Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Haiti: What's your opinion on this Facebook Post?

A guy I went to college with has this posted as his status:

America: a country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations.

What is your honest opinion on this post? Do you agree with it? Disagree? 

 I am not going to beat around the bush on this topic. When I saw this posted this morning, I wanted to agree with him. Kevin and I had a similar conversation last week about this. While I DO think people should contribute to Haiti, and want to help others, I also think Americans should be contributing to our own issues. When I hear how much money the government is sending to Haiti, I gasped. Why can't they pour money into our school systems? Or help those who are struggling each and every day to make ends meet? Like the post above stated, there are those without shelter, without food, just like those in Haiti right here in our own country. I also think it is none of my business to tell others where to put their money, and sending $10 to Haiti is a wonderful thing!However, the government needs to put the money into our own country. Charity begins at home and until there are children who are not starving here in the United States, focus needs to stay on us first, and everyone else second.

On the other hand, I think it is was amazing to hear just how much money was raised for the people of Haiti in one night. Americans surely can be generous, and it is an indication of how great our country is. Instead of having the telethon, and asking Americans who are struggling to contribute, why couldn't all these millionaires, put more of their money on the line? While they may have given money out, I do not think they gave enough.

I hope those reading this don't have a different opinion of me. My opinions are just that. Opinions. Americans should give to charity more often. The telethon showed just how much good people can do, a little from a lot of people can go a long way. Let's be that motivated to help our own people.


2 comments:

  1. It's a tough one Steph, but I tend to agree with you. I get frustrated with the lack of intrest, funds and Volunteers for that matter, to support local charities and soup kitchens food pantries and other organizations in our own country. That's why we try to donate and volunteer Locally as well as to missions abroad. We are teaching our girls @ a young age to think of the needs of others and not just themselves by having them participate and be involved in all we do. I think that time is a valuble thing to donate as well, especially for those of us who aren't millionaires. ;) Unfortunately many people don't venture outside the pretty little white picket fences to see the need in our country. Alot of people live in such a safe little bubble out in suburbia.
    I think we should all be more aware of what's going on in our comunities as well as around the world help wherever we can.
    Great post Steph!
    Blessings,
    Molly

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  2. I am ALL for those wanting to travel abroad to help, and I am for sending money to them, but when is it too much? The country was in shambles before this, so how much do we help? I think we do what is necessary to feed these people until some sort of "new-normalcy" has returned, but how far do you go?

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