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

[Costumesaremylife]

Also I know that Wikipedia is not the truest online resource, but you can check the many articles linked with the footnotes at the bottom if you'd like.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_response_to_Hurricane_Katrina

 

[handinpocket]

Also did other countries donate aid when Katrina wiped out the Mississippi and NO?

I dont know the answer to that..but I am betting it wasnt it alot if any.

America is expected to give and give to other countries. If we dont we are just considered selfish Americans that dont care about the rest of the world

You are so right my friend, so right. I'll keep my money in big, bad United States of America!!!

 

[DisTeach1]

I actually don't care where you send your money truly. If you do what you think is right with your charity dollars go right ahead. I do wonder about two things. You say that Haiti is hopeless and we should give up. They are actual living, breathing, HUMANS and it' s not the fault of the entire population that they were born into those conditions. Just like it's not my fault or your fault that there are people in prisons all over this country. We didn't make them criminals. Where I am from, the second most wanted person on the FBIs list behind OBL operated his gang, should this whole town be shut down? What did I do other than be born here? Should we just put walls around the US and not care about the rest of the world? And hope that we never need any of them either?

For those who think that foreign countries do not support us during our tragedies, I beg to differ. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4210264.stm
This is an article about the outside assistance offered during hurricane Katrina. Belgium and Canada sent dogs to assist with sniffing out survivors/victims after 9/11. All offers of aid have to be accepted or rejected by the US government.

Also, the poster who wrote about the people giving messages on the tv specifically mentioned that the person stating they were ok was talking to people in the United States, I would expect a person in Haiti would know that their fellow citizens were unable to watch tv at that time. If you had a family member missing and were able to see them on TV to know they were safe, wouldn't that make it worthwhile?

The part that I bolded is what sums up this thread to me...a thread I've started, but you guys lost me a while ago, then I got busy. But...really, we all should contribute where we feel called. For me, it's domestic. And, as another poster pointed out, "Does $10 make a difference to me?" No, not really, so I can give that to the kid who knocks on my door, and that is MY CHOICE. I think that's why there is no wrong or right...Give where you feel called to give.

Now, I could start a thread on stores soliciting donations through the debit card machine, but that is another debate, LOL.

 

[JerseyJanice]

The part that I bolded is what sums up this thread to me...a thread I've started, but you guys lost me a while ago, then I got busy. But...really, we all should contribute where we feel called.

I agree.

For me, it's domestic.

From your OP, I'm not sure if your point to this whole thread is that you support local charities. Or that you prefer giving directly to someone in need, as opposed to contributing toward an organized charity.

And, as another poster pointed out, "Does $10 make a difference to me?" No, not really, so I can give that to the kid who knocks on my door, and that is MY CHOICE. I think that's why there is no wrong or right...Give where you feel called to give.

While it is gracious to give where you don't receive the instant gratification associated with direct giving, there is a place in this world for all kinds of contributions. Some of us give to charitable organizations, in the hopes that pooled resources get bigger results. Others find a way to give where help is needed as directly as possible.

Either way, when we give, we've helped someone other than ourselves, and that's what charity is really all about.

 

[Planogirl]

Also did other countries donate aid when Katrina wiped out the Mississippi and NO?

I dont know the answer to that..but I am betting it wasnt it alot if any.

America is expected to give and give to other countries. If we dont we are just considered selfish Americans that dont care about the rest of the world

Did you read the wikipedia link? I remember at the time being pleased about all of the aid being sent to help those affected by Katrina. Many of the nations were quite poor too. The U.S. is far from the only country that offers humanitarian aid.

By the way, I noticed that Qatar offered 100 million for Katrina. During the first few days after the earthquake, I noticed a Qatar plane in the background when the reporters were at the Haiti airport. I realize that they can afford it but it's still nice. Kuwait's amount was $500 million for Katrina so I wonder how they're reacting to Haiti?

 

[Planogirl]

I also have one question: How many countries donated billions of dollars to us when 9 11 happened??? I mean think about that...I mean we do have a lot of people here in the US that could use that money as well...I am not cold or heartless just that I have to choose b/c I can't give to everything!! Which I am sure most people can't give to every charity that comes up...

You do realize that many of those killed were from other countries don't you? It wasn't just a tragedy for us even if it happened on our soil.

 

[MIGrandma]

Someone else who thinks like me and had the nerve to voice it. Look out no doubt there will someone or several who will flame us for this. Whatever.

I don't think anyone has the right, or should even try to flame either of you. It is your choice, and yours alone, how you spend your money.

I actually like the idea of helping someone nearby. I've thought about donating money to the Red Cross for Haiti, but for some reason just haven't done it. Maybe my money would be better spent doing something right here at home, like the OP is doing. I think it's a pretty good idea.

 

[declansdad]

I also have one question: How many countries donated billions of dollars to us when 9 11 happened??? I mean think about that...I mean we do have a lot of people here in the US that could use that money as well...I am not cold or heartless just that I have to choose b/c I can't give to everything!! Which I am sure most people can't give to every charity that comes up...

You are comparing apples to oranges. 9/11 and the Haiti earthquake are two very different things. You also have 2 countries on opposite ends of the spectrum financially.

 

[NY Disney fan]

Although I often give charitable funds to those in my local area and prefer to do so, I was proud to donate to the Haitian cause and will continue to do so. I give to those who need help regadless of who they are and where they live.

 

[sunnyday123]

I have a bigger problem with celebrities who choose to do something like "Live-Aid" or "Farm-Aid" which basically means "let's get a bunch of us together and ask the regular people to donate money for the pleasure of seeing us perform".

Wouldn't it be better for them to each just write a check for $1 or $2 million and eliminate all the other stuff?

I thought it was just me. To me, that's just their egos' talking. How about instead of carrying that $2500 purse, or spending what they do on clothing, etc, donate the amount they would have spent on that item to charity?

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

We prefer to help people in our local community, and to volunteer to assist local charities (just as we prefer to support small local stores rather than national chains), but some disasters need outside assistance. If the world doesn't help the people of Haiti, hundreds of thousands more would die.

Give only when and where it feels right to you, but charity is never bad when the receiver is truly in need.

Volunteerism and charity are two of the most admirable traits...

 

[kafitty]

haven't read the rest of this thread, and refuse to do so, BUT:

I thought it was just me. To me, that's just their egos' talking. How about instead of carrying that $2500 purse, or spending what they do on clothing, etc, donate the amount they would have spent on that item to charity?

celebrities get a LOT of their swag for free...it's basically free advertising for the manufacturer.

 

[KellyNY]

Everyone does what they feel is right. We do not have to think of ways to help Haiti other then donate, Red Cross and other charities knows how to help those people all they need is money to buy medications, food, hire people and so on, Red Cross is a pro in that. Even small donation makes a difference, esp. when lots of small donations from regular people adds together. To whom donate and how to make a difference is up to everyone however.

 

[honugirl]

I might donate to a place like Habitat For Humanity down there if they go. I believe in "sweat equity". If I give them money to rebuild, I want to see them helping to rebuild.