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HelpImSurrounded

(558 posts)
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 05:27 PM Aug 7

The DNC has finally broken my ability to give



In recent years I have been more able to donate to party needs. That resource is not unlimited, however, and I need to strategize my giving.

In the past, I did that. I found candidates I wanted to support and donated.

The information I shared with those candidates, however, has been passed around the party like it was a charcuterie tray.

I now get so much email and text so often that I am overwhelmed with requests and am no longer able to strategize.

I get 50-100 times more texts begging for money than I get texts from friends and family. I now cringe at the sound of texts just as I do a phone ringing.

This combined with the storm of fraudsters in the area due to recent flooding and I've simply shut down.

I have one local charity I know and I give to and all my giving will be focused there. I don't have the time or ability to vet all these other requests. So I'm just giving up and doing what I can where I know it makes a difference.

If the party ever learns the etiquette of data privacy, maybe I'll be able to donate again. But until this flood stops, I'm seeking my own shelter.
95 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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The DNC has finally broken my ability to give (Original Post) HelpImSurrounded Aug 7 OP
Im not sure all those texts are from the DNC, and not from fraudsters Demovictory9 Aug 7 #1
Doesn't matter AverageOldGuy Aug 8 #50
Make sure you unsubcribe from every email Historic NY Aug 7 #2
It stops nothing HelpImSurrounded Aug 7 #4
Yes, it does obamanut2012 Aug 7 #7
Unsubscribing doesn't curb additional proliferation Bobstandard Aug 7 #13
Maybe that's it, markodochartaigh Aug 7 #20
Look for the tiny tiny unsbuscribe button Historic NY Aug 7 #27
Thank you, I do that markodochartaigh Aug 7 #29
gmail now has an unsubscribe button at the top of emails.. tishaLA Aug 7 #35
Did not know that, thank you. dixiegrrrrl Aug 8 #48
When they ask why mercuryblues Aug 8 #51
Report them as spam Sugarcoated Aug 8 #47
I use the spam button liberally. WhiteTara Aug 8 #56
no, it doesn't... berksdem Aug 8 #54
That only slows it down a little for a day or two relayerbob Aug 7 #11
Reply STOP to any unwanted texts Omaha Steve Aug 7 #12
Reply STOP and then BLOCK every phone number you get a text from asking for money if it's not a candidate you know Attilatheblond Aug 7 #31
This should clarify some things MichMan Aug 7 #3
Informative but... HelpImSurrounded Aug 7 #10
Thank you this may turn out to be helpful HelpImSurrounded Aug 8 #69
There is another way. Qutzupalotl Aug 7 #5
Nice! Susan Calvin Aug 7 #25
Likewise LearnedHand Aug 8 #55
I'm with you! I have only given to PBS. ananda Aug 7 #6
Sometimes you just have to draw the line. calimary Aug 7 #8
ActBlue charges 3.95% for the credit card fee THAT IS IT! Omaha Steve Aug 7 #9
And it's important to note that ActBlue won't sell or share your personal info with anyone beyond the group you gave to progressoid Aug 7 #14
I don't think that's true. I wrote to them last year to protest spooky3 Aug 7 #30
From what I understand, they have to share your info with the candidate or organization you donated to. progressoid Aug 7 #36
They may have, but note that the ActBlue statement spooky3 Aug 7 #41
But there are dozens of ways your number gets shared. Actblue notwithstanding. progressoid Aug 7 #46
agree, though from the donor's PoV I can understand there is really no distinction cadoman Aug 8 #64
That doesn't stop the proliferation HelpImSurrounded Aug 7 #37
I don't believe that. Captain Zero Aug 7 #44
I was also getting frustrated with the quantity of texts. BidenRocks Aug 7 #15
I text back STOP and also let them know that we will be withholding our votes from any.. SeattleVet Aug 7 #16
Darn good idea. Glad for the report that it seems to work. Susan Calvin Aug 7 #22
At this point of the cycle I only give to Chris Murphy. hay rick Aug 7 #17
If anyone were to see my Incoming text log, they'd think Totally Tunsie Aug 7 #18
Posted earlier. Please look at this - professional fundraisers are only giving 1.6% of their donations to the causes. erronis Aug 7 #19
That did it for me iemanja Aug 7 #24
It was driving me more nuts than it does, Susan Calvin Aug 7 #21
Too much begging Espoir Aug 7 #23
I get around 100 such "updates" and requests every day lapfog_1 Aug 7 #26
Same. I now report all of them as junk/spam and delete. All of them. Arazi Aug 7 #28
The problem with that is that political solicitations by law are treated spooky3 Aug 7 #42
I hear you and I have done the same sueh Aug 7 #32
I've posted this before :but will repeat what has worked for me: Marie Marie Aug 7 #33
I've been considering this HelpImSurrounded Aug 7 #40
I donate by check only. They don't have my email Raven123 Aug 8 #58
So do I. DFW Aug 9 #81
If you reply, "STOP" to a text message, the sender will no longer send texts dlk Aug 7 #34
It only blocks the number it comes from Mz Pip Aug 7 #39
Keep at it dlk Aug 7 #45
Just once Mz Pip Aug 7 #38
Don't expect it to stop. COL Mustard Aug 7 #43
lol bigtree Aug 8 #49
I get it Cirsium Aug 8 #57
rando's substack? bigtree Aug 8 #62
Funny Cirsium Aug 8 #66
Thanks for your ableism HelpImSurrounded Aug 8 #67
weird use of a word bigtree Aug 8 #71
Just because you can't see it... HelpImSurrounded Aug 10 #87
I never assume these texts are from our side. Mike Niendorff Aug 8 #52
I'm with you. I get inundated. I unsubscribe and text stop however after a few days the floodgates open again. MLAA Aug 8 #53
I stopped all political contributions because of the massive amount of emails and texts. QED Aug 8 #59
I disagree DownriverDem Aug 8 #60
Disagree with what? HelpImSurrounded Aug 8 #68
I use an easy solution, I unsubscribe or block the sender every time I get such a solicitation. It actually works. Martin68 Aug 8 #61
A reccomendation quakerboy Aug 8 #63
I wish I could but a rule in the texts I get (like my email). Every text with the word paulrevere2018 Aug 8 #65
I feel the same way, but what has me really puzzled is how they got my cellphone number. Vinca Aug 8 #70
When you donated to an individual candidate... Lithos Aug 8 #72
I already run my own email server HelpImSurrounded Aug 10 #88
That's cool Lithos Aug 10 #92
Democratic nominees keep insulting and demeaning voters with texts, calls, and emails. They still are not list listening Akakoji Aug 8 #73
it's just a side hustle for the main money grab Be Leave On Aug 8 #74
Decades ago, I never would have considered agreeing with you. Akakoji Aug 9 #75
You aren't mad at the party. You're mad at the money game. How we fund elections is what needs to be fixed ... marble falls Aug 9 #79
Absolutely. Akakoji Aug 10 #94
So both sides are the same, eh? Who are you going to be voting for? I mean, both sides are the same. marble falls Aug 9 #77
complicated Be Leave On Aug 9 #84
So you can support Democratic and GOP candidates? What GOP candidates do you support now? marble falls Aug 10 #86
And your link is a blog site. marble falls Aug 9 #82
If you don't support Democrats, why are you here? W_HAMILTON Aug 9 #76
Exactly right. Why ARE they here? marble falls Aug 9 #78
Post removed Post removed Aug 10 #91
as usual, making it about something else Nimble_Idea Aug 10 #90
Please read more closely Akakoji Aug 10 #93
Oh, I did. W_HAMILTON Aug 10 #95
I was getting dozens of daily emails. Yonnie3 Aug 9 #80
Leave the party Oeditpus Rex Aug 9 #83
I hear you mike_c Aug 9 #85
when they shysters realize no fucking money is coming, maybe they can unfuck themselves Nimble_Idea Aug 10 #89

