Be silly. Be honest. Be kind. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. - Albert Einstein
The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said. - Peter F. Drucker
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. - Mark Twain
The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things. - Henry Ward Beecher
I am conflicted
Tragedy brings out the best in everyone, doesn't it? We all come together and rush to do the best we can for victims of unexpected trauma. Such is the response to the recent events in Haiti. Everyone is rushing everywhere. These people, Haitian people, who have suffered so much for so long.
I am similarly affected by the events and have sent in my donation and support all efforts in that regard.
I did that even though I have a few questions:
Suffered so much? Incredible!
Political turmoil, corruption, natural disaster, AIDS ... incredible. Is this overwhelming response a reaction to this Haitian tragedy tinged with an emotional mountain of GUILT? These people have been suffering for GENERATIONS, not just in the past few days, but years. Years upon years.
So, my $50 has been sent to be combined with the donations of hundreds, thousands, hundreds of thousands of other people. Will this help? Or will it be used to line the pockets of those who do that kind of thing. For generations.
Or is my $50 better spent helping that man on the corner of the street, or giving to the soup kitchen or buying toys to "fill the net" at Christmas?
I am conflicted.
Are you?
Posted on 14 January 2010 at 05:00 AM in social commentary | Permalink
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