So, the week is nearly over and I haven't posted once.
It's not that I haven't thought about it. And, "No" I haven't lost interest. There's just been so many negatives floating around this week that one has to question to make fun of them, or just let them go by and hopefully be forgotten.
Sorry, for those of you that enjoy it, the sarcasm and jokes will return in the future.
I'm lucky that I wasn't in an area affected by Hurricane Sandy. Millions have suffered devastating losses in either loss of daily items taken for granted, property, or even worse, human life. For many, it means starting life all over again. For all, it means a moment to stand back and reflect.
I hold much empathy for those suffering. I don't wish to seem cruel in any manner. Yet, there's a thought deep inside that plagues me. I've tried to cast it aside, but it keeps appearing over and over.
"How many of those demanding assistance from others have ever given assistance to others?"
The last decade has brought much devastation as the weather seems to be getting some sort of revenge on the way man has treated the world. There have been terrible hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, and tornadoes throughout the Midwest. Cities have been destroyed, lives changed and lost, and many have had their lives changed forever.
How much help did they receive from those now demanding assistance?Now, the argument to this will be, "But look at the sheer numbers involved and the importance of the area. New York is important to so many."
Let me ask, "To a farmer that has just had his home destroyed, his animals lost, and his crops ravaged by a tornado, what importance does New York City make?" If this farmer isn't important to the citizens of the East Coast, why should the East Coast victims be important to the farmer?
See, it's not a matter of the numbers. Human beings are human beings. Everyone will be in need sometime in their life. Who will be there for them if the importance is gauged by dollars and population, instead of simply that there's a human being in need?
We are attuned to finding excuses not to help, or, to simply turn our heads to those in need. Our society has become so callous that we find solace in denial, and reality TV. "It happened, it's over, let THEM deal with it, I've got my own life to live" seems to be the way that the majority think and respond. Yet, when they are in need, questions arise as to why they seem forgotten.
My character in all my previous blogs is simply that, a character created. He is a character that responds to the absurdities around him and embellishes them with sarcasm and hostility (to some extent) because they are truly going on. He expresses what many feel, but fail to say.
"This is me talking now, no character."
Yes, the people along the East Coast need our help. There is no doubt. Many of us will give what they can. Yet, there are those that have already put it aside because it doesn't directly affect them.
As a society, we need to change! We need to see things through to the end and ensure each person will have the best chance at survival and getting their lives back together as possible. But, not just for the folks in the metro areas. This needs to carry down to the smallest renter in the mobile home park that just got hit by a tornado, flood, or other natural disaster. Their lives are just as important as anyone else's.
If one doesn't think this so, then please, when you're in need, don't expect others to come to your rescue. They may continue to believe the same as you and forget about your situation.
Instead, look at the big picture of each of us taking a few moments to help each other. Do you realize that if everyone on the East Coast were to give a dime when another catastrophe took place in some small burg in Nowhere, U.S.A. that it could completely rebuild the homes lost and restore hope to those in need? A small dime would be all it would take.
Or, is it easier to turn on Honey Boo Boo and forget?
Think about it. The answer lies deep within.
Richard, very often, we fail to remember the little things and to do little things for others, because we're so caught up in our own situations. Too true. If we don't help someone else, we have no right to expect help from others when we are in need. A great share!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I'm really not saying we can't expect help if we don't help. I just want people to do the right thing and help each other. The standard newscast bypasses disasters after the "excitements" gone. "It was yesterday's news, let's find something new for today to get the ratings up" is there philosophy. We can't be as quick to forget that no disaster and its affects are over within a day or two. People are people, whether they live in a big city or small. They all deserve the same support and assistance, regardless of where they choose to live. Many Thanks!
