Why I won't donate to Haiti Relief...

[Anjelica]

Really? That's disturbing to hear, if it's true. I'm not saying it isn't...I'm just saying I didn't look into it myself to confirm it..

I agree - its CRAZY the amount of time, money and troops the US has dedicated to help that country and they are basically in the same position they were right before the Earthquake that they were 20 years ago.

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/15/taking_liberties/entry6101505.shtml

"The truth is that, according to a government report, U.S. taxpayers handed "about 1.1 billion in assistance" to Haiti during the 1990s. In the following decade, the sum jumped to around $1.6 billion; it would have been higher if aid had not been cut off from 1999 through mid-2004 after the election of Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

That's not counting other aid that U.S. taxpayers send by paying for the lion's share of the United Nations' budget (now over $1 billion a year from the United States). In addition, according to government data, the U.S. sent an extra $367.55 million in 2006 to UN agencies like UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO, and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief was funded at $6 billion in 2008, with much of that earmarked for Haiti as a high-priority "focus country." Less than a year ago, the U.S. Congress approved another $900 million to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. "

 

[Anjelica]

This is not true. Now, I won't argue that the government isn't corrupt, we know it is. But Haiti has a constitution based on the US Constitution and has worked hard to have a democracy.

I agree that it has not been run by Communists but I have a hard time drawing similarities between Haiti's Constitution path and the US Constituation path - albeit some of the wording in Haiti's Constitution is the same. For starters, since the early 1800's they have had 23 Constituations. The latest and most recent one has been in place "only" since 1987.

As far as them working on full fledged democracy - well that's only possible recently with the UN peacekeeping missions. Most of the the last 20 years has seen varying corrupt officials come and forced out of power. Those officials literally had "gangs" that would do some of their bidding. Both in 1994 and 2004 when American troops went in to help reinstall and subsequently oust then president they were faced with fighting gangs/thugs who pledged their allegiances to their then official(s).

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Fascinating thread. Lots and lots of people trying to help others and bitterly fighting and criticizing each other over how to do it. How ironic.

 

[Mermaid02]

Fascinating thread. Lots and lots of people trying to help others and bitterly fighting and criticizing each other over how to do it. How ironic.

I was JUST going to post something similar. We all have our causes that are close to our hearts.... we donate where/when it feels right to us. Right now we are not in a position to give much- I lost my job, just had 2 surgeries and now it seems my dh is going to have to have back surgery in the near future. We have a child in college and a 13 year old. We give what we can and we give locally and to Shriner's Hospitals.... I dare say some of the children in Haiti who have lost limbs or been burned will probably end up in those very hospitals..........

 

[HeatherC]

Haven't read through all the posts so I apologize if mine is a repeat.

I agree with the OP...to a certain extent.

A lot of these charities have so much overhead that very little of your dollars donated get sent right to the people that need it. And that is sad.

But there are ways to find out (haven't looked for this tragedy) which percentage of donations go right to the emergency. I remember CNN doing a list when the tsunami hit. I believe CARE was one where 90% of the donations went right to the people affected. The Red Cross, however, has much higher overhead and much less goes to the people.

I also always have in the back of my mind that we are SO lucky to not have had any disasters strike near where I live. Yet..I do hope that if one were to happen one day, people from around the world would step up and donate.

Unfortunately, these disasters seem to happen in the poorest places on earth.

So I figure I'm probably going to wind up "wasting" a few dollars buying coffee or going to the movies, or whatever so I may as well give that to people who really need it. Even if they only get $1 out of a $10 donation for example, it's $1 more than they would have had and it doesn't hurt me.

I truly believe we are all God's children and have a moral responsibility to help each other out in whatever way we can.

We don't have to all send money, there are plenty of other ways to help. But I do feel we should ALL do something because someday the shoe may be on the other foot.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

...The Red Cross, however, has much higher overhead and much less goes to the people.
...

According to this site, the ARC spends less than 10% of its funds on fundraising and administration.

 

[Tantor]

I donate to whatever is needed, no matter where in the world it is.

 

[luvmy3]

Why is it a problem for someone to prefer to give to someone local rather than to am agency collecting for a disaster? Local charities will suffer when something like Haiti happens. People only have so much to give and if it all goes to relief efforts like Haiti, others will suffer.

How many people were donating to the poor people of Haiti before this?

Its not, but of course there are those who believe it is. Why is it in times of disaster all these people come out and preach that we all must come together to help Haiti. Really, Haiti needed help before but nobody cared enough to text then. Maybe if they had, the homes there could have been engineered better to withstand a quake of this magnitude and many people would have gotten out of their buildings to safety. Why did it take this for us to suddenly realize the way people were living there? Why didn't we care this much BEFORE this happened? I commend the OP, she continues to help those in need in her community everyday because she cares and realizes how they live and that they do need it, now. I also commend those that do give only when disaster strikes because your donation does make it possible for those people to get the help, but I don't respect any of those people who try and make anyone feel guilty for choosing not to donate because they want to help those in their own backyard instead.