Demovictory9

(37,113 posts)
1. Im not sure all those texts are from the DNC, and not from fraudsters
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 05:32 PM
Aug 7

Soooo many using names like "AOC" texting daily

I stick with donating thru act blue or directly to organizations at their websites

Bobstandard

(2,040 posts)
13. Unsubscribing doesn't curb additional proliferation
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 06:52 PM
Aug 7

When you unsubscribe, the final value the political marketing doche bags get from you is to sell your contact info to a different pirate PAC. They take their shot then sell you on down the line, again, and again, and again. Often the next PAC down the line is the same guys with a different bs PAC name and superstructure. Each time the info is passed along more profile data is added. So if you don’t get many of these requests it could be because your zip code or credit card use says you’re not a likely target.
Live in a blue district with a relatively high percentage of folks who actually donate and the hits are endless

The professional political classes could stop this but it’s too useful snd threatening to go up against. You know who likes this system best? Long term incumbents. Can we have some new, fierce blood please?

markodochartaigh

(4,288 posts)
20. Maybe that's it,
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 07:39 PM
Aug 7

I'm getting 75-100 political emails a day. A couple have been impossible to unsubscribe from. But I do unsubscribe from a half dozen a day, in addition to deleting almost all of the rest without reading or signing their "petitions". But the numbers aren't shrinking over time. Now it has metastasized to texts and phone calls. I'm about to abandon my email, I wonder if I'm going to have to change phone numbers too.

Cynically I think that our oiligarchs know that climate change is about to end our civilization and they want to squeeze every drop of blood from us and consolidate their power. I think that the fundraisers may think that this will be their last chance to squeeze us dry.

