the majority of Staten Islander's from this area did leave and listened to the warnings; they now returned to find nothing and the Red Cross was no where to be found. James Molinaro is just looking out for the unfortunate citizens that he represents. I don't know where you're from, why don't you SHUT YOUR MOUTH.
Joseph; Do I know what the people of Staten Island are going through? Nope, never been in that situation. Is it bad, yep, probably worse than Katrina. What is it that the locals expect of the Red Cross? It is an unfunded, mandated by Congressional order, organization. They don't get any Federal funds, yet people in need expect them to be somewhere helping, even before it is safe for residents return. Is there problems with Red Cross management? What large corporation or business doesn't have them. But most of the people that will and do show up at disaster response are volunteers, some from your local community, some further away with no vested interest in your community, except in the knowledge that there are needs they may be able to help meet. But I will shut my mouth, and leave you folks to recover on your own. Good luck.
Two things; "Shut his New York Mouth" tells me that you already have some sort of problem with people from New York. If you don't, then learn to better express yourself without offending people like myself who live, work, and raise a family here. Hey, I understand and respect freedom of speech. But what do you really mean by "Shut his NEW YORK mouth?" Also, I don't need a lesson on the Red Cross, where the volunteers come from, or how it's funded. I will tell you this, it's funny how after Molinaro finally got a chance to speak to the press and show how delinquent the Red Cross responded, they immediately set up shop in the worst hit areas on Staten Island and provided amazing help. Oh, and "I will leave you folks to recover on your own." Great statement there……don't worry, we will not lose sleep over your willingness to help or not to help the people of New York, or New Jersey for that matter.
We in Staten Island don't need you to express the STUPID comments you are posting. You and Mayor Bloomberg belong in bed together looking for a way for the Marathon to go on. A NO CLASS person like yourself should come to Staten Island and see for yourself how the Red Cross and the Mayor dropped the ball here. I will give you a tour. My family and I have always donated to the Red Cross and will continue to do so because giving a second chance is the right thing to do.You should re-think your comment Wake up and get a REAL life!!!!