Over at Military Underdog, Eric Mayer shows why criminal defense lawyers, a hardened bunch under most circumstances, have just about the biggest heart of all in the profession.

Today, I became aware of a holiday project undertaken by several classes at a Fort Leonard Wood elementary school. Rather than the typical gift exchange prior to the holiday season, each class adopts a family (mainly children) that is presumably living in a state of poverty. The idea is that the school’s children and their families pool resources and gifts in order for this family’s youngsters to have a truly merry holiday season. In most circles, this is called Adopt-a-Family.

I’ve seen several of these programs, and often the family is lavished with an amazing amount of gifts, from toys to clothing. It benefits the designated family, but it also shows you that generosity is not dead. In the end, it is usually a win-win situation for everyone involved. It is nice to see this particular elementary school teaching its students how good it feels to give.

Sure, the classes are doing the adopting, but Eric is doing the writing about the adopting, spreading both the idea and the reminder that this is how we should be, how our children should be raised, how society should help others.  Despite Eric’s deniably sensitive side, he posts not to praise, but to make a broader point.

The problem arose when the list of items that this poor, adopted family wanted for the holidays, which I assume to mean Christmas, included electronic games.  What type, you wonder?  Games for the Wii as well as games for the Xbox 360.  In other words, this below the poverty line family has both platforms running in their hovel.

That’s it. They pushed me over the edge. I’m calling bullshit.

Not one, but two electronic gaming systems–and the latest generation of said gaming systems, no less.

Now, before you label me as a horrible, hard-hearted jerk, consider this. I agree that people in our nation should be free to apportion their money for their own purposes. I am a libertarian after all. I also agree that people deserve a little entertainment and superfluous purchases now and then, and I believe that people of all income levels deserve happiness.

Hey, don’t look at me, Eric.  I’m with you.  And that’s why I write about what you write about. 

Do they have the right to buy as much electronic crud as their paychecks and credit cards will allow? Sure. But, I draw the line when they then hold themselves out as needy and worthy of the charity of others.  I’m probably a bit jaded. After all, I witnessed, first hand, refugees from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita using their FEMA/Red Cross debit cards to buy heaps of DVDs, CDs, and video games–only days after I opened my wallet substantially to the cause. I understand why so many resist charitable participation.

For years, I’ve tried to remind people to give, but give wisely.  As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, and in anticipation of the Christmas season, and while there remains many in our country who are unemployed and whose families are suffering, this is a critical time to help others.  I wrote this two years ago, and it’s every bit as true today:

My prickly demeanor notwithstanding, charitable involvement has long played a vital role on my life. I’ve enjoyed a blessed life, and I know it.  Others have not, and I want to help.  It is my hope that you, dear reader, feel the same, on this Thanksgiving day and every day. 

This year presents grave problems for charities, as it is far harder to part with donations when you are suffering as well.  For some, it simply won’t be possible.  But for those who can, it’s critically important that you reassess where you give, as all charities are struggling in this economy, and most will fall far short of their goals.

When there are hungry children to be fed, they come before families worried about having the coolest games for both the Wii and Xbox 360.  The adopt-a-family idea is wonderful, but not excuse to suspend reason or to take one’s charitable largesse and put it to foolish use. 

Eric still plans to give.  That’s because he’s a person of good character, a criminal defense lawyer who understands that its incumbent upon those of us who enjoy a wonderful life to help others.  But having a good heart doesn’t require him to have no brain.

Oh, don’t worry, I’ll contribute. I always do. After all, this is the giving time of year, no matter our gripes.

I want to give them jammies, but my teenager suggested something that would better facilitate their happiness and holiday joy.

A surge protector.

Please give.  Please give wisely.