Historic NY

(39,344 posts)
27. Look for the tiny tiny unsbuscribe button
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 08:02 PM
Aug 7

enlarge your screen its there. The make sure you get off act blue and other donation funnels or newsletters.

markodochartaigh

(4,288 posts)
29. Thank you, I do that
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 08:06 PM
Aug 7

and yet there are a couple of emails which, although I get the "you have been unsubscribed" page, never unsubscribe me. I have AOL so I'm just going to make a new email.

tishaLA

(14,699 posts)
35. gmail now has an unsubscribe button at the top of emails..
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 08:24 PM
Aug 7

it's really helped clear out the clutter because it was such a pain to go through the unsubscribe the old way -- redirect to another site, confirm your desire to unsubscribe, sometimes get quizzed about the reason you're unsubscribing, blah blah blah

dixiegrrrrl

(60,114 posts)
48. Did not know that, thank you.
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 10:18 AM
Aug 8

I donate to DU only because had same problem with political donations.

mercuryblues

(15,906 posts)
51. When they ask why
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 10:41 AM
Aug 8

I tell them that I will be dead for 10 years and you fuckers will still be begging me foe money.

relayerbob

(7,283 posts)
11. That only slows it down a little for a day or two
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 06:18 PM
Aug 7

I've taken to delete and reporting them as spam. I hate to do that, but it's WAY out of control.

Omaha Steve

(107,316 posts)
12. Reply STOP to any unwanted texts
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 06:21 PM
Aug 7

ANY unwanted text! That source will be blocked from reaching you.

Attilatheblond

(7,445 posts)
31. Reply STOP and then BLOCK every phone number you get a text from asking for money if it's not a candidate you know
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 08:14 PM
Aug 7

While I go directly to the web page for candidates I can afford to donate to, the donation button always takes me to Act Blue. Sadly, that group sells our info to EVERY DEM or pretend dem, and we get deluged by texts asking for money for people in other states we probably don't know about. Pretty sure several texts I get are scams. It's infuriating.

Not a good practice and I hope Act Blue is getting the message that we won't go thru them if they continue to pass out our contact info. They need to improve their system and they need to do it NOW.

The other thing that raises suspicion for me is when I get texts promising matching funds for my donation, often very high numbers. I fear some of those ARE scams and I BLOCK any number those texts come from.

HelpImSurrounded

(558 posts)
10. Informative but...
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 06:18 PM
Aug 7

While it helps me feel better about saying "no" it does not offer an strategy for defense.

HelpImSurrounded

(558 posts)
69. Thank you this may turn out to be helpful
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 02:59 PM
Aug 8

I've been digging deeper into this and it there may be a way for me to stop the flood. This has been the most useful response I've gotten.

Qutzupalotl

(15,544 posts)
5. There is another way.
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 05:49 PM
Aug 7

I suggest only donating through oath.vote.

It's free, they don't sell your info, don't spam you, and are transparent about their operating costs — you can elect to leave them a tip, or not.

The site is set up to prioritize races that are close to flipping, but you can search for any individual race.

https://oath.vote

calimary

(88,044 posts)
8. Sometimes you just have to draw the line.
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 06:07 PM
Aug 7

So many of those same requests always seemed to find me, also, until I finally stopped. I learned that if you show a little kindness and generosity once, then you’re hounded from then on. AND I understand they sell their donor lists so others can swarm you for funding, too.

I finally started saying “NO!” Period.

Omaha Steve

(107,316 posts)
9. ActBlue charges 3.95% for the credit card fee THAT IS IT!
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 06:17 PM
Aug 7

The DU has raised OVER $3.5 MILLION through ActBlue in the last 10 years.

ActBlue raises it's $ through tips.

https://www.actblue.com/pricing/

It’s all about simplicity
Setting up an ActBlue account is quick, and our pricing structure is simple: there is a 3.95% processing fee on each contribution. You’ll have access to our full suite of fundraising features, as well as personalized support for you and your donors at no additional cost.

progressoid

(52,084 posts)
14. And it's important to note that ActBlue won't sell or share your personal info with anyone beyond the group you gave to
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 06:54 PM
Aug 7

spooky3

(37,972 posts)
30. I don't think that's true. I wrote to them last year to protest
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 08:08 PM
Aug 7

The plethora of texts etc from all types of Democrats who surely obtained my contact info from ActBlue. They told me that they were required by law to share that info.

progressoid

(52,084 posts)
36. From what I understand, they have to share your info with the candidate or organization you donated to.
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 08:58 PM
Aug 7

It's likely that the candidate or organization sold or shared your info. That is quite common.

