What are your thoughts regarding the GoFundMe fundraiser to fund the building of the border wall?

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 18:44:01 -0500

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Dec 20 at 2018 6:45 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 18:45:23 -0500

I don't have a problem with people donating money for security. We just need to make sure it gets used for what it was intended.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2018 7:11 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 19:11:47 -0500

It is thinking outside the box. Perhaps the person who came up with it should run for office. However, I would rather have the hypocrites in office removed for not funding the wall and securing our borders.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 20 at 2018 7:12 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 19:12:54 -0500

Ok wow, this one gets complex.

People have the right to spend their money wherever they want. Freedom of choice includes the choice to make bad decisions. I spent many a $5 on burritos when I was a young LCpl. If someone wants to throw $5 at the US Government, more power to them.

However, the US Government is already TAKING a portion of our money, and using it ineffectively and inefficiently. That doesn't make me trust them more. Even "if" private citizens did come up with the estimated $1+ Billion to fund the wall (unlikely), "I" personally doubt the US government would use said money to build said wall. Our government is not good with money. It isn't. It operates at both a deficit and in debt. Giving it more money is not going to make it operate better...

Now comes the question of the wall itself.

A border wall is a stupid idea. It's asinine. There's 2000~ miles of US/Mexico border. Building a wall is not just logistically expensive, it's not going to accomplish the stated goal. The Return on Investment is not there. If we're going to invest that kind of money, let's actually invest it in something that has a chance at accomplishing what we want it to do. That said, people have the right to waste their money on stupid things. I'd rather it was a gofundme than borderwall legislation

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 10:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 22:07:10 -0500

The goal could be reached if everyone who voted for Trump donates $80.00.
I hope it is successful, but it isn't clear whether you can make a conditional gift of money to the Federal government. From the Treasury website:
How do I make a contribution to the U.S. government?
Citizens who wish to make a general donation to the U.S. government may send contributions to a specific account called "Gifts to the United States."

This account was established in 1843 to accept gifts, such as bequests, from individuals wishing to express their patriotism to the United States. Money deposited into this account is for general use by the federal government and can be available for budget needs.

These contributions are considered an unconditional gift to the government. Financial gifts can be made by check or money order payable to the United States Treasury and mailed to the address below.

Gifts to the United States
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Funds Management Branch
P.O. Box 1328
Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328
Any tax-related questions regarding these contributions should be directed to the Internal Revenue Service at [login to see] .