Dear Activist Group of the Moment -

[kyburg]

I don't have any money to give you.

Boom, shakka, boom -

Love, me.

Comments

*kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[eyeofcanaan.livejournal.com]

Amen to that.

I'm torn about these things. I'd really like to give to some other groups, say the Tsunami relief fund but something keeps nagging me in the back of my mind.

If the same thing happens to us, as in the United States, would they send any kind of aid? How many floods, hurricanes, *insert natural disaster here* have we had in the last 5 years? Several by my count. Has any other county assisted us?

None to my recollection. And please, correct me if I'm wrong.

How about 9/11? I remember several countries pledging to support us in our own investments to scourge terrorism, but I don't remember another damn COUNTRY sending relief aid to NYC.

So am I being petty? Maybe stingy? Probably. But I'll keep my pennies. I can barely make rent & bills as it is -- why would I share with them for nothing?

YT.

PS - I don't rant too often for any reason, so I think I'll add this to my own LJ. Thanks Donna. -- C

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[secanth.livejournal.com]

While not claiming to have any links to back it up, one thing to keep in mind is that in situation such as 9-11 and other disasters, even if aid is offered, it must be *accepted* by the country affected. I rather suspect that our government would turn down any 'aid' of that type. What individual citizens of other countries gave is up to them, and the charitable organizations...but offical aid must go through government channels. I somehow can't see our government accepting such aid.

Also, in terms of rescue workers/search and rescue...that too has to be requested/accepted by the governing bodies. So far as I know, there was no lack of equipment, manpower, or aid in recent disasters. For 9-11, there were almost too many organizations willing to send aid, and many here in the U.S. were 'turned away' because there was no need for them. If I recall correctly, the U.K. did send some specialized equipment (for rescue operations) but it was left to the on-site officals to decide what they needed.

Canada, in particular, provided food, shelter, and support for many stranded US passengers on planes forced to land there on 9-11, and as far as I know that was done by individuals without recompense from any government.

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

Boy, that struck a nerve, didn't it?

Because you didn't see it, remember it or benefit from it, didn't mean it didn't happen - you know this.

Please don't let your first reaction be one of anger in these cases.

I'll never forget seeing the tape from Russia of the fireman there standing at attention for a moment of silence for the fallen of the NYFD. I can remember when our countries were were sworn, bloody enemies. And it wasn't that long ago. Yet, there they were.

Most of the footage we have of 9/11 came out of French cameras. There was a group shooting a documentary for the NYFD and got caught in the story of their lives. There was never a question as to whether they would help. They did - risking life and limb. And kept the cameras rolling.

The Germans have been the most active in actually finding, capturing and prosecuting the people involved in the attacks when they were found on their soil.

Money? I can't say - but the Red Cross is an international organization, and some of the most incredible fund raising efforts (and flaps) surrounded it following 9/11. I sincerely doubt all the funds given to the survivors and families who lost someone in 9/11 were entirely American in origin. I sincerely doubt it.

If you get a chance to visit this traveling exhibit, I strongly urge you to do so.

It's good to remember a time when the world didn't hate us - and actually had some sympathy for our hurts.

And I assure you - you are NOT going to be encouraged to think of anything other than "the world hates us and we need to be thinking about protecting ourselves" with today's media message.

People sent money. Countries sent money. You won't hear about it because it's not news anymore.

In truth? We didn't have to have it to survive 9/11. We've got plenty. More than anyone else in the world.

Just not per capita - which brings me back to my lack of fundage for anyone who asks me for it.

This morning? Someone wants to shut up Jerry Fallwell. I don't have $50 to shut up Jerry Fallwell this morning.

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[digitaldraco.livejournal.com]

"the world hates us and we need to be thinking about protecting ourselves"

Perhaps what it should be is...

"the world hates us and we need to be thinking about WHY"

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

If we even cared about the WHY, we would have prevented 9/11 in the first place.

*sighs*

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[eyeofcanaan.livejournal.com]

Well said, and again all too true.

YT.

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[eyeofcanaan.livejournal.com]

As the original post had stated, I wasn't angry I was indifferent.
*grin*

I know many individuals donated to the 9/11 cause. But I was referring to a country, not the individuals. Of course the entire world was moved by 9/11. Approximately 40 countries lost someone in those buildings -- it was the World Trade Center afterall. The attack was an offront to every country that tries to work together; of course plenty of people were touched and acknowledged those in emergency response who died.

That wasn't my point.

But I didn't know about Canada offering landing space. That is absolutely awesome. And I do believe to an extent our country would be just as stubborn not to accept aid. Still silly, especially regarding the national debt.

*shrug* Oh well, my .02.

YT.

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[eyeofcanaan.livejournal.com]

Oops. Not Canada as a country but again as individuals, offering kindness to our stranded citizens. I figured I read that wrong but its still cool that they did that regardless.

YT.

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[secanth.livejournal.com]

I happened to be on a net group of crafters (cross stitch, that kind of thing) on the day. A couple of the members were from Newfoundland and surrounding areas. The messages coming out were moving. "If you have family stranded here, don't worry...we're taking care of them."

You might find these links interesting for more on the story:
http://www.bookfinder.us/review6/0060513608.htmlhttp://www.town.stephenville.nf.ca/sept17.html

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[secanth.livejournal.com]

Opps...first link doesn't work, but the second gives you the basics. (grin)

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[eyeofcanaan.livejournal.com]

Very cool. Thanks for the tidbit of inspiration. Every now and again I have to have my faith restored in humanity and it's wonderful!

Now the government is another matter entirely. (And I work for da man!)

YT.

Re: *kicks* Activist Group of the Moment

[secanth.livejournal.com]

Found the name of the book the first link referenced:

"The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland" by Jim DeFede. Sounds interesting...I'm going to check our library for it. (Isn't interlibrary loan wonderful?)

There are a few..

[n6vfp.livejournal.com]

I give through work, and to a few political groups I support (ACLU, MoveOn, etc.) but even those are going to see less this coming year as I'm going into a 3 year contract with no raises, no COLA, nothing. No extra money here.