[Zeestein]

cbloom,

If the choice is between the Make a Wish Foundation and Amnesty International, then I think choosing to donate towards the former is pretty dumb or a reflection of a abhorently narrow worldview.

However, be it as it may, the choices often are binary, as in people either donate or they don't. People donate on a whim or as a result of personal experience. It's much easier for people with disposable income to experience regret at a young life wasted than it is to experience mass displacement and cultural genecide (as in Dafur or Albania or Rwanda). An act of charity is often an act of emotion rather than rationality.

For the purposes of the MaWF, yeah I find it pretty freaking dumb too when so much of the world lack basic opportunities and resources.