Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers

[loriken214]

Date: 1/14/2010 10:13:19 AM
Author: AGBF



This has become a remarkable thread. Gailey and Should Be Studying, you have added so much by being able to tell us about what it is like to be on the island. I thank you both. I know you will soon be home, Gailey. Should Be Studying, I welcome any more postings that you have the time to make.

Best wishes to both of you.

Hugs,
AGBF

Thank you and my best wishes are with both of you, too!

Lori

 

[Gypsy]

I''ve been following this thread but haven''t posted because well I''m slightly angry. I know it''s our nature to feel things that are closer to us more vividly... but I feel like in the last couple of decades here in the US we''ve become very isolated. We''ve suffered our own tragedies (9/11 and Katrina) and we''re in the middle of a couple of wars, but getting news about overseas tragedies seems so difficult (unless it is the day after), whether it be war or devastation. No one in the last 24 hours has said anything to me about this, talked about this except my husband. I think it is so sad how thousands of people can die in a few seconds and yet here in the States it is like... nothing has happened. We''ve donated, and will continue to do so. Already funds earmarked for other, more frivilous things have been diverted and no I haven''t talked to anyone about this either but I am quite introverted. I just really hope that everyone who is staying silent is doing so because words seem inadequate... and because they are acting by donating their time, their money, or supplies privately... and not just because we''ve become inured as a nation against such tragedy. The one comment I heard today about Haiti was someone asking about how Obama''s pledge for aid to Haiti was going to affect the national debt and taxes though... and I had to bite my tongue to keep from ripping them a new one (at work else I would have let loose)

.

Please, to all the lurkers... even 10 bucks goes so far in a time like this. Find a way to donate... it''s so easy and convenient if you have web access and even phone access these days.

 

[Gailey]

Just got in and had to check out this thread before I go to bed. Shouldbestudying, I am delighted to hear that you have reached your relative. It truly gladdens my heart, especially as the BBC have just run a story about a woman who left Haiti for the US to work in order to provide for her 5 daughters. She hasn''t found one of them yet.

I so hope that the news will contine to bring us stories of reunions. We need all this sadness to be tempered.

Well it''s 3:30 am and I''ve got to get a bit of shut-eye.

God bless to everyone responding to this thread and for all the suggestions of where to donate.

XX

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/15/2010 5:31:10 AM
Author: Gailey

Well it''s 3:30 am and I''ve got to get a bit of shut-eye.

God bless to everyone responding to this thread and for all the suggestions of where to donate.

XX

Same to you, Gailey. You really did Pricescope a huge favor by being our eyes, ears, and conscience on the ground while you were in the Dominican Republic. You deserve a commendation. Thank you so very much for doing what you did with so much heart.

Love,
Deb

 

[Smurfysmiles]

We just found out at work that our company matched donations up to $5,000!!

 

[jewelz617]

Date: 1/15/2010 11:52:57 AM
Author: Smurfyimproved
We just found out at work that our company matched donations up to $5,000!!

That''s awesome! Woohoo!

 

[Should Be Studying]

Date: 1/15/2010 12:22:45 AM
Author: loriken214

Date: 1/14/2010 10:13:19 AM

Author: AGBF




This has become a remarkable thread. Gailey and Should Be Studying, you have added so much by being able to tell us about what it is like to be on the island. I thank you both. I know you will soon be home, Gailey. Should Be Studying, I welcome any more postings that you have the time to make.


Best wishes to both of you.


Hugs,

AGBF

Thank you and my best wishes are with both of you, too!


Lori

Thank you, Lori!

