So I ask myself: Why is that? My answer is: there is publicity to be had in these country-wide appeals for other countries so the generous American people give and give and soak up the good-feelings it generates. How good would you feel if you saw and old man, riding a bicycle in 10 degree weather, only a summer cotton jacket on, sneakers (no socks) and holey jeans. No hat, no gloves and he has a little bag of groceries hanging off the handlebars, since he just came out of the nearest grocery store (one mile) in town and has very little money to even eat on, let alone clothe himself? Do I imagine you would rush right out and give him some help?Or perhaps start a rock concert to raise money for him? Or donate clothing,etc. directly to him?
What is that? You said you would! Well, why haven't you? Because no one will notice and you won't get that feel-good sensation. Well, for you information: HE WOULD NOTICE and he is the one in need-right here on every street in America. You see him, but you don't. He is invisible in his misery and it is easier to drive away in your warm car and clothing and 6 bags of groceries sitting in the back seat. Please, please, don't tell me you don't see yourself in this diatribe. Yes, you there, with the computer! You're the one I am talking to.
For your information I made and gave 40 crocheted hats and mittens to a charity here in town that gives them to these needy people. There are racks and racks of coats and clothes they can choose from also. Someone is doing things but getting no publicity at all. Do you need to have your name up in lights before you are charitable? Think about taking care of America.
Amen. It's important to help those in need around the world, but no more important than helping those in need close at hand.
ReplyDeleteI quite agree, penmom!
ReplyDelete(I make it a point to give to the Salvation Army, Angel Tree (for prisoners' children) and the local soup kitchen especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas.)
I sent some money to Haiti through Feed the Poor (Christian), but the U.S. government is giving them $100 million and we gave them $1.5 BILLION in aid even before the earthquake!
Charity does begin at home...I like to think that charity to those here at home will help people get back on their feet and on a better path, but I worry about the Haitians.
After we completely rebuild their country and leave it better than we it was before, what will they do then?
Haiti in particular has a particularly dismal history of squandering all their opportunities.
Amen. I had been thinking something similar - I wonder how folks who are hurting and who have absolutely nothing feel when they see all the attention Haiti is getting. But then again, no one want to know about the poor family around the corner. Besides, an earthquake is far more glamorous.
ReplyDelete