I was going to start this out with an appeal to our better nature and some hackneyed nostalgia for donating to the Obama campaign.  Then I realized how late it was.  Please forgive me my brevity.

I know a lot of us here are concerned about the situation in Gaza, and the effects on ordinary Palestinian civilians.  That said, there's a world of difference between writing angry blogs and actually getting involved.  Volunteering in Gaza is obviously not an option that many can take, but we can still support those who are willing and able -- and do it from the comfort and safety of our own homes.

Here are a few organizations that I hope you'll consider donating to.  All are highly rated in terms of efficiency and bang for buck.  None are linked to Hamas, and you should not fear getting watch- or no-fly-listed as a consequence of helping.

MAP - Medical Aid for Palestinians
MAP is a British charity that has working in the area since 1984.  MAP's priorities are in providing healthcare and improving nutrition and hygiene in Palestinian refugee camps.  They also work to better environmental health by providing proper sewage disposal and road paving.  Since it is a British charity, the online donation form is in pounds.  Online currency converters are a dime a dozen, but as a rough guide, £33 is about equal to $50.

Oxfam America's Gaza Fund
Oxfam is a confederation of organizations working in over 120 countries with a stated goal of "finding lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice."  They work on a wide array of issues, but the Gaza fund in particular has been set up to provide emergency medical care, food supply, shelter, and sanitation.  Once conditions improve, they will turn towards rebuilding.

Médecins Sans Frontières
AKA Doctors Without Borders.  MSF has no fund specifically targeting Gaza, but they are active in the region and you can rest assured your money is being put to good use no matter where it ends up.  Wherever there are people in crisis, MSF is there to help.  Apart from emergency medical care, MSF provides services to impoverished hospitals (vaccines, medical equipment, and training), access to safe water, AIDS treatment and testing, and so on.

Palestinian Fair Trade Association/Canaan Fair Trade
Support Palestinians directly by buying fair trade goods from area farmers.  You can buy a variety of goods (many of them organically and sustainably manufactured), or donate cash for farmers to buy more olive trees.  CFT also funds scholarships for rural and refugee Palestinian students.

And just incase your sympathies are elsewhere, you can always buy pizza, ice cream, and Coke for IDF troops.  (Or more seriously, Oxfam also has an Israeli fund, but I feel it's pretty easy to distinguish who is in greater need at the moment).

Anything you're able to give is, I'm sure, greatly appreciated.

The only news source carrying the story so far seems to be MSNBC, but it looks legit:

Bill Richardson has withdrawn himself from the position of Commerce Secretary due to the ongoing investigation of his business deals.

"Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact.  But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process.  I appreciate the confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I pray for his success and the success of our beloved country."

So, who's going to take his place?