the letter from the DEC Burma appeal

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

the letter from the DEC Burma appeal

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> the letter from the DEC Burma appeal

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/19/2008 6:09:31 AM

LadyEllen

Posts: 10931
Joined: 6/30/2006
From: Stourport-England
Status: offline

I opened a letter on Saturday from the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee), asking for money for their Burma appeal. They have my details since I've given on previous occasions when called upon.

I threw it in the bin this time. The reason being, I refuse to send money to buy supplies which will then be used as a propaganda tool by the junta or stocked by the junta for their personal use and the use of their supporters or sold off into the world markets when the fuss has died down.

But I'm still questioning the decision not to give. Its not the fault of these people that a bunch of thugs have control of their country, and theyre in need - surely, if one percent of what I give gets through, thats worth it if it saves a life?

But then if 99% of it goes towards repressing them, then thats me complicit in their repression?

Its a difficult one. What do you all think?

E

_____________________________

In a test against the leading brand, 9 out of 10 participants couldnt tell the difference. Dumbasses.

Profile

Post #: 1

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/19/2008 6:17:43 AM

DomAviator

Posts: 1253
Joined: 4/22/2008
Status: offline

I think you should keep your money in your pocket - its not going to help anyone over there and even if you keep someone a;ive what do you buy thme another month of misery before they wind up exterminatedby the regieme? Save the cash or better yet spend it someplace more worthwhile - like Victoria's Secret.

(in reply to LadyEllen)

Profile

Post #: 2

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/19/2008 6:22:56 AM

Owner59

Posts: 17033
Joined: 3/14/2006
From: Dirty Jersey
Status: offline

(in reply to DomAviator)

Profile

Post #: 3

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/19/2008 6:30:25 AM

LadyEllen

Posts: 10931
Joined: 6/30/2006
From: Stourport-England
Status: offline

Whatever are you insinuating about my "Tesco specials" choice of underwear DA!?

E

_____________________________

In a test against the leading brand, 9 out of 10 participants couldnt tell the difference. Dumbasses.

(in reply to Owner59)

Profile

Post #: 4

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/19/2008 6:50:36 AM

TheHeretic

Posts: 19100
Joined: 3/25/2007
From: California, USA
Status: offline

Leave that letter in the bin, LadyE. There are many other places where you'll get more good accomplished with your money. Chile is still recoving from a massive quake a little while back, and winter is coming to that part of the world.

_____________________________

If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.

(in reply to LadyEllen)

Profile

Post #: 5

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/19/2008 11:30:06 AM

RealityLicks

Posts: 1615
Joined: 10/23/2007
Status: offline

I think Malloch Brown is close to a breakthrough with regard to the junta and it may soon be possible to dramatically increase help for the victims of Cyclone Nargis. It may be that we have to channel our aid through the Indians, Thais or another Asean gov't but it would be tragic if channels were to open and there was only a small amount of food to be transported. Give your donation in good faith.

(in reply to TheHeretic)

Profile

Post #: 6

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/19/2008 8:17:21 PM

DesFIP

Posts: 25191
Joined: 11/25/2007
From: Apple County NY
Status: offline

I'd give if the money had any chance of going to the people who need it. Instead it's all going to the generals to enrich them. I have no need to help dictators continue to mistreat the common populace.

_____________________________

Slave to laundry

Cynical and proud of it!

(in reply to RealityLicks)

Profile

Post #: 7

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/20/2008 1:10:34 AM

seeksfemslave

Posts: 4011
Joined: 6/16/2006
Status: offline

It apparently is a fact of life that large amounts of money donated as charity never reaches the recipients.
Thats just as true of Burma as it is of basic everyday charities.

Carnt think of any exarmples but I have read of the "syphoning off" of donations
adding: issued by the Welsh police....
http://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/advice/fraud/charity/

< Message edited by seeksfemslave -- 5/20/2008 1:16:07 AM >

(in reply to DesFIP)

Profile

Post #: 8

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/20/2008 2:11:51 AM

NorthernGent

Posts: 8730
Joined: 7/10/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: LadyEllen

Its a difficult one. What do you all think?

E

'Not remotely interested in what is happening in Burma - charity begins at home.

_____________________________

I have the courage to be a coward - but not beyond my limits.

Sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.

(in reply to LadyEllen)

Profile

Post #: 9

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/20/2008 2:17:59 AM

RealityLicks

Posts: 1615
Joined: 10/23/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: NorthernGent

'Not remotely interested in what is happening in Burma - charity begins at home.

And the award for Humanitarian of the Year goes to...

Just 60 years since independence and they can all starve, eh?

(in reply to NorthernGent)

Profile

Post #: 10

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/20/2008 2:42:37 AM

Level

Posts: 25145
Joined: 3/3/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: LadyEllen

I opened a letter on Saturday from the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee), asking for money for their Burma appeal. They have my details since I've given on previous occasions when called upon.

I threw it in the bin this time. The reason being, I refuse to send money to buy supplies which will then be used as a propaganda tool by the junta or stocked by the junta for their personal use and the use of their supporters or sold off into the world markets when the fuss has died down.

But I'm still questioning the decision not to give. Its not the fault of these people that a bunch of thugs have control of their country, and theyre in need - surely, if one percent of what I give gets through, thats worth it if it saves a life?

But then if 99% of it goes towards repressing them, then thats me complicit in their repression?

Its a difficult one. What do you all think?

E

quote:

YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar’s junta, facing global outrage for spurning international assistance, appeared to relent Monday, saying it would allow its Asian neighbors to oversee the distribution of foreign relief to cyclone survivors.

It also approved a visit by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and prepared to host a meeting of aid donors, while claiming that losses from the May 2-3 disaster exceeded $10 billion.

A three-day official period of mourning was to begin Tuesday for the dead, which numbered more than 78,000, according to official figures. Another 56,000 people are missing.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24700737/

Maybe it's safe to give now, E, but I do understand your thoughts on this.

_____________________________

Fake the heat and scratch the itch
Skinned up knees and salty lips
Let go it's harder holding on
One more trip and I'll be gone

~~ Stone Temple Pilots

(in reply to LadyEllen)

Profile

Post #: 11

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/20/2008 2:43:25 AM

NorthernGent

Posts: 8730
Joined: 7/10/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: RealityLicks

quote:

ORIGINAL: NorthernGent

'Not remotely interested in what is happening in Burma - charity begins at home.

And the award for Humanitarian of the Year goes to...

Just 60 years since independence and they can all starve, eh?

'Couldn't care less, RL.

When you work with abused children (some abused to the extent they can't handle being around men), the homeless, young offenders, women who are HIV as a consequence of their husbands' promiscuity, abused animals etc.......you see charity and support in a different light.

We have more than enough on our plate here. There always seems to be plenty to go 'round when a tsunami or something similar occurs; yet, we can't take care of our own. Perhaps sending money to Burma is a conscience easier.

_____________________________

I have the courage to be a coward - but not beyond my limits.

Sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.

(in reply to RealityLicks)

Profile

Post #: 12

RE: the letter from the DEC Burma appeal - 5/20/2008 3:02:50 AM

RealityLicks

Posts: 1615
Joined: 10/23/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: NorthernGent

Perhaps sending money to Burma is a conscience easier.

That's a very thought-provoking post. I can't say I have an easy answer to what might be a case of compassion fatigue. Might sound mawkish here but seeing kids give their little 50p or pound coins out of their pocket money for kids over there was a positive experience. But there's no right or wrong response.

(in reply to NorthernGent)

Profile

Post #: 13