We gave to the relief in Haiti, a small amount. We could have afforded more but like the OP I have charities that I give to annually and I have no intentions of lessening my donations to them so that I can give more.

 

[Carly_Roach]

I think my dog quote is being taken out of context. The tone of some people in this thread is disturbing to me and shows a side of humans that is not very nice in my opinion.

This IS the Community Board, after all. I think once a certain faction gets ahold of a thread, it goes into the toilet fairly quickly.

It is rude to refer to Carly as a piece of work. She has stated her opinion in a non-attacking manner, why do you feel the need to attack her?!

Thank you. As I said above, once a certain faction zeros in on a thread, it has a tendency to go south with personal attacks very quickly. In this case, the group chose one word - hoopla - and have decided to hammer on that one word out of the many I've chosen to use in this conversation.

I try not to let their attacks bother me. That kind of behavior is par for the course, SOP, and to be totally expected from this group. But I do appreciate your standing up for me. Thank you!

ITA with you 100% . Why anyone would think a major disaster is Hoopla is beyond me. Jeesk.

The hoopla I was referring to was the media circus surrounding the disaster.

Reading this just inspired me to text haiti to donate to the Red Cross...

I'm glad we were able to inspire you to donate to a charity.

Fascinating thread. Lots and lots of people trying to help others and bitterly fighting and criticizing each other over how to do it. How ironic.

Yep. Ironic and sad. Not everyone is going to agree, however it's sad that so many have to include personal attacks in order to validate their opinion.

But, like I said before, making someone feel good by being the person they choose to denigrate in order to feel superior about themselves is a form of charity. I feel as though I've contributed to the well-being of SO many who've chosen to attack me over that one little word that accurately describes what the 24 hour news organizations have been doing with the Haiti earthquake:

Hoopla

1. bustling excitement or activity; commotion; hullabaloo; to-do.
2. sensational publicity; ballyhoo.

 

[Carly_Roach]

A contextual reminder:

I share her feelings and personally believe that with all this publicity, 24-hour news coverage and multi-million dollar donations happening, the Haitians will be well-taken care of. My $10.00 donation will do more for the people in my community than it would the people of Haiti.

Your post made me feel as though I wasn't a totally selfish person for not wanting to get all caught up in the Haiti hoopla. And I bet I'm not alone in feeling that way. So thank you for that!

 

[Mickey527]

I have only read the first 3 pages and the last 3 pages of this post because it was alot of repetition and quotes.
But.
I have a few friends who came here from Haiti and they all have said that they wouldn't send any money toward the relief. they have family there and one hasn't heard from his parents yet. He said that any money that has been sent in the past gets to the big guys, not the people who need it. There is terrible need now but there has been a terrible need in the past.
He also has family that was affetcted by Katrina who still are living in a small trailer because they haven't been able to rebuild.
Why does everyone jump to help other countries but our people here are still doing without?
I am on disability and things have been really tough. I don't live paycheck to paycheck anymore, I am not making it with my SSDI and have had to take cash advances from my credit card to pay some bills. I know that I will get enough to pay them off from my income tax, but then the cycle starts again.
I own DVC but am trying to sell it so I can have a small nest egg just in case my 60 year old furnace dies. But so many peole are selling now that I was told that it probably won't sell at the price I want and I should lower it to below market to get rid of it fast. I still owe on it and would get back less than 1/2 of what I paid. I just can't do that and will rent my points if possible to get by for now.
We do need to help our country more and even though it is hard, let the other countries provide for their own. People here in the US are suffering and starving too.

 

[Carly_Roach]

I have only read the first 3 pages and the last 3 pages of this post because it was alot of repetition and quotes.
But.
I have a few friends who came here from Haiti and they all have said that they wouldn't send any money toward the relief. they have family there and one hasn't heard from his parents yet. He said that any money that has been sent in the past gets to the big guys, not the people who need it. There is terrible need now but there has been a terrible need in the past.
He also has family that was affetcted by Katrina who still are living in a small trailer because they haven't been able to rebuild.
Why does everyone jump to help other countries but our people here are still doing without?
I am on disability and things have been really tough. I don't live paycheck to paycheck anymore, I am not making it with my SSDI and have had to take cash advances from my credit card to pay some bills. I know that I will get enough to pay them off from my income tax, but then the cycle starts again.
I own DVC but am trying to sell it so I can have a small nest egg just in case my 60 year old furnace dies. But so many peole are selling now that I was told that it probably won't sell at the price I want and I should lower it to below market to get rid of it fast. I still owe on it and would get back less than 1/2 of what I paid. I just can't do that and will rent my points if possible to get by for now.
We do need to help our country more and even though it is hard, let the other countries provide for their own. People here in the US are suffering and starving too.