 

[Should Be Studying]

Date: 1/15/2010 1:34:49 AM
Author: Gypsy
I''ve been following this thread but haven''t posted because well I''m slightly angry. I know it''s our nature to feel things that are closer to us more vividly... but I feel like in the last couple of decades here in the US we''ve become very isolated. We''ve suffered our own tragedies (9/11 and Katrina) and we''re in the middle of a couple of wars, but getting news about overseas tragedies seems so difficult (unless it is the day after), whether it be war or devastation. No one in the last 24 hours has said anything to me about this, talked about this except my husband. I think it is so sad how thousands of people can die in a few seconds and yet here in the States it is like... nothing has happened. We''ve donated, and will continue to do so. Already funds earmarked for other, more frivilous things have been diverted and no I haven''t talked to anyone about this either but I am quite introverted. I just really hope that everyone who is staying silent is doing so because words seem inadequate... and because they are acting by donating their time, their money, or supplies privately... and not just because we''ve become inured as a nation against such tragedy. The one comment I heard today about Haiti was someone asking about how Obama''s pledge for aid to Haiti was going to affect the national debt and taxes though... and I had to bite my tongue to keep from ripping them a new one (at work else I would have let loose)

.


Please, to all the lurkers... even 10 bucks goes so far in a time like this. Find a way to donate... it''s so easy and convenient if you have web access and even phone access these days.

Gypsy, I really agree with you that I have not heard as much of this in the last few days as I should be hearing. Yesterday, I attended a meeting at my school, and people were mentioning that some people had not even HEARD about what happened in Haiti. How is that even possible? And today as I go on facebook, people seem to have gotten over the Haiti posts very quickly. I understand that that does not mean they have not donated, and that life does go on, but I really hope it does not mean that they have already become "bored" with this "news story." As for as the national debt comment, you are right, it is not even worth it to dignify it with a response. I have ignored Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh''s negativity, because there is SO much MORE positivity out there.

On the flip side, people ARE still helping. My living room is full of supplies from our friends and people we barely know. People are preparing care packages and making donations. And I have heard that the international rescue teams are REALLY MAKING A DIFFERENCE and saving people!

So many people are pulling together on a small scale and on a big scale, and I think that is beautiful. I have not stopped raising awareness and getting the word out, because hopefully people will still be listening and acting.

 

[Should Be Studying]

Date: 1/15/2010 7:24:54 AM
Author: AGBF

Date: 1/15/2010 5:31:10 AM

Author: Gailey


Well it's 3:30 am and I've got to get a bit of shut-eye.


God bless to everyone responding to this thread and for all the suggestions of where to donate.


XX

Same to you, Gailey. You really did Pricescope a huge favor by being our eyes, ears, and conscience on the ground while you were in the Dominican Republic. You deserve a commendation. Thank you so very much for doing what you did with so much heart.


Love,

Deb

Ditto. Gailey, I am so glad you made it home safe. Thank you for all of your comments, I think your words made a huge impact on people. As a longtime lurker, I know how much of a greater impact this community has than the members who participate. I have received so much valuable information here, and I am sure that your words have given unseen people a different perspective.

ETA: That story about the woman and her five daughters is heartbreaking. There are so many sad stories like this out there. My prayers are with these people, because I am sure they are so scared about what the future will bring. Hopefully the outpouring of support will give them hope.

 

[Should Be Studying]

CDinNYC--Thank you for the information about employer matching. I passed that along, and hopefully people will take advantage of it. I made a donation to UNICEF, and I know that they offer that option (and suggest it on their page).

Smurfy--That is so great about your DH''s job! I have to say, I have seen a lot of your posts and you seem like such a sweet person. I know you have had your ups-and-downs (like everyone) but you are right that this puts problems into perspective. I hugged my FI so much tighter last night, because I know of a lot of people who can''t anymore

Tuckins--Sorry I did not comment on this before, but any effort your school makes will make a difference. It is inspiring to see all of the help coming in from all walks of life.


Thanks to everyone for all of your information. I am glad that this is the first PS thread I am a part of

And once things get better, I will post some of the 8 million pictures I have taken of my ring to pay my dues...it just doesn''t seem as important right now.

 

[jewelz617]

Right now in Haiti there is no identification system in place whatsoever for those who have died. Please keep hope alive that people will be reunited with their family members.

 

[jewelz617]

The March of Dimes is currently accepting donations that will be going to the mothers of Haiti who are expecting or trying to care for babies and young children. They are contributing $100,000.

 

[Should Be Studying]

I am not trying to monopolize this thread, but I wanted to give you all an update.

