Myanmar Cyclone Fundraising Sluggish

[kathy]

It is hard to want to contribute, when there are widespread reports of the military siphoning off the little aid that is getting there and taking the time to relabel what good supplies they provide. This will rank as a Rewanda for the world when the diseases and starvation begin taking their toll. I don't know what the world can do, given the political sensitivity to intervening without the government's approval. We seem to find war easier than humanitarian intervention.

[Richard Gozinya]

William Costigan wrote:

<quoted text>At least I use my name unlike you ... you bleeding heart liberal.... and I stand by my words ... AMERICA FIRST ... let's start taking care of our own HERE !!! and let the rest of the people in the world take care of themselves ....you and your kind can go to that stink hole and start rebuilding huts if you wish by thinking people will put AMERICA FIRST

Off our psych meds today, are we, Mr. Costigan?

Here's hoping you never need someone else's help.

[You said it]

Warren wrote:

I agree that giving to a corrupt government makes no sense at all. But to pretend that a poor American is in exactly the same situation as a poor farmer in Haiti or Rwanda is just plain ignorance. Most of the world lives on $2 or less a day (adjusted for cost of living) and so to "take care of Americans first" is to ignore the vast differences between OUR poverty and others'. The truth is, our financial "pinch" prevents us from giving, but we are still much more rich than the rest of the world. If we lived down the street from some of these folks who live on $2 a day, we'd do something about it. But people are too far away and just a number to us. We are far too complacent.

WELL SAID

[Mike J in CT]

Daniel Shays wrote:

<quoted text>
Do you own a CCCP *and* a Che t-shirt?

Do you have anything intelligent to contribute to the conversation?

My statement is not promoting communism. If it were, it would be well within my right. As it stands, I'm saying there are people out there with more resources that should be chipping in and helping. But it seems many of those with the millions and billions in cash choose to help only select causes. Why don't they step up and help out more? Why do they leave it to the everyday citizens, the ones who they made their money from?

[Daniel Shays]

Mike J in CT wrote:

<quoted text>
Do you have anything intelligent to contribute to the conversation?
My statement is not promoting communism. If it were, it would be well within my right. As it stands, I'm saying there are people out there with more resources that should be chipping in and helping. But it seems many of those with the millions and billions in cash choose to help only select causes. Why don't they step up and help out more? Why do they leave it to the everyday citizens, the ones who they made their money from?

So, just to clarify, you think that the rich make money by taking it from the working poor; you think that the rich should have to give their money to the poor (to balance things out); and you're not promoting communism. Do I have that right? Idiot.

[Cochese]

I don't think its the lack of media exposure, but more the concern over where our money will go. There is a very real concern that the military is storing food and goods (probably of much higher quality than they could buy themselves) for internal use, instead of giving it to the victims. I do not want to take that chance.

The argument can be made that even if a little bit gets through, then it makes a difference. I feel really lousy about all the children who are suffering, but I'll take the more realistic approach and say that there is no justification in strengthening a military that is still not recognized as the official government. This tragedy might spark change, aiding the military will just make that change even harder.

[Naomi Mason]

This was really interesting, especially the idea that donors are consumers. My big question is why is all this getting so little coverage in the news?

Naomi

[Naomi Mason]

why is this not covered more on the news? good story.

[keep it home]

Their corrupt government hates us and doesn't want our help. It would rather let the people starve than admit that the USA actually is full of kind, caring people who overlook their irrational hate.

The article is a sham.

[You said it]

keep it home wrote:

Their corrupt government hates us and doesn't want our help. It would rather let the people starve than admit that the USA actually is full of kind, caring people who overlook their irrational hate.
The article is a sham.

I'm not sure "sham" is the right word. The article is right enough, as far as it goes. The problem is that it doesn't deal with the #1 problem: Americans (with the exception of some of the dopes who have replied above) do want to help, but they don't want to send money with no idea where it will end up -- possibly in the pockets of a corrupt dictatorship.

[peggy]

I sensed a lot of anger (aimed at different levels) after reading the posted comments. But, I also know that Americans have "big heart", kind and generous.

Please remember that $1 goes a long ways in countries like Myanmar. Most people there earn only that much in one month. I rather be someone's pet in this country than live in Myanmar.

You can donate to UNICEF, Red Cross,World Food Program and Save the Children. If your donated money doesn't get used for the country that you allocated for, other needy countries will benefit from your donation. Also, these same organizations have US programs so your money may be used for aid in USA.

Thank you for those who have donated.

[peggy]

I appreciated the article. Please keep the news coming or we will forget, since our lives are soooo busy, making a living in this country

[Mike J in CT]

Daniel Shays wrote:

<quoted text>
So, just to clarify, you think that the rich make money by taking it from the working poor; you think that the rich should have to give their money to the poor (to balance things out); and you're not promoting communism. Do I have that right? Idiot.

First off, a truly intelligent person would not need to resort to calling names.
Second, I'm saying, why don't people who make the big bucks help out more? Why does it always seem to be the every day people shelling out their money? I just think major companies should take more of an active role in helping out on a global scale.

That's my OPINION, look it up if you don't know what it means. Is that okay with you or should I be meek and give in to your opinion and thoughts as being the way to go?