The past week has been a horrible mess in Haiti. A 7.0 earthquake struck one of the poorest countries in the world. For the curious here is a link to the US Geological Survey http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010rja6.php which lists interesting technical facts about the quake.
Here are the real life facts:
One of the most corrupt and poorest countries in the world has suffered a devastating blow. America, as usual has jumped into the breech with both feet and our check book. We have thousands of troops on the ground and more on the way. Our country is digging out survivors. Protecting the poor young innocent children and providing medical care, food and water.
Governor Edward Rendell, himself and his wife Federal Court Judge Midge Rendell went on a successful mission to Haiti to rescue suffering children and brought them back to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. What an awesome way to show you care. He could have just sent money or offered PA National Guard troops but he placed himself and his wife at risk to save those children. You may ask why am I being so kind to "Fast Eddie"? The answer is simple regardless of his politics he is a humanitarian and credit should be given when its due. Kudos to the State of Pennsylvania! We it's tax payers will foot the bill.
Back to the real world. The latest news about how much the ugly American's have donated in one week is in excess of 200 million dollars that does not include the 100 million dollars that President Barack Hussein Obama offered up.
The rest of the world has sent help too but all of the usual suspects are at work trying to belittle the hard work of the United States.
When we can respond with our hearts without regard for nationality, race or religion...We can begin to walk with God! We are all God's children, please do not attempt to label those that are willing to do his work. One child at a time without regard to nationality, race or religion.
ReplyDeleteMost Americans and likely yourself, could not tell you how many children in their state were in need of a permanent homes before this trajedy. The increase in resource families to foster children is growing and can only have a positive impact on our countries underfunded and overpopulated system of foster care.
People that see with their hearts should not be labeled, the charity that they are able to commit should not be measured and the love that they are willing to give should never be denied.
For many, charity does not stop and start. It is ever present in their hearts and visible in their actions when we are willing to notice. It happens down the street and accross the ocean. Love should never be confused as a fad, and children should never be campared to a pet.
My Anonymous Friend,
ReplyDeleteHow awkward it is to be labeled a labeler. Does that now make you a labeler?
I would like to think that I have chosen to point out the obvious, people are fad driven. I do not pretend to know everything and I certainly wouldn't question the motive that drives people to charitable behavior. If you are on the receiving side of charity you are thankful for it.
For your edification and the edification of others there are currently 20,000 children in foster care in my state (Pennsylvania). As for what most American's know or don't know I don't know do you?
I also agree that we are all God's children. As such his children are capable of great compassion and terrible evil. I see it everyday as a police officer. I learned a long time ago that you can only help some people, others do not want your help. I also learned that you can't save the world because the world doesn't want to be saved.
The people of Haiti need help but so do the people of Philadelphia and Atlanta and Appalachia and the list of places is endless.
As for comparing people to pets I wish it were so. Most pets are treated better than people. I just fear that in the end the children will become left overs and forgotten. They will be the Chihuahua lift puppies of the future.
http://www.thisisbrandx.com/2010/01/operation-chihuahua-airlift.html
Remember the story last month about the glut of Chihuahuas showing up in California's animal shelters? Currently up to 40% of the population in the state's shelters consist of the breed, outnumbering pit bulls as the most unwanted dogs on the West Coast. Well, it's not exactly like that problem has been solved, but it has improved somewhat in recent weeks, we're happy to report.
Call it the "Great Chihuahua Airlift of 2010," due to the efforts of the San Francisco Animal Care and Control and Virgin Airlines, today a group of 14 Chihuahuas will fly across the country in style. The Dallas News Airline Biz reports that dogs and their human handlers will get the red carpet treatment, "complete with champagne cocktail 'Chi-mosas' and cupcakes for flight guests and doggie treats and toys for the Chihuahuas." The dogs will arrive around 1 p.m. today at JFK and will be met by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals who will try to find homes for them on the East Coast.
Last month, actress Katherine Heigel's activist animal charity, The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, working with American Airlines and Kinder4Rescue funded the airlift of 25 Chihuahua pups to New Hampshire, where all were place in homes in a single day. A private donor also funded the travel expenses for 100 of the little dogs in December.
-- Richard Metzger