Thanks for all the responses.
I've seen MSF on the ground, helping the indigent and injured - and, yes, even American citizens - in need of overseas medical help.
There was no "set up", I've given them money previously due to my eyewitness observation of MSF's usefulness and sincerity abroad. They do serious good work.
But I did find the MSF North America response to be .... unbelievable.. ridiculous. It was from Quebec.
If they cannot find it in their mission to help in NO, I have no need for them anymore.
I WILL get my donation back from them, and kick it over to the Salvation Army.
Well, you seem DETERMINED to get your money back, so....
On the other hand, it could be $500 well spent if you threaten to publicize the fact that they refuse to treat U.S. Citizens.
Simply call the PR Director and inform how you have feelers out to newspapers and radio and television shows, on getting interviewed re--
TAKING THE BULK OF THEIR OPERATING INCOME FROM U.S. CITIZENS, BUT REFUSING TO TREAT U.S. CITIZENS IN TIME OF MEDICAL DISASTER.
You will probably be offered your money back.
Do not take it.
Respond that you would like to hear of a press release and press conference within 24 hours, saying that Doctors, owing to the gravity of the situation in NO, is immediately dispatching as much personnel as it can to the area.
Let them know that you will not let go, and you suspect that many, many, MANY Americans will not be too pleased about their refusal...and that they would likely never donate their money again.
Mention O'Reilly.
Let them know it ain't just you.
Let them know you belong to a powerful online community, whose members organize and line up behind causes at the speed of internet.
Let them know that it has a quarter million members, and just about every one of them is a stubborn, principled big mouth WHO FOLLOWS THROUGH.
Just a thought.