Our features and customer support make it possible for groups to raise more money and easy for donors to give. We scale to meet the complex needs of the largest campaigns and ensure that our technology is intuitive and accessible for down-ballot and first-time candidates. And, it’s our priority to ensure that donors’ contributions are processed securely and their personal information is protected. ActBlue does not sell donor data or information. Ever.

https://www.actblue.com/about/


spooky3

(37,972 posts)
41. They may have, but note that the ActBlue statement
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 09:16 PM
Aug 7

Says that they don’t “sell” information. That’s not the same as “not sharing” or “not providing” information.

progressoid

(52,084 posts)
46. But there are dozens of ways your number gets shared. Actblue notwithstanding.
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 11:17 PM
Aug 7

Candidates and parties can easily get your voting information directly from the state. And depending on the state in which you live, that can include phone numbers and email addresses. I have a couple friends who have run for office. One of the first things they do is pay for the data base of all registered voters.
https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/access-to-and-use-of-voter-registration-lists

Then there are previously mentioned sharing from candidates. As the EFF states:

Campaigns also share information about you with other campaigns, so if you register with a candidate one year, it's likely that information goes to another in the future. For example, the website for Adam’s Schiff’s campaign to serve as U.S. Senator from California has a privacy policy with this line under “Sharing of Information”:

With organizations, candidates, campaigns, groups, or causes that we believe have similar political viewpoints, principles, or objectives or share similar goals and with organizations that facilitate communications and information sharing among such groups


Similar language can be found on other campaign sites, including those for Elizabeth Warren and Ted Cruz. These candidate lists are valuable, and are often shared within the national party. In 2017, the Hillary Clinton campaign gave its email list to the Democratic National Committee, a contribution valued at $3.5 million.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/04/how-political-campaigns-use-your-data-target-you


If you want to go through a data broker, Target Smart claims to have 171 million accurate phone numbers for sale. https://targetsmart.com/data-solutions/

If you are, lets say less than scrupulous, there are plenty of dark web sources to get info for spamming.

Etc., etc., etc.

 

cadoman

(1,617 posts)
64. agree, though from the donor's PoV I can understand there is really no distinction
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 02:18 PM
Aug 8

The ultimate result is that when they use ActBlue they end up on other lists.

What donors (and voters) maybe don't understand: your info really isn't private. Voter registration info is public info. Campaign donations are public info. When you donate to a campaign, you have to supply the info to satisfy regulations.

For non-profits there are similar laws.

You really can't donate anonymously when it comes to politics. Think of the consequences if we could.

HelpImSurrounded

(558 posts)
37. That doesn't stop the proliferation
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 09:03 PM
Aug 7

I have my own mail server. I created new emails for each campaign. Those addresses got passed on even when I went through actblue

Captain Zero

(8,497 posts)
44. I don't believe that.
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 09:50 PM
Aug 7

And I feel I have had success over a period of time of just unsubscribing whenever I get one from you know some hopeless Democratic candidate in a red district it seems to have lessened how many I get how often I get them and then when you get it down to that manageable amount it's easy to eventually remove them from spam put them back in the inbox and unsubscribe.

BidenRocks

(2,349 posts)
15. I was also getting frustrated with the quantity of texts.
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 07:21 PM
Aug 7

I cannot hurt a computers feelings.
I unsubscribed and it's been months of peace.

I stay informed and maintain my Act Blue option.

SeattleVet

(5,761 posts)
16. I text back STOP and also let them know that we will be withholding our votes from any..
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 07:22 PM
Aug 7

Candidate or cause that texts to this number.

I tell them to delete the number and tell whoever they got it from to stop passing it around.

The threat of losing votes seems to have cut way back on the volume of campaign messages that we get.

hay rick

(9,095 posts)
17. At this point of the cycle I only give to Chris Murphy.
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 07:33 PM
Aug 7

I delete all other fundraising emails/texts unread. It doesn't take long.

Totally Tunsie

(11,332 posts)
18. If anyone were to see my Incoming text log, they'd think
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 07:34 PM
Aug 7

that Colin Allred and I were having an affair! Damn, I don't even live in Texas (thankfully).

erronis

(21,566 posts)
19. Posted earlier. Please look at this - professional fundraisers are only giving 1.6% of their donations to the causes.
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 07:35 PM
Aug 7
https://digbysblog.net/2025/08/06/e-spamalot/
But here’s the kicker. “Since 2018, this core network of Mothership-linked PACs has raised approximately $678 million from individual donors,” Bonica writes. But after consulting fees, $22.5 million to a text message delivery vendor, staff salaries, etc., Bonica drops the bomb:

My analysis of the network’s FEC disbursements reveals that, at most, $11 million of the $678 million raised from individuals has made its way to candidates, campaigns, or the national party committees.

But here’s the number that should end all debate:

This represents a fundraising efficiency rate of just 1.6 percent.