DeleteRichard, you said it so perfectly here and couldn't have said it better. I have seen the damage and heard the first hand stories told to me directly now. It is pretty much in my own backyard now and tons of people are now without and in need. I have always donated when I have been asked to and not saying this to be all preachy. It is just how I was raised, that if I had an extra dollar in my pocket give it to a greater cause or need. So I totally agree and isn't interesting that a mere dime from all on the east coast could truly make a huge difference, but sadly many will indeed turn on Honey Boo Boo and ignore those in need. Thanks seriously for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteJanine - As I've already stated too many times, I've been in a disaster area several times. It's not someplace I'd wish on anyone. Yet, I also know that those that refuse to give are those that ask for the help first, most of the time. I'd rather have 20 people give one dollar than for 2 to give five. It relieves the burden of those that gives and, at the same time, provides more for the assistance funding. Yet, I'll guarantee you, there are those that don't, or won't ever give a penny, but yet feel everyone should come to their rescue. We need to get everyone to change their selfish ways and remember that what goes around, comes around. Many Thanks!
DeleteWow - this is a powerful post. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like on the East Coast. I have to admit, I followed along much closer because of knowing writer friends who were affected by the storm. Otherwise sadly, I might have had the same reaction and choose to forget the damage once the storm was over. You said it well though... we should be willing to help when any disaster strikes. Just a dime... everybody could give that... would make so much of a difference.
ReplyDeleteStacy - Thanks for stopping by. If we were to think of the population of the United States, and have everyone contribute one dime, the East Coast would need minimal support from anywhere else. Yet, many won't give because they don't feel they have the extra. I've got four or five dollars change in the console of my Ridgeline, and most have a dime in the floorboards or between the seats. That's all it would take. Let's say there were even 20 major disasters a year. That's a total of two bucks per person if everyone were to contribute. It's such a simple concept, yet, one so ignored. Many Thanks!
DeleteI feel like even just a little contribution to Red Cross isn't enough. *sigh* The East Coast has been in my thoughts so much. I live in NC, and parts of the state were affected, but where I live not much happened - some high winds and snow. We have tropical storms come through ever so often. That being said, I've already thought about the discussion on climate change we need to have (or if we don't want to call it that, we can talk about the storms that increase in frequency and severity). I think about how we humans have such callous disregard for drilling and fracking wherever we want, obliterating the forest, and paving whatever damned roads we please. And oh, I'm not above it - at all. I have done my share of driving, and using oil. I've done my share of consuming. But what is it going to take to make us realize that we can't just take whatever we want without consequence, you know? Millions of people live on $1 and yet we complain when we don't make $50,000 (ok, I've never seen that amount of money in my life, but that's beside the point, haha). Very thought-provoking post and one that I think we all have a duty to think about. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteCyndi - It's amazing how you echo my thoughts. Man is the most deadly creature in the world, perhaps, even to himself. I'm an animal conservationalist, and can't get over how God put each animal on the Earth for a purpose, and man thinks himself smarter and decides which ones can stay or not. Global warming, climate change, whatever, it all depends on what political group is in office and how they want to cover it up so they can proceed as the tool of big business and greed. We're doing it to ourselves, and paying the price. If everyone will give just a little when one of these disaster take place, the burden is so much less. It's a matter of "nothing being too small a gift" when all help out. Many Thanks!
DeleteThis is such a great message, Rich. It's amazing how easy it is to get wrapped up in your own life and forget about those who are struggling. My father-in-law is a farmer in New Jersey and (still without power) risks losing his entire crop of corn because of a failed generator. He's not the only one. There are so many people in the Northeast struggling right now. It breaks my heart. Great post!
ReplyDeleteCari - That's so sad about your father-in-law. Here's a person that works to help feed the nation, and the nation hasn't taken care of him. Instead of working to get generators set up for those in Manhattan, who do nothing for most of us, how tough would it be for the government to supply him with a single generator as his part in the big picture is so much greater than many others? Misplaced priorities. What's even worse is that there's probably a corporate giant farmer out there looking at his situation thinking, "If he goes under, we can raise the price on our product." I hope he makes it, as well as others in his same plight! Many Thanks!
DeleteImportant message Rich and you are so right. I like the change you made to your header by the way!!! :)
ReplyDeleteJulie - Thanks for you comment. I really appreciate the support! I'm still experimenting on how to do things. I'll get it together gradually. : ) Many thanks!
DeleteBravo! Well said!
