Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Hidden Cost of Compassion


Who among us (besides Pat Robertson), isn't touched by the suffering going on in Haiti?   It's a horrible situation, and when ever there is a natural disaster, there is always a call to volunteer, to pray and to open up our wallets and give generously.

The United States is one of the most giving countries on earth, and I'm proud of that.

But...........

I opened up my wallet and gave after 9/11.   I also opened up my wallet and gave after Katrina.  I even made an online donation to the Red Cross after the Tsunami a few years back.   Each time I was left wondering, "Where did the money go?"  

In each case there was a horrible need, and I gave only to find out later the money was re-routed to something else, lined some despicable humans pockets, mismanaged by an idiotic government, or kept in a bank which never doled it out to the people it was meant for......and that left me with a sick pit in my stomach, and admittedly...a little jaded.

I'm not proud of feeling that way.   I wish I didn't.   But I do.

Times are different now and of course we have to help these people somehow.  But when I heard President Obama was pledging 100 million dollars....during a time when so many people (including yours truly) is out of a job, barely living hand to mouth....makes me upset.    I'm not saying we shouldn't help the Hatians, of course we have to....but with the hidden cost of compassion all to evident (in my eyes) we have to take care of ourselves first...and 100 million given our debt and current economic distress is more than a little wrong.

5 comments:

A Lewis said...

There is no shortage of people, places, and events that need other people's help. Sometimes it's all about giving $$$. Other times, it's about giving of your heart in some way. Other times, it's good thoughts and prayers. Each time is different.

Charlie said...

I am kinda like you on this, I want to help but to make damn sure it goes where it is 'sposed to. My granny always said charity begins at home.

Anonymous said...

Pat Robinsen is a major hypocrite and dick.

David said...

Hey Geoff,
I hear you. I also gave to Haiti but my feelings are in the middle abut it. The United States is still one of the richest country's in the world, but ... why are we always the one's to give so much? Why does it always fall on our shoulders to reach out and help with such HUGE amounts of money. I have to admit that I have not done my homework on what country's have given what ... but I bet we have given the most. Of course my heart goes out to all peoples in suffering. I think we need to make a bigger effort to rally other country's and say "Hey France, Hey Germany, Hey UK, let all get together and help as one" Maybe I'm just a little bit simplistic.

Anonymous said...

$100M is just the tip of the iceberg, the true cost to US taxpayers will be tens of billions given the number of troops/equipment being deployed and that will remain deployed for in the future.

 
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