When you send money to these groups, it ain't helping the candidates!

My DU post: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220542490

Susan Calvin

(2,365 posts)
21. It was driving me more nuts than it does,
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 07:52 PM
Aug 7

Until I started just deleting them as they came in rather than bothering to say stop. It drives me nuts when the reply to stop comes from a different number. I don't think mine are coming from the dnc, I think they're coming from act blue. I used to look at some if I recognized the name and remembered something positive about it, but there are just too many. If you are not Beto, Bernie, or AOC, you are deleted without ceremony immediately.

Espoir

(18 posts)
23. Too much begging
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 07:53 PM
Aug 7

I understand why they target previous donors, but I have stopped donating to more than a few of worthy charities that were close to my heart because it just invited a flood of unwanted mail, spam, and phone calls. If they had an option for "just donate money and we'll bother you no further" I'd be all in! This includes political and other fund-raising. They treat donors poorly.

lapfog_1

(31,309 posts)
26. I get around 100 such "updates" and requests every day
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 07:58 PM
Aug 7

I contributed quite a bit last election cycle.

But... every request goes to the bit bucket right now.

When elections start up again... I will be there.

spooky3

(37,972 posts)
42. The problem with that is that political solicitations by law are treated
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 09:20 PM
Aug 7

Different from commercial solicitations due to the first amendment. The former are viewed as free speech, with more protections. They aren’t treated as “spam” even if you report the political begging.

sueh

(1,921 posts)
32. I hear you and I have done the same
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 08:14 PM
Aug 7

I've unsubscribed to all the email and STOPPED the texts. Enough is enough, DNC .

Marie Marie

(10,612 posts)
33. I've posted this before :but will repeat what has worked for me:
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 08:21 PM
Aug 7

When I want to donate to a particular candidate, I get a money order (yes I know -not quite as convenient as on line or writing a check but many grocery stores sell them) sign my name so that it is absolutely illegible (think worse than Trump's signature) stick it in an envelope without adding my return address and drop it in the mail. They are happy for the donation no matter how it comes to them and I have NEVER been traced or bothered for more donations because they have no idea who I am. Been doing that for years.

Raven123

(7,137 posts)
58. I donate by check only. They don't have my email
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 12:01 PM
Aug 8

Sure I get junk snail mail, but I just toss it in recycling bin on my way from the mailbox. Never gets in the door. I suspect there is a lot more sent electronically, because it is cheaper and more convenient.

DFW

(59,120 posts)
81. So do I.
Sat Aug 9, 2025, 08:19 AM
Aug 9

I usually only donate to candidates I know anyway, important specific races excepted, obviously.

But I retired from the online/credit card game many years ago. Some races are really crucial (e.g. Jon Ossoff next year), and I’m not OK with a couple of hundred dollars of my contribution going to some “processing fee” instead of Jon’s campaign. It’s bad enough that I have to earn four times in salary the amount that I make as a non-tax-deductible contribution (it’s easier if you live in the USA). But to send a check costs the price of a stamp. That’s 78 cents in the States or €1.25 in Germany, and the postal services don’t sell my address to contribution solicitors calling me “Deborah” and imploring me to “step up.”

It’s pretty obvious that Nancy Pelosi is not letting me know that she “needs” just 15 more $25 donations from my zip code to cure cancer and flip the House by next weekend.

dlk

(12,977 posts)
34. If you reply, "STOP" to a text message, the sender will no longer send texts
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 08:24 PM
Aug 7

Sometimes it takes unsubscribing several times to stop emails. It can be done, though. Good luck.

Mz Pip

(28,240 posts)
38. Just once
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 09:13 PM
Aug 7

Just once I would like an email telling me what they are doing without asking for money.

JUST ONCE.

COL Mustard

(7,655 posts)
43. Don't expect it to stop.
Thu Aug 7, 2025, 09:21 PM
Aug 7

I'm afraid the horse has left the barn on that topic. I started getting texts literally the day after the election and while it's slowed, it hasn't stopped and it's not all from my home state. I'm like you; I'm not giving anything else to a Democrat until the party finds its footing. The big donors can do that; all the DNC can count on now is my vote.

bigtree

(92,967 posts)
49. lol
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 10:31 AM
Aug 8

...so hard to just delete them?

Second post I've seen here on this in as many days.

I can think of better things to do to support the party than complain about the DNC's necessary fundraising.

And Democrats are damned if they do and damned if they don't.

Making an issue of this is spurious and counterproductive, imo.

here's the real story of DNC fundraising this year:

Under-Fire Democratic National Committee Raises $8.6 Million In June
Chair Ken Martin set a fundraising record, but the committee badly trails its GOP counterpart.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/democratic-national-committee-fundraising-june_n_687dbb2ae4b09c4b75ea2bcc

...the problem isn't too many appeals, ffs, it's too little donations.