Like some people, I have been glued to CNN for the past few days. Yesterday (or the day before? They are all blurring together) I watched a story about a girl named Bea, an adorable 11-year old who was trapped under rubble. They were able to rescue her, but her legs were crushed. It was such a touching story, to see random civilians helping to rescue this young girl and what seemed like success. Today, CNN reported that Bea did not survive after all. Because of her leg injuries and the lack of treatment, she passed away. I cry as I write this, and I know that I am not alone. Campbell Brown was crying on the air, and even Anderson Cooper became emotional over this. Anderson (yes, based on the amount of time he has spent in my living room the past few days, I think we are on a first name basis) was so upset, because SHE DID NOT HAVE TO DIE. People do not have to die because of a broken leg.

I spoke to my cousin in Haiti again today on facebook (I am SO happy I finally gave in to creating an account), and she was so upset about all she has seen and experienced. I told her not to give up hope, because the whole world was looking to help Haiti, and she replied that the help is not coming fast enough. To some, that might sound ungrateful, but for her, with each day that has passed she has seen more friends lose their lives trapped under rubble. There are bodies lining the streets, which sounds bad enough, but we can''t even imagine what it SMELLS like. Yesterday, Anderson Cooper said that the smell of death filled the air, and it was worse than the day before. It is just getting worse by the day.

Like all of you, all I can do is donate. I am not a doctor, and I can''t get down there. The port is destroyed, making entry difficult. The airport can only take a few planes at a time. This is just NOT A NORMAL COUNTRY. Their government is nowhere to be found, and they are losing hope. The psychological aftermath is going to be so difficult (can you imagine the survivor''s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder?), and I just wish I could do something to make it all better.

Unfortunately, I can''t. All I can do is try to help as much as I can from here, and hope that more help gets there faster. There are still people who are alive under the rubble, but each day that passes makes the chances of survival worse. And without medical attention, making it out from the rubble is no guarantee that someone will live. I am so thankful for all the help that is there already, and for all the people who are TRYING to get down there to help. I am also so sad that the lack of a Haitian infrastructure is making this so difficult. I hope that this will give Haiti a chance at a real future, but I still worry about all the people living in the present.

I know I am writing about a big problem, and I still believe that all of our "little" contributions will make a difference to the country as a whole. I just feel so sorry for the individuals who are suffering through all of this.

On another note, I have heard that the World Food Program is another great charity. They already have 200 people on the ground in Haiti, 93% of donations go to aid, and they provide protein-bars where 1 bar contains the equivalent of 1 day of food. I might be describing that wrong, but I am sure their website contains more information.

As I go to sleep tonight, my thoughts and prayers are with Bea (the little girl with the glasses from CNN) and her family, and all of the families in Haiti, as well as those who are suffering around the world. By the way, CNN also showed a young baby who was pulled from the rubble alive and well! So amidst all this sadness, there is still hope.

Thank you all for reading my long posts. This has just hit so close to home that I need to share.

 

[Should Be Studying]

Gailey--I thought you would be pleased to hear that the Dominican government has sent so much help! I believe they have the greatest foreign presence right now.

 

[jewelz617]

I thought that girl was so lucky to be alive, that she was going to be saved. People can perish so quickly with no medical attention, food or water. Her last words were "Mother, don''t let me die."

I haven''t felt this small or helpless in a long time. I hope people continue to send whatever they can, life is precious. This could be any one of us tomorrow.

 

[Should Be Studying]

I saw that those were her last words. So heartbreaking. I feel exactly the same way you do, PinkAsscher, small and helpless. But then I also think of how the people living through this must feel. I just can''t imagine, and I want to do everything I can to help them.

 

[Gailey]

Everyone, thanks for your kind words, but I''m no different to any of you that are participating in this thread. If you had been where I was, you would have been posting in a similar vein.

I heard the story of Bea this morning and wept. I was not surprised though. You have to understand that Bea didn''t die because she had a broken leg. She died because she was released from a serious crush injury and did not receive appropriate medical care thereafter. I''m not a medically trained other than a first aid course, but I did learn that crush injuries can be more serious than other injuries and a crush victim should not be freed until appropriate medical care can be given immediately following the release because death may follow very quickly. It is very sad.

