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Keller @ Large: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

BOSTON (CBS) - Sometimes, good ideas can grow out of what seems like infertile ground.

Case in point -- the so-called "RageDonate" movement, in which people upset about the election of Donald Trump channel their anger, fear or loathing into donations to appropriate non-profit or charitable organizations.

For example, the local branch of Planned Parenthood has seen a huge increase in donations being made in the name of Vice President-elect Mike Pence, a staunch opponent of abortion rights and Planned Parenthood critic. Similar donation surges have occurred at the American Civil Liberties Union and for groups that defend the rights of Muslims and Jews.

This strikes me as a much more constructive response to political changes you don't like than venting on Facebook, yelling at a relative, or tearing down a neighbor's yard sign.

And I see no reason why supporters of the new administration can't adopt the same approach.

Think police get a bad rap from their critics? Why not give to one of the numerous funds that support police families?

Support local control of education policy? Donate to your local PTA.

The experts keep telling us that our economy can't really boom until businesses that have been sitting on capital feel comfortable spending it on expansion and employment. Perhaps the same can be said about the non-profit world.

If all our negative political energy were channeled into constructive, organized, issue-based engagement and social services instead of just hot air and rhetoric, maybe something positive could happen.

Putting your money where your mouth is could be one of the better ideas I've heard lately.

Let the giving begin.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

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