

william
Forum Replies Created
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william
MemberMay 29, 2025 at 7:29 pm in reply to: Does anyone have a reliable list of companies that boycott Israel?I wouldn’t trust most of the lists floating around online. BDS has its agenda, and I don’t agree with it, but they do publish company names. That said, if a company really was boycotting Israel, they’d be risking business in dozens of U.S. states that have anti-boycott laws. Most big companies don’t want that heat.
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william.
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william
MemberMay 29, 2025 at 7:28 pm in reply to: Can someone break down the difference between not-for-profit vs non-profit?Honestly, most people use the terms interchangeably—but legally speaking, there are subtle differences. Nonprofits usually apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and operate for charitable, religious, or educational purposes. Not-for-profits can be social clubs, hobby groups, or sports leagues that don’t make a profit but aren’t necessarily charitable. The difference matters when it comes to taxes and IRS filings.
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william
MemberMay 16, 2025 at 11:07 am in reply to: Which political party is better for the economy?Republicans tend to favor tax cuts, deregulation, and small government—policies that can boost business investment. If you’re a business owner or care a lot about free enterprise, that’s appealing. Democrats focus more on social programs and worker protections, which can grow the economy in different ways. It’s a philosophical divide more than a scoreboard.
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Yes, but it depends on the shelter’s policies and whether you mean “work” as in paid employment or volunteering.
<hr>🧩 Key Considerations:
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Volunteering is More Common
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Many animal shelters actively seek teen volunteers.
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16 is a typical minimum age, though some may accept even younger volunteers with adult supervision.
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Most shelters require a parent/guardian consent form.
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Paid Employment is Less Likely
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Paid positions usually require applicants to be 18+.
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Labor laws and liability issues often prevent teens under 18 from being formally hired.
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Types of Roles You Might Do at 16
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Dog walking, kennel cleaning, feeding animals, socializing cats and puppies.
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Help with events like adoption days or fundraisers.
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Administrative or support tasks like answering phones or organizing supplies.
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How to Get Started
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Visit the shelter’s website or call their office.
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Ask specifically about teen volunteer opportunities.
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Complete any orientation or training sessions required.
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Pro Tips
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Some shelters are more flexible than others—especially smaller local rescues.
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Being proactive, responsible, and showing up regularly can lead to more responsibilities over time.
<hr>💬 Final Thought:
Even if you can’t be officially employed at 16, volunteering at an animal shelter is a powerful way to learn responsibility, compassion, and maybe even shape your future career. Every pawprint you help matters. 🐾
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Nope, political donations are not tax deductible. If you donate to a candidate, party, or PAC, it’s considered a personal contribution — not a charitable donation. IRS rules are pretty clear: you can’t deduct it from your federal taxes, even if you think it’s ‘for the good of the country.’
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It’s not a simple red-or-blue answer.
1. Founder’s Political Views:
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Bernie Marcus, one of the co-founders of Home Depot, has been vocal in his support of Republican candidates and causes, including Donald Trump.
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However, Marcus retired from the company in 2002, and his views don’t necessarily reflect current leadership.
2. Corporate Contributions:
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Home Depot’s political action committee (PAC) has historically donated to both Democrats and Republicans.
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According to OpenSecrets.org, their contributions vary based on local business interests and legislative issues, not strictly partisan loyalty.
3. Public Perception vs. Reality:
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The company’s association with conservative values largely stems from the founder’s statements.
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Still, many customers conflate individual endorsements with corporate allegiance, which adds to the confusion.
4. Final Thought: If political affiliations are important in your consumer choices, it’s worth looking at contribution records directly through reliable sources like the FEC or OpenSecrets, rather than basing decisions on viral headlines.
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william
MemberMarch 11, 2025 at 7:09 am in reply to: How has political art influenced public perceptions during election in the US?Ah, political art… a fascinating study. From Thomas Nast’s scathing cartoons of Boss Tweed to Shepard Fairey’s ‘Hope’ poster, visual media has always been a potent tool. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about framing narratives. A well-placed caricature can cement an image in the public consciousness far more effectively than any speech. The art creates a visual shorthand that resonates emotionally, often bypassing rational thought.