I am glad that the Dominican Repubic is getting the recognition they deserve for their help. Because of the bottle neck at the airport in Port-au-Prince, the many airports of the DR will become increasingly important in the coming days. I understand that the Port is also badly damaged, also making it difficult to get the aid deployed.

I watched a vey insightful interview on BBC World News America with Gen. Colin Powell yesterday. He talked about the history of trying to help Haiti. As you all probably know, this country suffered 3 hurricaines and a tropical storm all within a 4 week period in 2008. He talked about the difficulties aid agencies have had in Haiti because of the lack of an effective government. He also said that progress had been made in the last few years. Which makes this all the more heartbreaking. I''ll see if I can find a link to the interview.

I''d like to see that hospital ship get off the dock in Maryland this morning. I guess I am amongst those who don''t understand why it takes 4 days to get this ship underway, unless of course it is just back in port from deployment elsewhere. I would have thought that the very nature of a hospital ship means that it needs to get to the affected area in as short a time as possible. Maybe I am being un-realistic (Mr G seems to think so).

I have yet to find out about co-ordianted aid relief that Canada is supplying. Given that our Governor General is a Hatian, I expect that it will be organised and well supported. I will report back when I know.

 

[Gailey]

Interview with Colin Powell:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/world_news_america/8462872.stm

 

[Gailey]

Here is a list from the Globe and Mail that lists Canadian based sites for donations: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/how-you-can-help-those-in-haiti/article1429373/

I''ve never given any thought to how many cents on the dollar donated actually make it into actual aid, but based on reports that the Salvation Army has a low overhead I chose them to place my donation, although I am very impressed by the work that Habitat for Humanity does.

Does anyone have a link that will explain the overheads that various charities have and how much donated money finds its way to the cause?

 

[Christiana]

This was the saddest news I have heard in a long time. I hope everything goes well and the governments of the most developed countries won''t forget them. The people are certainly with them!

 

[partgypsy]

This is an update from my FIL who worked with ICC:
From the places I knew about or stayed at:
1. Grace Children''s Hospital, where I stayed, spent time, worked for, raised money for and served on the board for many years- the hospital is damaged, possibly beyond repair. The patients seem safe and many are "living" in the courtyard area. They are still appraising the damages, but it sounds like it is beyond repair. It could mean the end of International Child Care, the umbrella organization that ran the hospital since there won''t be enough money to replace it. I''m waiting for more news. One death for sure so far.

2. The Methodist Bird complex downtown- totally destroyed, no report on deaths yet.

3. St. Vincent''s School for the Handicapped, where we stayed and worked with Sister Joan for many years- destroyed. The "Foyer" where the boys/men stayed, around the corner from the main complex, had the front collapse, but the back part is intact. No word on the kids who boarded there yet.

4. The Episcopal compound- the cathedral, the convent house, the music conservatory and auditorium and large school- all destroyed. The Cathedral had murals painted by famous Haitian painters all around the altar- they must be in the dust and debris. None of the nuns or priests were injured, but there''s been no word of the kids.

5. The Montana Hotel, the last place I stayed in Haiti for a board meeting- collapsed, many dead, including some of the USAID and Methodist workers.

There is no way to replace the buildings in the near future. They need water and food and meds and shelter and will need this for months to come. I''m not sure how they will ever rebuild since there is no infrastructure for this and no money, even with outside aid. It is really a tragedy with no light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[partgypsy]

As you can imagne my father in law is in grief about this. This is a terrible tragedy.

 

[jewelz617]

Date: 1/17/2010 11:02:54 AM
Author: part gypsy
As you can imagne my father in law is in grief about this. This is a terrible tragedy.

I''m so sorry to hear about these buildings where so many good people were doing so much good work, destroyed.

It really is at this point beyond my realm of comprehension. The worst I''ve been through is a hurricane and even then we were able to get to safety in plenty of time. My husband has banned me from CNN for the day. I want there to be more good news than seems possible at this point.