ReplyDeleteKate - Thanks for the support. I've just watched so much this week about Sandy and the people affected, it brought back a lot of memories. It would take so little it all would provide. Yet, for some reason, very few do. It's good to see those in a disaster area work for each other, but why don't the rest of us do the same? If we don't mind "taking care of our own", isn't the whole country "our own"? Many Thanks!
Deleteyou hit upon the most rare of human capacities, *perspective*, I totally agree with the idea, but with all things that people know, the one misstep that messes things up, more than anything else is to see from outside the immediate.
ReplyDeleteenjoyed the Post, morning calisthenics for the mind
Clark - Good of you to visit! As you state, people seem to have blinders on and can only see such a narrow path in front of them it's no wonder we're in the shape we are. I just heard a request for cash from the Red Cross. They're requesting $10 donations. Many don't have $10 to spare right now. If they were to ask everyone for $1 donations instead, young kids could easily talk their parents into giving. Sometimes, greed knows no boundaries and intelligence seems so far in the distance. Many Thanks!
DeleteYou've said something here that many have been thinking but haven't put into words or said. It's important. And you are so right. There were more people affected - Cuba for one. I know New York was affected, but I can't help thinking about the other places that weren't all over the news. People who were injured, animals missing, building destruction. You also made me think about giving. I admit, I'm one of those who sat at the other end of the world thinking, "I'm glad we live in South Africa!" And now I realize I could have done something to help - I don't know what, but as I do when I try and get help to the animals in the shelter, every little bit makes a difference. Thanks for reminding us of what's important. You hit the nail on the head.
ReplyDeleteMelanie - Good to see you here! Since relations between Cuba and the U.S. are still at a 50+ year stalemate, it's going to take other countries getting involved to assist them. We hear of no word out of Cuba in the restoration efforts, only pictures of the devastation there (and that was only before Sandy hit here). We live in a world filled with human beings, but unfortunately, the politicians that rule are only concerned about their voters, and few others. We need to help each other out, no matter where the disasters hit. A little from a few is better than nothing from no one. Animal organizations the world over are so disorganized and tainted with greed (Yes, I'm especially suspicious of those in the US) that it's scary to think where donations would go to if contributing to them. Pockets are filled and the animals continue their plight. So sad. Many Thanks!
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ReplyDeleteVery thought provoking post! There's so much that people could be doing, that they're too lazy, or self concerned to bother with. I mean, I know money is a struggle for pretty much everyone these days. But what's it going to hurt to skip buying that thing you don't really need anyway, and donating that 10 bucks to someone in need? And there is plenty else that can be done. Volunteer at a shelter, donate some items you don't really need anymore. People lost so much. Clothes, photos, appliances. Some of it is irreplaceable, but they're going to need help replacing what can be. And what really gets me? This happened so so close to Christmas. How many kids are going to miss out on presents because mom and dad are having to spend whatever money they saved up for Christmas on cleaning up the water damage? My boyfriend and I are going to try to find a way to adopt some families, NYC is only 2 hours away from us, we'll drive 'em down if we have to. And I noticed up there, that sweetheart Cyndi saying "I feel like even just a little contribution to Red Cross isn't enough." I felt like that too at first, but then I thought, well if everyone thought like that, we'd be in trouble. If 100 people thought "Oh, this ten bucks isn't going to do anything, may as well not bother." that's 1,000 bucks that people in need are missing out on. Every little bit, right? Thanks for this post Rich!
ReplyDeleteMichele - You expressed some really great ideas! My current worries are for those that have completely lost their homes and will be spending the holidays in a shelter ... if they're still around at that time. I can't thing of anything worse than having a home one day, and then being uprooted and homeless just in time for the holidays, especially for the kids. Where's the FEMA temporary housing at? That's right! it's going to be there right after the election, right? I'd like to see a campaign started where everyone in the United States contributes just one dollar. Again, with our population, that would provide so much. I'm afraid as selfish as it sounds, $10 may be a couple of meals for a family just making it, but everyone could scrape up a dollar! Instead, the Red Cross is saying text $10 to a certain number, and eliminating many dollars that could be coming their way. I wish you and your boyfriend all the luck in the world and admire your future efforts. Just remember, there are still those there that prey upon good folks in need and those wanting to provide kindness. Be careful! Many Thanks!
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