Keep up.

Cirsium

(2,979 posts)
66. Funny
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 02:53 PM
Aug 8

I hadn't considered that objection.

I find editor Heather Parton far more credible than most.

Some rando's DU post? Nah.

bigtree

(92,967 posts)
71. weird use of a word
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 03:28 PM
Aug 8

...what is the disability here?

Not inconvenience, annoyance, or technical inabilities, which are subjective one's particularities, and not conditional like a physical or mental impairment - which is where 'ableism' might be an appropriate argument.

But I believe I'm addressing the persuasion in this post, can I call it, to just stop giving because, emails, and the obliging responses.

Like I said, delete is your friend for scam emails. It's just that simple, so I don't understand the ding against DNC which needs MORE donations right now.

If you give less than $50 IN CASH, you can do it completely anonymously.

But look, I seriously doubt the DNC is passing your name around. It's basically illegalto sell or use of any information about donors, including their names and addresses, for the purpose of soliciting contributions or for commercial purposes.

Where donors names are found is PUBLIC RECORDS at the FEC which campaigns are required to submit, by law.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, federal law requires that all political action committees (PACs), political parties, and federal candidates disclose any and all contributions that they receive that are over $200. This information, which includes donors' names, addresses, occupations, and employer information, then becomes public record freely available — and easily searchable — via the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

That being said, Bustle was easily able to find the names and personal information of a number of people who'd made donations of less than $200 to presidential candidates and partisan political organizations during the 2016 election. Some of those public records appeared to be folks who had made either a one-time donation of less than $200 or a few single or double-digit donations to a candidate, organization, or state's political party.

It's worth noting that ActBlue's privacy policy clearly states that "campaign finance law requires that we send your name, address, occupation, and employer information along with details of your donation to the recipient of your contribution and report this information in our reports to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) or the relevant respective state agency." The organization does not appear to limit its reported records to donations valued at more than $200.

Other records of single and double digit donations in the FEC's database, however, turned out to be financial donations from people whose combined year-to-date contributions to one particular candidate or organization totaled more than $200. For example, let's say Jane Doe made monthly donations of $25 to the political candidate of her choice. In eight months she'll have donated $200 and her chosen political candidate would legally be required to disclose all of her contributions and information to the FEC. In fact, it would take just a year's worth of recurring monthly donations valued at $16.75 to push a person to the FEC's $200 disclosure limit.

It's worth noting, however, that there are thousands of contributions listed in the FEC's database as having been gifted by "anonymous, anonymous" or "anonymous, no data," and even "ASDFA, ASDFSD.

https://www.bustle.com/p/can-i-donate-to-a-political-candidate-anonymously-the-fec-has-strict-rules-17228409

HelpImSurrounded

(558 posts)
87. Just because you can't see it...
Sun Aug 10, 2025, 12:39 PM
Aug 10

There are forms of neurodivergence and anxiety for which this kind of bombing is disabling. Thus the original title of my post.

Mike Niendorff

(3,631 posts)
52. I never assume these texts are from our side.
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 10:48 AM
Aug 8

If they are, it's one of the worst and most counterproductive tactics in history.

But as for me, I've seen more than enough dirty tricks from the other side, I'm never just blindly assuming that a barrage of deliberately annoying texts -- proclaiming "we're losing!", "the other side is too strong!", "we're scraping for your spare change!" -- no, I never just blindly assume that all of those are from the good guys.

Bad guys know how to blast you with phony texts too.


MDN

MLAA

(19,550 posts)
53. I'm with you. I get inundated. I unsubscribe and text stop however after a few days the floodgates open again.
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 10:54 AM
Aug 8

QED

(3,204 posts)
59. I stopped all political contributions because of the massive amount of emails and texts.
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 12:24 PM
Aug 8

I doubled my monthly PBS donation and routinely donate to local animal rescues I know. Although there are candidates and causes I'd like to support, I just don't want to deal with the fallout.

Here's an interesting thing that's happened in the past couple of weeks: I started getting print solicitations from St. Jude's, whom I've never supported, and another charity I can't recall right now. Both of these had my name spelled incorrectly and my gender wrong. I never use that spelling so the question is where did this originate?

BTW - the St. Jude's manipulative ads are just off-putting. Getting parents to cry on camera....then there are the animal rescue ads. Just sentimental cloying crap playing on people's sympathy.

DownriverDem

(6,913 posts)
60. I disagree
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 01:03 PM
Aug 8

I am a proud member of the Democratic Party. I give what I can to candidates including the DNC. I just delete the texts I don't want to read. I support the Dems and want them to be able to fight. I don't want to have any regrets.

