But the problem with United Way's big, bureaucratic, multi-charity operation is that no one knows what goes on at the ground floor. Undoubtedly, these real estate donors do not realize that their own donations are stabbing themselves in the back - and stabbing small property owners in the back as well as destroying neighborhoods. We are not alone in opposing legal services. Legal services is not charity in the sense of helping the elderly get food or health care, helping kids get their shots, or helping teenagers stay off the streets. Legal services groups are also not at all like so many other United Way recipients - the Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts, the Red Cross, etc.
Mediation is a truly charitable, community-minded goal.
Failing that, these donors should just give their money to one of several other multi-charity agencies, similar to United Way, who don't fund legal services. We support private charity. But legal services groups are neither private nor charitable. They are government-funded political advocacy groups. The case is expected to return to lower courts in Texas, where it originated, to litigate these remaining issues.