Everyone is in my thoughts and prayers, and hopefully there will be light at the end of the tunnel some way, somehow.

 

[Should Be Studying]

Date: 1/17/2010 11:02:54 AM
Author: part gypsy
As you can imagne my father in law is in grief about this. This is a terrible tragedy.

I am so sorry to hear about this, as well. There is so much to be sorry about, so much tragedy. It is hard to think about rebuilding when you know Haiti''s history. But there HAS to be a light at the end of the tunnel. It may be distant, and the stories of all of the destruction feel unbearable at times. But it must feel SO much worse for the people who are down there. This is why we need to do whatever possible to give them some light...not allow people to forget about Haiti so quickly.

Trust me, the people of Haiti are staying put, even if they can evacuate. They LOVE their country, with all of its flaws. And they will rebuild. Please don''t give up hope. Three people have been pulled out of a supermarket after nearly five days. One man said that all he had (unfortunately he was not near food) was his prayers. I know someone who is still in that supermarket, and her family has not given up hope. Please send your prayers and thoughts to her and her family, as well as for all those who are still alive under the rubble.

This is a devastating situation, but we cannot be paralyzed by sadness. We need to do what we can to help. So many lives have been lost, so many people are still suffering. More people will die today and tomorrow, and that is heartbreaking. But please don''t think about what CAN''T be done, because there are miracles and there are so many people helping out. I have not had so much hope for Haiti in a long time.

 

[Apsara]

Date: 1/15/2010 1:34:49 AM
Author: Gypsy
I''ve been following this thread but haven''t posted because well I''m slightly angry. I know it''s our nature to feel things that are closer to us more vividly... but I feel like in the last couple of decades here in the US we''ve become very isolated. We''ve suffered our own tragedies (9/11 and Katrina) and we''re in the middle of a couple of wars, but getting news about overseas tragedies seems so difficult (unless it is the day after), whether it be war or devastation. No one in the last 24 hours has said anything to me about this, talked about this except my husband. I think it is so sad how thousands of people can die in a few seconds and yet here in the States it is like... nothing has happened. We''ve donated, and will continue to do so. Already funds earmarked for other, more frivilous things have been diverted and no I haven''t talked to anyone about this either but I am quite introverted. I just really hope that everyone who is staying silent is doing so because words seem inadequate... and because they are acting by donating their time, their money, or supplies privately... and not just because we''ve become inured as a nation against such tragedy. The one comment I heard today about Haiti was someone asking about how Obama''s pledge for aid to Haiti was going to affect the national debt and taxes though... and I had to bite my tongue to keep from ripping them a new one (at work else I would have let loose)

.

Please, to all the lurkers... even 10 bucks goes so far in a time like this. Find a way to donate... it''s so easy and convenient if you have web access and even phone access these days.

First and foremost--prayers and thoughts to the people of Haiti and all those with loved ones there. The horror of this tragedy is incomprehensible even days later.

The United States is far from perfect; and its history with Haiti, of which I am no expert, is questionable at best. But how can anyone say the American people are not the most generous in the world? As a country, there are countless individual contributions as well as funds/efforts formed by the government, celebrities and American-based charities? And the value of the 24-7 news coverage of the major agencies in the US....they are trying to keep communiations going AND maintain consistent awareness. There will alsways be people who don''t want to give to certain causes; that si the beuty of the US--freedom. For example, I am a big animal rights person and many people dismiss animal charities without a thougt. So be it. That is why I and people of like mind are here. Same with anything. No one should be forced to give to anything. Quite frankly, we''re all giving via the US funds, through our taxes.

I also have no problem with people questioning where we are going to get $100M from, especially now. Also, while I support aid for foreign catastrophes, we STILL have people living in FEMA trailors in New Orleans. Additionally, it is not Corporate America''s repsonsibility to provide foreign aid either, although many companies are matching employee donations (mine is to $100,000 AND it is opening it''s drug stockpiles, sending millions of dollars worth of antibiotics and surgical drugs to Haiti this week).