HelpImSurrounded

(558 posts)
68. Disagree with what?
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 02:57 PM
Aug 8

Your response is ableist. It's not that I'm pissed it's that I'm overwhelmed to the point of shutdown,

But thanks for not listening.

Martin68

(26,544 posts)
61. I use an easy solution, I unsubscribe or block the sender every time I get such a solicitation. It actually works.
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 01:23 PM
Aug 8

quakerboy

(14,575 posts)
63. A reccomendation
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 02:00 PM
Aug 8

I think many of us are familiar with the idea of having a spam email.. the one we use to sign up for anything online thats going to market or sell us.. the email we check once a year to just hit delete all.

A google voice phone number (or pick your alternative online provider of choice) can serve the same purpose for phone needs.

paulrevere2018

(79 posts)
65. I wish I could but a rule in the texts I get (like my email). Every text with the word
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 02:35 PM
Aug 8

donate gets deleted.

Vinca

(52,826 posts)
70. I feel the same way, but what has me really puzzled is how they got my cellphone number.
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 03:18 PM
Aug 8

I never, ever, give it out when donating money. I don't give the landline number either, but we rarely get political stuff bugging us there. Throw in my silent as a church mouse Democratic representative and I'm not in a donating mood either.

Lithos

(26,583 posts)
72. When you donated to an individual candidate...
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 04:03 PM
Aug 8

Then the data was collected by that candidate, specifically their campaign manager.

Some campaigns, when they are in a financial crunch, sell this data to other Democratic groups. In addition, some campaign managers view this data as something they get to use post-campaign.

This information includes not only campaign donations, but also information the campaign collected on the way by other means.

And as people have noted, this information also falls into the hands of fraudsters.

It's not the DNC, but the individual campaign managers.

How you fight this is to create a burner email account (ex: myname+politics@gmail.com) (note the "+&quot . Use this to create a label and filter out the messages into the digital bit bucket. Then use this to donate directly to only those campaigns you support. Ignore any/all campaign outreach asking for money, as it is not only annoying, but also possibly a fraud.

L-

HelpImSurrounded

(558 posts)
88. I already run my own email server
Sun Aug 10, 2025, 12:42 PM
Aug 10

So I have my own wildcard scheme I use to catch who sells my data.

Phone numbers are more complicated. Tracking them is much harder for me. Between google phone and virtual sims I can do it but I have to track it more closely.

Lithos

(26,583 posts)
92. That's cool
Sun Aug 10, 2025, 01:37 PM
Aug 10

I used to do that as well, but ran out of time/energy in the day to keep everything up. Kids did that for me.

L-

Akakoji

(410 posts)
73. Democratic nominees keep insulting and demeaning voters with texts, calls, and emails. They still are not list listening
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 06:42 PM
Aug 8

I'm sure the DU control matrix will pull this post down. They seem to have developed a non-productive aversion to having truth be told one this platform. That's why I also always make a copy of anything I post beforehand.

Democratic nominees keep insulting and demeaning voters with texts, calls, and emails.

They still are not list listening. Some even use information I consider private. When someone out of the blue - at least 50 new people a day beg for money every single day - uses my first and last name along with other information, contacts me to ask for money, or claims they are introducing themselves while begging for money, I immediately got to info on my phone and block that number. Then, I delete and report the caller. I know that will NOT do anything, that the candidate most likely has contracted with a company to do this trawling, but it's a form of self affirmation for me at this point. It takes me at least 45 minutes a day to do this, as you can't just do it from one device anymore. Once it comes through any device it has to be deleted on that device. I typically use a phone, tablet, and desktop.

Besides, the carriers bill me anyway for this ongoing predation, so why would they actually do anything but ignore it? I can still see on my monthly bill the hundreds of calls and texts made by people harassing me. If you try to respond directly to them, or go to their websites to communicate with them, all you get is a form to donate money, then an onslaught of new texts and calls and emails asking for money. This even happens when you donate money to them according to colleagues that still do so.

Democrats just don't understand that people are being forced to hold their money more tightly, and that many of us are being buried alive by the GOP policies that are being instituted. They think only of themselves, and collecting money. Why would I ever believe, or even listen to anyone that comes at me in this manner? I accidentally blocked a doctor who was following up using a text based system that everyone seems to have adopted. Along with an AI based system that does not understand my responses.

Ask yourselves why I have this prepared response all set up. I'm not retyping it 50 times a day. I'm never, ever giving money to a Democratic politician again. I'll vote for them, unless they have completely worn me down when the time to do so comes around. I don't want to hear the mewling that everyone collects money this way, or that it is impossible to talk directly to each potential voter and as them for their vote and their money. Because that's a reality that exists only in their head, or the plan conconted by their handlers and campaign managers.

If anyone wants my vote or my money, they will ask for it in person. At this point, they probably have no way to even hear this feedback and declaration of agency if indeed they are trying to listen. The system didn't change. For 50 years of my life I've voted for and given money to people that asked me for it, sometime in very early morning or late hours while I was commuting to work.