Now you did it. You mentioned DVC and not having enough money to pay your bills. What you said in your first and last paragraphs will be totally ignored in light of the above-mentioned DVC.

Hope you have your flame-suit on.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Even though you used "hoopla" to describe the media, it's still not the best choice of words.

We live in an age when 24 hour news channel are the norm, so how can anyone expect them not to cover the events in Haiti? An event of this magnitude certainly can not be ignored.

I think CNN, for one, should be commended on how they've handled coverage and have been finds way to help. For example, they set up a wall of photos on their website to help people in the U.S. find friends and family in Haiti. They brought Dr. Sanjay Gupta to Haiti to care for victims. He's been right there in trenches, working as a healer. All week, during various live broadcasts, people have been stopping in front of their cameras to state their names and tell their relatives in the U.S. that they are O.K.

From what I can see, CNN has used their resources to help wherever and however they can.

 

[Carly_Roach]

From what I can see, CNN has used their resources to help wherever and however they can.

CNN uses their resources to help only one entity: CNN.

And I apologize if my one word choice to describe the media circus has offended anyone. In light of the tens of thousands who have died (and will die) in this disaster due to the corruption in the Haitian government, you'd think people would be more offended by that instead of the one word spoken by an anonymous poster on a Disney bulletin board.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Actually, if you want to donate and don't mind some proselytizing, find a "big name" church denomination that already had an established missionary prescence in Haiti before the earthquake. Then donate and earmark the money as "for earthquake relief ONLY" or "caring for Haitian orphans ONLY".

For almost all of the large, major denominations with large mission efforts, 100% of your money will go to your earmark - they already have the administration and personnel part done, and will supplement salaries and paperwork and such from their denominational provided monies.

 

[VickiVM]

Why does everyone jump to help other countries but our people here are still doing without?
We do need to help our country more and even though it is hard, let the other countries provide for their own. People here in the US are suffering and starving too.

You don't know that the same people helping other countries aren't already helping here @ home. I don't recall anyone on this thread saying they will quit donating to their local shelters, animal humane society, Cancer Society, etc so that they can give to the Haiti relief funds. Just because you don't think it's a worthy cause for YOUR money doesn't mean it's not a worthy cause at all.

 

[VickiVM]

Even though you used "hoopla" to describe the media, it's still not the best choice of words.

We live in an age when 24 hour news channel are the norm, so how can anyone expect them not to cover the events in Haiti? An event of this magnitude certainly can not be ignored.

I think CNN, for one, should be commended on how they've handled coverage and have been finds way to help. For example, they set up a wall of photos on their website to help people in the U.S. find friends and family in Haiti. They brought Dr. Sanjay Gupta to Haiti to care for victims. He's been right there in trenches, working as a healer. All week, during various live broadcasts, people have been stopping in front of their cameras to state their names and tell their relatives in the U.S. that they are O.K.

From what I can see, CNN has used their resources to help wherever and however they can.

Although I am deeply interested in the events in Haiti, I have to admit I have not watched a lot of cable tv news lately due to busy schedule this week. It IS possible to not have the 'media circus' in your face if it it's bothersome.

 

[JerseyJanice]

CNN uses their resources to help only one entity: CNN.

I doubt that the family in Astoria, Queens who now knows that their mother/MIL/grandmother is fine feels that way.

 

[luvmy3]

CNN uses their resources to help only one entity: CNN.

And I apologize if my one word choice to describe the media circus has offended anyone. In light of the tens of thousands who have died (and will die) in this disaster due to the corruption in the Haitian government, you'd think people would be more offended by that instead of the one word spoken by an anonymous poster on a Disney bulletin board.

Carly, I got exactly what you are saying about the media coverage. I think what bothers me the most is that because the news feels they need to cover this story 24/7, when they have no breaking news or update info they fill the hours with meaningless tidbits that only trivalize the situation. Or the stupid obvious questions and I hate to say it, the forced sympathy behind their desks on camera (not right after the quake but now it seems to them its just another story and a way to increase viewers) Now I know that they are doing their share of covering the news aspect but I don't need to see a mock model of a Haitian home contructed by 2x4s and see what effects the quake has on it. I can see exactly what happened from the raw footage and I shudder to imagine just what happened to the people inside. Sorry, I saw that the other day and for some reason it really annoyed me.
Anyway I think its pretty clear you weren't speaking of the tragedy itself.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Although I am deeply interested in the events in Haiti, I have to admit I have not watched a lot of cable tv news lately due to busy schedule this week. It IS possible to not have the 'media circus' in your face if it it's bothersome.

I've been sick with the flu and home most of the week, so I've had a lot of access to the TV.

All week, I've watched CNN's coverage with Haitians stopping in front of the camera to say, "I'm [insert lovely French name] and I want to tell my mother/father/son/daughter/grandchildren [insert another lovely French name] in New Jersey that I am fine and so-&-so is fine too."

That is a huge help to those families.