My memory of 9/11 is a blur because I was dealing with my loss and the aftermath of that event personally, but what countries did anything for us? I honestly don''t remember anything but some Saudi prince coming to the City, "touring" the WTC site, and writing a check which the Mayor swiftly refused.

I don''t know what more people want.

 

[Should Be Studying]

Date: 1/17/2010 9:58:45 PM
Author: Apsara

Date: 1/15/2010 1:34:49 AM

Author: Gypsy

I''ve been following this thread but haven''t posted because well I''m slightly angry. I know it''s our nature to feel things that are closer to us more vividly... but I feel like in the last couple of decades here in the US we''ve become very isolated. We''ve suffered our own tragedies (9/11 and Katrina) and we''re in the middle of a couple of wars, but getting news about overseas tragedies seems so difficult (unless it is the day after), whether it be war or devastation. No one in the last 24 hours has said anything to me about this, talked about this except my husband. I think it is so sad how thousands of people can die in a few seconds and yet here in the States it is like... nothing has happened. We''ve donated, and will continue to do so. Already funds earmarked for other, more frivilous things have been diverted and no I haven''t talked to anyone about this either but I am quite introverted. I just really hope that everyone who is staying silent is doing so because words seem inadequate... and because they are acting by donating their time, their money, or supplies privately... and not just because we''ve become inured as a nation against such tragedy. The one comment I heard today about Haiti was someone asking about how Obama''s pledge for aid to Haiti was going to affect the national debt and taxes though... and I had to bite my tongue to keep from ripping them a new one (at work else I would have let loose)

.


Please, to all the lurkers... even 10 bucks goes so far in a time like this. Find a way to donate... it''s so easy and convenient if you have web access and even phone access these days.

No one should be forced to give to anything. Quite frankly, we''re all giving via the US funds, through our taxes.


I also have no problem with people questioning where we are going to get $100M from, especially now. Also, while I support aid for foreign catastrophes, we STILL have people living in FEMA trailors in New Orleans. Additionally, it is not Corporate America''s repsonsibility to provide foreign aid either, although many companies are matching employee donations (mine is to $100,000 AND it is opening it''s drug stockpiles, sending millions of dollars worth of antibiotics and surgical drugs to Haiti this week).


My memory of 9/11 is a blur because I was dealing with my loss and the aftermath of that event personally, but what countries did anything for us? I honestly don''t remember anything but some Saudi prince coming to the City, ''touring'' the WTC site, and writing a check which the Mayor swiftly refused.


I don''t know what more people want.

I don''t think anyone is being forced to give anything. People are making donations because they want to. Although taxes are a legitimate concern, they are not the only concern. It is OK to ask those questions, but it is somewhat insensitive for people to ask those questions FIRST, or for that to be the only question asked. This is one horrible tragedy, and it does not erase the problems people are facing in New Orleans or in the countries affected by the tsunami. Haiti is in the news right now, but I guarantee that people are still donating to causes within the U.S. (For example, while I was picking up boxes for Haiti supplies today, I donated a box of cookies to the troops in Iraq. It was a small donation, but still!). This does not seem to be about Americans helping Haitians, as much as humans helping humans.

As far as your company sending antibiotics and surgical drugs, that is so amazing. With so much demand for these things, I am sure your company will be saving so many lives. And not because they are forced to, but because they want to. (Plus, we can''t forget the tax deduction

)

 

[jewelz617]

Date: 1/17/2010 9:58:45 PM
Author: Apsara

Date: 1/15/2010 1:34:49 AM

Author: Gypsy

I've been following this thread but haven't posted because well I'm slightly angry. I know it's our nature to feel things that are closer to us more vividly... but I feel like in the last couple of decades here in the US we've become very isolated. We've suffered our own tragedies (9/11 and Katrina) and we're in the middle of a couple of wars, but getting news about overseas tragedies seems so difficult (unless it is the day after), whether it be war or devastation. No one in the last 24 hours has said anything to me about this, talked about this except my husband. I think it is so sad how thousands of people can die in a few seconds and yet here in the States it is like... nothing has happened. We've donated, and will continue to do so. Already funds earmarked for other, more frivilous things have been diverted and no I haven't talked to anyone about this either but I am quite introverted. I just really hope that everyone who is staying silent is doing so because words seem inadequate... and because they are acting by donating their time, their money, or supplies privately... and not just because we've become inured as a nation against such tragedy. The one comment I heard today about Haiti was someone asking about how Obama's pledge for aid to Haiti was going to affect the national debt and taxes though... and I had to bite my tongue to keep from ripping them a new one (at work else I would have let loose)

.