Until recently, Republican have had no problems doing this. That's why they keep winning. Not because they have better policies, or even beneficial policies, than Democrats. They just make sure that people feel heard. Because in this attention driven world and economy in which people believe that being heard is a sign of support and affirmation, that's all that maters.

It's just the latest incarnation of the bread and circus form of politics that has previously been described as resentment politics. People desperately want to feel like they belong to something; that they have connected. Responding to an online or otherwise invasive communication doesn't get anywhere near there.

Be Leave On

(347 posts)
74. it's just a side hustle for the main money grab
Fri Aug 8, 2025, 09:03 PM
Aug 8

We have a two-party election system, where both parties are merely wealth extraction schemes doing political propaganda as side hustles.

also oligarchy unbounded...
https://pluralistic.net/2025/08/07/the-people-no-2/

Akakoji

(410 posts)
75. Decades ago, I never would have considered agreeing with you.
Sat Aug 9, 2025, 07:10 AM
Aug 9

I don't now, but we certainly are in a state where money is outright buying politicians as well as buying all media. Capitalism is completely unchecked under the current administration so you may be stating a fact that I'm just unwilling to give it that name. Unless all oligarchies are corrupt and devoid of ethical restraints.

marble falls

(68,876 posts)
79. You aren't mad at the party. You're mad at the money game. How we fund elections is what needs to be fixed ...
Sat Aug 9, 2025, 07:33 AM
Aug 9

... not the DNC.

marble falls

(68,876 posts)
77. So both sides are the same, eh? Who are you going to be voting for? I mean, both sides are the same.
Sat Aug 9, 2025, 07:29 AM
Aug 9

Be Leave On

(347 posts)
84. complicated
Sat Aug 9, 2025, 12:34 PM
Aug 9

It's complicated. I don't tend tend to "both sides" my views, and my views have changed a lot over many years. I cannot know who I'll vote for in upcoming elections, as the candidates haven't been nominated yet. I'm not optimistic about the choices that will be available, but remain hopeful nonetheless.
In my long history, I have made choices that I remain proud of, and choices that now embarrass me. I have previously voted for Democrats, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians, independents, and maybe even some outliers. No party gets my unconditional support, and never has. Maybe I'm wishy-washy, but definitely independent.
(The link I provided above points to an article written by Cory Doctorow, an intelligent and insightful author. I didn't read any comments made about that article on that site, but found the article itself worth reading.)

Response to marble falls (Reply #78)

Akakoji

(410 posts)
93. Please read more closely
Sun Aug 10, 2025, 05:20 PM
Aug 10

You’ve mistakenly conflated responding to their abusive fundraising efforts and who I vote for.

Yonnie3

(18,959 posts)
80. I was getting dozens of daily emails.
Sat Aug 9, 2025, 08:01 AM
Aug 9

I put this in as the reason to unsubscribe when asked. It says "why do I need to unsubscribe when I have never subscribed?" I go on to say I do contribute to campaigns but never in response to an unsolicited email.

I do wonder if they even read those reasons for unsubscribing.

At least they seem to be honoring my unsubscribe requests. Unfortunately there seem to be new PACs or other entities who start emailing me periodically.

Oeditpus Rex

(42,898 posts)
83. Leave the party
Sat Aug 9, 2025, 10:40 AM
Aug 9

I did in 2004, and the flood of solicitations stopped within a month.

Re-register as "No party preference" (not "Independent," as that's an actual party), if that's an option in your state. You can still continue to essentially be a Democrat, but the party and its candidates and causes will stop dogging you for money..

mike_c

(36,786 posts)
85. I hear you
Sat Aug 9, 2025, 02:22 PM
Aug 9

I've had much the same experience, although I'm not sure just who is selling access to my data. I still use my university email account, but cannot keep up with all the spam, much of it political, from both dems AND repubs. My wife is even worse. She gives small donations to many causes, like $5 each, trying to spread the love. Now ninety percent of our USPS mail is funding appeals, addressed to her. She's a soft touch, but she's feeling increasingly over burdened. We're retired, so we too need to be strategic about giving.

It has occurred to us that the recipient causes get funded more than once for every donation: once from the donations themselves, and again every time they sell our data. Some have few scruples about who they sell it to, evidenced by the volume of republican and conservative appeals we receive.

 

Nimble_Idea

(2,849 posts)
89. when they shysters realize no fucking money is coming, maybe they can unfuck themselves
Sun Aug 10, 2025, 12:53 PM
Aug 10

and get rid of the trump maga brain collection efforts and go back to being normal.

until then, they can stay fucking themselves.

I have given ZIP since the fraud election and will stay that way

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