Fundraising Platform Discontinues Campaigns for Luigi Mangione
GoFundMe, the popular crowdfunding platform, has eliminated all legitimate fundraisers for Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson in New York on Dec. 4. However, there's one platform that's allowing Mangione's fundraisers to proceed, and it has a questionable track record with right-wing causes.
According to a representative from GoFundMe, their Terms of Service prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of violent crimes. Consequently, the fundraisers have been expunged from their platform, and all contributors have been reimbursed.
GiveSendGo, a self-proclaimed "Christian" platform with a history of contentious fundraisers for right-wing personalities, has done more than just permit a fundraiser for Mangione; it's showcased on their homepage. As of this writing, the fundraiser has surpassed $85,000 in donations.
Although it's unclear whether Mangione will accept the funds being raised in his name, his lawyer in Altoona, Pennsylvania, expressed doubts to CNN earlier this week. In response to the fundraising initiatives, lawyer Tom Dickey expressed reservations, saying, "I don't feel comfortable with that. I haven't given it much thought, but I'm not interested." Dickey further elaborated, "Obviously, my client appreciates the support he's received, but it just doesn't sit right with me."
An independent reporter obtained a brief note allegedly penned by Mangione, discussing the healthcare industry's perceived exploitation of the country for immense profits and corruption. Mangione is portrayed as a revolting figure in mainstream news coverage, with TV and print media outlets painting an exaggeratedly gruesome image of him. However, the narrative on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram has been significantly more sympathetic towards Mangione, with some users even photoshopping his likeness to resemble a Catholic saint.
Even those not actively celebrating Mangione often use his alleged actions as a catalyst for discussing the dismal state of the U.S. healthcare system. Unsurprisingly, the U.S. maintains the most expensive healthcare system in the world while delivering subpar health outcomes compared to peer nations. Approximately 26 million Americans lack health insurance altogether, a staggering figure that sets the U.S. apart among developed nations.
Every developed nation with the resources to achieve universal coverage has managed to do so, whether through single-payer government-run healthcare systems like Canada, the UK, and Norway, or through hybrid public-private systems like Germany, France, and Australia. Although each system has its distinct features, it appears that every other nation has managed to overcome this challenge – except for the U.S.
The assassination of UnitedHealth's CEO has sparked a national debate about healthcare in the U.S. that has not been as prevalent in recent times. In a surprising twist, UnitedHealth's CEO Andrew Witty penned an opinion piece in the New York Times on Friday, emphasizing that while the current system is flawed, his company is working to improve it. Regrettably, the article failed to propose any tangible reforms or concrete strategies for change, something that was widely criticized in the near-unanimously negative reader comments. The option to post comments was subsequently disabled by the newspaper.
The American public is discontent with their healthcare system. However, it remains uncertain whether this discussion will persist beyond the current moment, given the nation's historical tendency towards short-term memory and occasional support for polarizing figures like Donald Trump.
The Tech industry is closely watching the future development of fundraising platforms, as the controversial case of Luigi Mangione's fundraisers highlights the need for clear guidelines on legitimacy and violent crime defense. Despite GoFundMe banning Mangione's fundraisers, platforms like GiveSendGo have gained attention for their willingness to host such campaigns, even showcasing one on their homepage.
