To the Editor:

Your recent story on how charity dollars have been (mis)spent in New York State was both quite interesting, and somewhat disheartening.

It is a true shame that hard working, trusting people give what they can (and often what they cannot) only to have their gifts misappropriated.

While I certainly applaud New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in pursuing pecuniary measures against those who abuse the trust of the public, one has to wonder if the same legal dogging should not be taken against the theft of taxes that have been, are, and will be continuously wasted by our esteemed elected officials, not only in Albany, but nationwide, at all levels of government.

Two of the “tips” that were given for knowing where our donations go are as follows: Resist pressure to give on the spot and ask how your donation will be used by asking specifically how the charity plans to use your donation.

Good tips, indeed, but try penciling in those questions on your IRS returns and see what kind of a response you are met with.

David C. Lacks, Gouverneur