Donate $10 for Haiti relief by texting

[frawin]

CATWOMAN, I sure miss your wisdom and the way you make a point.

[Lookatmeknow!!]

Ok I will put it this way, do unto others as you would have them do to you.  That would about say it. 

[Catwoman]

Well said, Angie.

[Jo McDonald]

ROTFLMHO                 

[Mom70x7]

The New York Times today talks about the Red Cross and its donations for Haiti:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/19/us/19charity.html?th&emc=th

Part of what it says:
As of late Sunday, the organization had collected pledges of $103 million, about $22 million of which came through the text-messaging program.

and

While no one has suggested that the organization has mishandled its response to the earthquake in Haiti, Red Cross officials said they were fully aware that all eyes were on them. Mr. Lowe said transparency and accountability were among the organization's major priorities for this disaster. He noted that Gail J. McGovern, the new Red Cross president, has placed an emphasis on those aspects of its operations.

I learned things:

The Red Cross is one of a handful of nonprofit groups that hold a Congressional charter, and the president serves as its honorary chairman, in addition to appointing the chairman of its board. The Red Cross also has officially mandated responsibilities and roles to play during disasters under the National Response Framework.

"They are a quasi-governmental organization, and that's a tremendous benefit when it comes to fund-raising for something like this," said Robert Sharpe, a fund-raising consultant.

Here's how they are specifically helping now:

The Red Cross response in Haiti includes delivering basic supplies like tarps, blankets and hygiene kits to people gathering in makeshift camps, building latrines and training Creole-speaking volunteers to work as translators aboard a United States Navy ship where Haitians will be taken for medical care.

[Mom70x7]

On a side note:

I was going to say "I learned things I didn't know" and shortened it at the last minute.

Of course we learn things we don't know - that's why it's called learning!
       

[Diane Amberg]

Thanks for sharing that.

[Teresa]

I've stayed kinda quiet in here on this..as I DO feel bad for these people and their plight.
I have read comments form those in here..and listened to lots of conversations this week while I have been here working the Shot Show.
I'll compile them in my brain and give my feeble opinion on the subject..
I'm sure I'll be on several's "list"..but hell ..I guess its better than not being on any list at all.  

I read this .....We need so much. Food, clothes, we need everything. I don't know whose responsibility it is, but they need to give us something soon," said Sophia Eltime, a 29-year-old mother of two who has been living under a bedsheet with seven members of her extended family. - Haiti earthquake survivor.
and I thought.....
The same mentality exists in 90% of Americans.

This will probably come across as way more insensitive that it is meant, but ...

I feel for the victims of the earthquake, and I feel for all impacted by disaster.  However, I detest the attitude of "they need to give us something soon."  I don't care how low or how bad, we all need an attitude of being a part of our own recovery.

In our own country it was an attitude we could not move on during the week before a hurricane, because our "keepers" let us down.  I've had friends that have been through earthquakes and understand they are different, but anyone able to live under a bed sheet with seven members of her extended family is capable of putting together a better shelter from scrounged materials... and capable of becoming a part of the collective community effort to pull themselves back up.

No amount of help or aid will better a society that is not willing to fight to be a part of the solution!  

Oh ... wait ... this statement is coming from a citizen of a country where we have fourth generation welfare babies with no goals other than to take over the "family business." of the system..  
Come on~~~
The reason it's a pathetic shit hole is because after 200 tears they still have not figured out it's THEIR responsibility.

40% of Haiti's economy was dependent on foreign aid BEFORE the earthquake, they have no natural resources, no skilled labor, no other country is willing to invest in operations or manufacturing facilities.. corrupt political system ...and what do they have?
NOTHING!!

Then put a massive earthquake in the midst, a couple good smacks from hurricanes last season, and where do you go from here?
They will continue to need foreign aid, just as they have been for decades.
I realize they need food and water...............but what after that?? and after that ... and on and on.. ??

What's the long-term solution?  No idea.  

[Varmit]

Long term solution??...make them fend for themselves.  Is it harsh, yes, will it work, yes.  The only way that people like that are going to better their situation permanently is if they are made to do it for themselves.  If not then they will just continue to suck at the collective teat of others.

[greatguns]

If only the people with all the answers would run for office and get elected to run this contry.