(I'm so mad that I haven't edited this yet--there are grammatical errors, I'm sure.)
I have never quite understood people who think that the citizens of the United States aren't helping the less fortunate in our own country. Lately on Facebook there has been a lot of chatter going around that people are mad about the telethon for donations to the earthquake victim in Haiti. Those same people think that money should be going to people in the United State, who are mentally ill, poor, or otherwise unfortunate.
I hate those people who question the kindness of Americans to give their OWN money to Haiti.
Why? Well, it's simple: even the poorest-of-poor American has a better quality of life than most average Joe's in other countries. As a super-power the United States has a responsibility to help those nations, even though many of those nations CAN NOT reciprocate when we have a disaster. Nor--by-and-by--would we ask them to reciprocate, because WE have the means to help ourselves. Note: The telethon did not raise money for the United States to give away, it raised money for the people of Haiti from UNITED STATES CITIZENS.
Someone on FB brought up that there are children going hungry in the United States. You're right, there are. And, I'll be the first to admit that the recession and unemployment rates have sucked up a lot of America's reserves of money and resources. But, here's the thing: there are still avenues out there from which those children could get food. Schools give out free meals for lunch for families that qualify (and if they don't qualify--most schools WILL FIND A WAY to have the child fed). In addition, food banks have started to give out food at some schools--or at least identify families that need help--so no child goes to bed without food in their stomachs.
You're probably wondering how I know this, right? Well, even though I work for a private, Catholic high school, my school has a lot of at-risk students who we admit at reduced-rate tuition (which is why I get paid peanuts compared to other high schools I could be teaching at), and we help identify those families, and get food to them. In addition, we have a pubic elementary and middle school right across the road that we work with; so, yes, I know many of the ropes.
More importantly, those food banks heavily rely on donations from everyday citizens to keep running. And, I know from our twice-yearly can drives (and clothing drives) at school that there are a lot of people willing to help the less fortunate--and they do! Our last can drive had over 2,300 food donations in the morning--not counting what came in later during the day. There was a huge turkey drive as well--but I don't recall those numbers. Yet, this is just one way that the government does not help.
As for the mentally ill, I understand that it seems a lot of people don't get help. However, you can't help someone who doesn't want it. In my experience, I couldn't receive help for my PTSD or depression--which I still struggle with every day--until I wanted it. And, I was not turned away when I needed help. Even if I hadn't been a student on campus when I needed help, I could have gone to counseling for a much reduced cost. I can't remember if they had free options or not, but I know each session would have cost less than a movie each week.
And, to counteract anyone who claims that the recession has really cut into their budget and the above isn't possible, I know your pain.
A few years ago I went without health insurance for over a year. I tried to keep myself healthy, but lo-and-behold I ended up with and abscess on my tooth. I think I said FUCK about 20,000 times, for the following reasons: 1.) root canals are expensive 2.) I was at a new dentist (the one I go to now) because I was far from home. I had no idea what to expect at this new dentist, but I got up all of the nerve I could muster and told them about my situation. And, a compromise was planned. They would do the root canal, but would NOT put a crown on my tooth until I had insurance (about a year later) unless another emergency arose. Moreover, they offered a a 30-day, 60-day and 90-day payment option, or I could apply for even more. I was able to pay within the 30-days, but the offer was nice.
However, none of it would have been possible if I hadn't asked for options. And, because I'm like family at my dentist office now, I hear A LOT. They were telling me one day that they had an elderly gentleman who needed new dentures, and they were going to take a hit on his case because they knew he needed them. THEY WERE GIVING UP THEIR OWN MONEY.
And, don't forget about family services, welfare, food stamps and other government resources that are available to American families at government rates.
In addition, in every big city I've lived in or next to, there's some type of homeless shelter that opens its doors to everyone seeking help. However, a person must SEEK help to get help.
Thus, I wonder how many Americans ask about options before bitching that America does nothing for her own people who are suffering.
The people of Haiti are so devastated that they have no one to ask for help in their own country. There are no resources, there are no outlets.
So, to those Facebookers who think Americans are spending money the wrong way, I say: Sit on your privileged finger and spin.
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