As I sit here on a Monday trying to catch up on all the emails, forum entries, Tweets and Facebook updates from the weekend, I seem to see a trend emerging…why are there no telethons for the needy in this country? Why should we give money to Haiti when we have our own homeless, hungry, dying and needy in this country? I believe the Facebook mantra has been to post the following as your status:
Shame on you America: In this country 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. 99% of people won’t have the guts to copy and repost this
Honestly, these thoughts are a bit disturbing to me. Why you ask? Why should we help other countries? Why should we help those in need?
IMO it’s rather simple…You want to know why? Because we are the United States of America and we are the BEST nation on this planet, that’s why. We ALWAYS come to the aid any ANYONE that needs it, because that is WHO we are and that is part of what makes this Country the BEST!!!! Isn’t America supposed to be the ones that stand up for the less fortunate? Aren’t we supposed to come to the aid of those that can’t protect themselves?
As I told a few of these folks, if you or anyone wants to have TV telethons or any sort of fund-raising for the Homeless in America, I have to ask, what is stopping you? Why don’t YOU step up if it’s so important to you? It seems to me that it should be relatively easy to get something going, especially with all the social media outlets available. I’ll tell you what, if you really want to get something going, let me know. We can get together and I’m sure between us and those in our networks we could come up with some very good ideas and start spreading the word.
I’m still waiting….
….is anyone willing to step up to the challenge?
Anyone? Anyone?
Bueller? Bueller?
…still waiting….and so is America’s Homeless and Hungry and Needy……
{ 3 comments }
Of course there are no hard feelings!!! Nothing but a good-natured conversation taking place!! Not enough of that anymore either. There is certainly more things that we agree on than disagree, that’s a good thing.
Enjoy your warm weather, it’s starting to snow here……
Not surprised to see this here….I think you are missing the point of the original post. Yes anybody can have a tweet or fb page to help out, good on ya if you want to. The point was that there is a whole lot of hoopla over this and any other tragedy that arises, but the same people that are putting on concerts, running telethons, and standing up there recapping the tragic conditions of the latest country (not just Haiti), are nowhere to be found when the spot lights dim.
There is still much to be done in New Orleans, there are tons of people out of work in the country, more so in CA and MI than the other states – have we heard a single word from any of our dear concerned celebs??? Bueler, Bueler???? Nope, no spotlights for them to bathe in.
Like it or not, the common citizen is more likely to donate when they see Jay-Z, or George Clooney, or __________ (insert celeb of your choice), asking for their money. It’s not right, but it is true.
That was the point – We certainly can help other countries – with in reason. But we really need to remember that there is much to do at home as well. We are the greatest nation on earth, because you can come here and be whatever you want – not because we are the worlds piggy bank to be broken every time somebody needs a handout.
Like I said earlier, I donate to local causes here in our area – daughters classmate with brain cancer, Christmas gifts for families that have fallen on hard times, local Salvation Army, local veterans assistance shelter, and a few others. We do it every year – doesn’t make me better than anybody, just more conscious of the local need, especially as we came into quite trying times ourselves this year with the economy.
Maybe the ones that look at it differently haven’t had to participate in our lovely economy this last 18 months – good for you, must be nice. For most of us though, this has hit very close to home, we have lost jobs, homes, vehicles that got us back and forth to work, or the lucky ones, like me, just had to take a 50% pay cut to keep our jobs. I am glad I still have a job, others aren’t so lucky. So I have to put off my daughters braces for another 2 years, but at least Haiti is getting taken care of right??
We have the right to say “Shame on You America”.
You’re right, that’s not the impression (at all) that I got when I read the posts on FB and elsewhere.
It disgusts me that these opportunity seeking celebs disappear after the lights dim and there’s no more notoriety in it for them. To be fair, there are some that do stick around; though sadly it’s a very small minority (usually only those that live in the affected area). And I agree that sadly most Americans won’t donate to a cause, let alone anything, unless it has their favorite celeb’s face associated with it (what may be even sadder is that we, their so-called fans, let them do this). If you want to say Shame on you America for that, then I will agree 100%. However, if you’re saying that America should be ashamed just because we’re helping someone in need, which is how I interpreted the original post, then for that I have to respectfully disagree.
Whether we like it or not, America is the World’s big brother, sister, father and mother all rolled into one. And, regardless of what some may hope for, that isn’t likely to change anytime soon. You’re right, we’re the first to get blamed for everything that goes wrong, but we are also the first they call when they need help. Why? Because they know that even when America has its troubles, we always come through. Is it fair that we’re the Worlds whipping boy and rescuer? Probably not. Is that reason enough to stop doing it? No, I don’t think so.
I hope there are no hard feelings. I wasn’t trying discount anyone; if that is how I came across, then I apologize wholeheartedly. I know that I have a better understanding of what you meant; hopefully I was able to do the same.
Thank you for your time, kind sir, and I wish nothing but the best for you and yours.
PL&H
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