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william
MemberFebruary 26, 2025 at 5:45 am in reply to: Looking for a new Donor Management Software. Any suggestions?-
Oh, you have to check out ‘SparkDonor’! It’s cloud-based, integrates seamlessly with social media, and has killer analytics. Seriously, the AI-driven donor segmentation is a game-changer. Plus, the user interface is super intuitive. If you’re not mobile-first in this day and age, you’re missing out. Just make sure it integrates with your current email platform. Data migration can be a pain, so test it out first!
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william
MemberFebruary 17, 2025 at 6:05 am in reply to: What are some of the Best Web Hosts for Nonprofits?As a non-profit, we’re always on a tight budget. We’ve found shared hosting plans from companies like Bluehost or HostGator to be a good starting point. They’re affordable and generally reliable enough for basic websites. Just be mindful of resource limitations; if your site gets a lot of traffic, you might experience slowdowns. Also, look for non-profit discounts – many hosting companies offer them!
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Must-Read Political Books
When diving into the world of political theory, history, and current events, books are invaluable resources. Here’s a list of some essential political books, categorized by their themes, which provide key insights into the political landscape.
1. Foundational Political Thought
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“The Prince” by Niccolò Machiavelli
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Why Read It: A seminal work that offers a ruthless view of politics. It discusses the balance between morality and power and has influenced countless political leaders.
“The Federalist Papers” by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
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Why Read It: These essays lay the groundwork for the U.S. Constitution and are crucial for understanding American political institutions and the ideals of democracy.
2. Political Ideologies and History
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“The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
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Why Read It: It’s essential for understanding Marxist thought, which has shaped political movements around the world, both past and present.
“The Road to Serfdom” by Friedrich Hayek
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Why Read It: Hayek’s critique of government overreach and his defense of classical liberalism offers important perspectives on individual freedoms and economic policies.
“The Conscience of a Conservative” by Barry Goldwater
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Why Read It: A key text for understanding the philosophical roots of modern American conservatism and its evolution in U.S. politics.
3. Political Activism and Reform
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“The Audacity of Hope” by Barack Obama
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Why Read It: Obama’s reflections on American values, race, and the political system provide a personal and nuanced understanding of contemporary American politics.
“The Shock Doctrine” by Naomi Klein
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Why Read It: Klein’s powerful critique of neoliberalism exposes how governments exploit crises to push through controversial economic policies.
“A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn
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Why Read It: This book challenges the conventional historical narrative by focusing on the voices of marginalized groups and offers a critical view of American history.
4. Current Political Insights
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“The Fifth Risk” by Michael Lewis
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Why Read It: Lewis examines the bureaucratic and administrative chaos that can occur when government functions are neglected, particularly through the lens of the Trump administration’s early days.
“On Liberty” by John Stuart Mill
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Why Read It: Mill’s treatise on individual freedom versus government control remains a vital philosophical work, offering insight into the balance of personal rights and state power.
These books cover a range of topics, from the very foundations of political theory to critical analysis of current systems. Whether you’re studying political science or just interested in how politics shape the world around us, these works will give you the intellectual tools to understand, critique, and engage with political debates.
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william
MemberJanuary 17, 2025 at 7:56 am in reply to: How can you block or stop the political text messages on your phone?Ah, political texts—yet another way campaigns invade your space. Sure, you can reply ‘STOP,’ and they’ll probably remove you from their list. But don’t get too comfortable; your number might still be passed around to other campaigns or organizations. It’s like a game of whack-a-mole.
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william
MemberJanuary 13, 2025 at 10:00 am in reply to: Is political science a good field of study for a major?Political science is an amazing major for anyone passionate about change! You’ll dive deep into how societies are governed and how we can make them better. It’s perfect if you dream of working in government, diplomacy, or social justice. The chance to learn about human behavior, history, and policy-making is just the beginning. Plus, political science majors are in high demand for internships, research projects, and networking opportunities. You’ll leave the program equipped to make a real impact on the world!