Negative99

There is currently a discussion on Albany’s local music blog, operated by CRUMBS.net, over the recent surge in local benefit concerts. It was local music promoter and blog contributor Bill Bucher - a fifth generation firefighter - who weighed in on the topic.

Of the suspect benefit concerts there was one that stood out. A local man named Bruce Martin is having a benefit as a “fallen firefighter” for medical bills and from “on the job” nerve damage while serving as a volunteer. Apparently, though, this benefit concert might be a sham. Those close to the situation say that many people who know Bruce Martin have called the music venue to voice concerns about the veracity of Martin’s claims. There’s even talk of Martin being kicked out of his old firefighting unit for cause. Increased speculation grew of how “debilitating” Martin’s condition really is if he intends to perform on stage at his own concert, and if he has the mobility to make a YouTube video.

Anyways… here’s an excerpt of a comment I made in response to someone questioning the critique of local benefits, and to assigning responsibility on the venue for determining “worthiness”:

@Bob
I agree with you that there are many legit benefit concerts. Just last year there was one in this area, and one in Rhode Island (I think), for my wife’s god-daughter who has leukemia. This was a VERY legit cause and the little girl’s family received some welcome assistance.

I disagree with you on a few points, though. I don’t think it’s the venue’s responsibility to verify benefits. Why would it be? They get hired to provide or donate a service just like everyone else involved. It’s EVERYONE’s responsibility to keep a sharp mind and a critical eye on EVERYTHING and EVERYONE that asks for money… from benefit concerts to bums. The event organizer’s should be held accountable for the legitimacy of an event. I will agree with you that the venue may take on some of the potential blame to whatever extent they personally use the charitability of the event to boost attendance (and by extension their own alcohol sales).

I also don’t think blogs like this do any harm in making people aware of crooked benefit events. It may cause people to be a little more wary… but that’s a GOOD thing. People should always be wary… they should ALWAYS be paying attention to where their money goes. Sure, you may dissuade lazy-minded curmudgeons who decide to never give any money anymore… but in the end legit and worthy causes have only to BENEFIT by people carefully choosing to give money to where it’s really needed.

Speaking of benefits for medical costs… the biggest reason why medical costs (including drugs) are so ridiculous is because of the liability on doctors, hospitals and drug companies by trial lawyer firms… firms similar to that of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti. Another reason for high drug costs are that drug companies don’t fear dumping billions into research because they know they’ll recoup it through indirect subsidy via medicaid and medicare. So one of the BEST LONG-TERM things you can do for loved ones with high medical costs is to push for Tort reform (including medical liability caps) and medical entitlement reform.

Catch the whole Bill Bucher article and all the comments here.

It is of note that Bruce Martin is the son of Martin from local big-name law firm Martin, Harding & Mazzotti. That has the making of a whole new blog post, doesn’t it?