Please, to all the lurkers... even 10 bucks goes so far in a time like this. Find a way to donate... it's so easy and convenient if you have web access and even phone access these days.

First and foremost--prayers and thoughts to the people of Haiti and all those with loved ones there. The horror of this tragedy is incomprehensible even days later.


The United States is far from perfect; and its history with Haiti, of which I am no expert, is questionable at best. But how can anyone say the American people are not the most generous in the world? As a country, there are countless individual contributions as well as funds/efforts formed by the government, celebrities and American-based charities? And the value of the 24-7 news coverage of the major agencies in the US....they are trying to keep communiations going AND maintain consistent awareness. There will alsways be people who don't want to give to certain causes; that si the beuty of the US--freedom. For example, I am a big animal rights person and many people dismiss animal charities without a thougt. So be it. That is why I and people of like mind are here. Same with anything. No one should be forced to give to anything. Quite frankly, we're all giving via the US funds, through our taxes.


I also have no problem with people questioning where we are going to get $100M from, especially now. Also, while I support aid for foreign catastrophes, we STILL have people living in FEMA trailors in New Orleans. Additionally, it is not Corporate America's repsonsibility to provide foreign aid either, although many companies are matching employee donations (mine is to $100,000 AND it is opening it's drug stockpiles, sending millions of dollars worth of antibiotics and surgical drugs to Haiti this week).


My memory of 9/11 is a blur because I was dealing with my loss and the aftermath of that event personally, but what countries did anything for us? I honestly don't remember anything but some Saudi prince coming to the City, 'touring' the WTC site, and writing a check which the Mayor swiftly refused.


I don't know what more people want.

I find your post disheartening, considering that the theme of this thread is that we are all human beings and humans are supposed to help other humans in crisis.

Have you any concept that the people of Haiti are left with absolutely nothing now? NOTHING. People's babies are dying in their arms. Bodies are being dumped into mass graves. It's not about who gives what. What countries have helped us? Well the list for Katrina was actually quite long, if you care to take a look
here

ETA: I'm sorry, I just think if you decide to step up and help people it should be left at that. Help because it's the right thing to do...

 

[Apsara]

SBS, please accept my heartfelt prayers for you and your family. My comments were not directed to you but to ome of the prior posts that seemed to chastise people for questioning the funds beign sent to the relief efforts. i think it is our right to ask questions and our right to give when and what we wish. I also think that the US should be at the forefront of aid to Haiti and other countries impacted by disasters. We are the leaders of the free world and have a moral and ethical repsonsibility to contribute. I just don''t think it''s wrong to consider what our people need here when balancing foreign aid with domestic concerns.

As to the other posters, you missed my point entirely. And no one should presume to know what I think, how I give, what my perceptions and experience with tragedy are, or whether my "heart is open." And I never questioned whether other coutnries, rich or poor, helped us, so while the link was intersting, it wans''t on point whatsoever.

PS I''d caution everyone to be careful about the indictments on corproate America also--while there are many many issues and problems no doubt, corporations/business are the backbone of our economy. They employee millions of people, pay taxes to help fund the ever-burgeoning government, put money in people''s pcokets to spend at smaller and medium-sized businesses, etc. ... There won''t be US aid to Haiti or anyone else without them.

 

[jewelz617]

*sigh*

Maybe you should start a more politically themed thread then...

I just wanted people to keep Haiti in their thoughts, not argue.

 

[Should Be Studying]

Date: 1/17/2010 11:54:29 PM
Author: PinkAsscher678

I just wanted people to keep Haiti in their thoughts, not argue.

I think this thread has done a great job at that. Thank you again for starting it.