Lots and lots of news coverage regarding charity donations at this time of year. I believe that is a wonderful thing. Sharing is how we acknowledge that everything we have is not only a gift, a blessing and result of some effort on our part but also a benefit of living in a society of fellow human beings. It is an admirable virtue to give and share. However, there is another side to the meaning of giving, the receiving side.
In this country there are millions of people in need of various necessities and helping them is not only a virtue but most would agree, an obligation to our fellow man. Necessities actually consist of three things, food, clothing and shelter. That's what I've believed and been told all my life. Access to health care, in my opinion should be included in that too. But what happens when we give too much?
Growing up in a working class family certainly had it's challenges. "You don't get something for nothing" was one of the life lesson's my folks taught. My siblings and I participated in providing for our necessities through some type of work of entrepreneurial venture to help pay for some pleasantries or extras that we may want. My dad always worked two jobs to make up for the low pay and my mom filled in with babysitting. I grew up in a family unit that only asked for help in emergencies when all our efforts had failed and our resources were exhausted. Hard work, sacrifice, determination, persistence and faith in a better life pulled us through. The help we received helped us up, it didn't take the place of our dignity and learning experiences.
Charity is a virtue, I sincerely believe in sharing what I have and giving to a good cause in a variety of ways. However, I sincerely wonder if those charities aren't providing so much as to remove many otherwise capable people from gaining the skills necessary for providing for themselves.
Life skills include: Speaking well and communication of thoughts, Proper clothing and appearance, need, desire, work ethic and common sense. Watching some folks who have no respect for others and the hard work it took to get where they are and just keep demanding more and more, I wonder if sometimes we, in our noble charitable efforts are creating a segment of society that os so totally dependent on others that they and their decedents will never learn to be productive members but simply slaves to make benevolent, hard working folks feel better because they gave. The only skills they have are based upon how to work the system and blaming others for their plight. In truth, taking much needed resources fro those that actually need a helping hand. It won't stop my giving where I see a need though.
Showing posts with label charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label charity. Show all posts
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Statistics, our money and reality
In my ongoing search of information regarding my quality of life, statistics are a necessary evil. Graphs, figures, seasonal, cultural, educational, gender, climate, predictive, potential, political, liberal and conservative adjustments create havoc in such a way that reality appears only to be a matter of perspective. Driving down the highway I am inundated with a landscape cluttered with dozens, perhaps hundreds of huge, expensive, lighted and animated signs making sure I am informed about those less fortunate than I. "5 or 6 out of 10 kids go to sleep not knowing if they will be fed the next day." "Donate your car to help the needy" "Bring your clothes to the "blank" and help the poor." "Unemployment rates remain historically high" Things like that. Those ads are also found on the television, radio and Internet media. In my mind, being a business man for nearly a lifetime, knowing about return on a dollar when it comes to advertising, excuse me if I become just a bit cynical. Not being a man of unlimited funds I like to make sure what I give charitably actually gets to someone in need.. An historical fact sometimes lost in the past: During the second world war, Americans gave up eating butter. Not only for our soldiers but for the people of Russia who were unable to make their own butter. We ate oleo instead. The folks in Russia were in the habit of eating lard, not butter. So, they used the nasty butter to rub on their shoes and boots for waterproofing. We ate oleo. There is a lesson there I think.
Taking into consideration all the statistics available regarding the level of unemployment today. There is no doubt millions of people are unemployed. It is not a happy time for them. Did you know that in 1982 the unemployment was even higher? Yeah, it was. I was there. The lowest was back in 1953. I was there then too. Unemployment is figured and handled differently now. Interesting that unemployment figures are based on people aged 16 or older? Back before the early 40's it was 14 or older. I think we should know stuff like that. Kind of changes the doomsday approach we are fed daily. Over the past 60 years, unemployment has averaged 4.6%. Did you know that? I think today's unemployment figure is somewhere in the area of 7.6%. In the natural way of figuring wouldn't that mean that only 3% are unemployed more than usual? Not that those 3% aren't having difficulties but it's a heck of a lot easier to handle an "additional" 3% than it is to handle and "additional" 7.6%. That's what actual figures can mean instead of emotional gobbely gook.
Another fact about those figures we are bombarded with. Were you aware that the dollar amount we use to determine poverty has been altered considerably? Hundreds of thousands of people are still not aware that they are living in poverty and go on about their business without asking for or receiving any help from charity or government. According to graphs and collective figures, some parents can feed their families on far less than the national figures would suggest. Those surveys also show that people who use a government card don't always use it wisely. (who'd a thought) Did you know that those trucks that drive to houses delivering expensive steaks, seafood and other meats can accept bridge cards? Yeah, those folks living in abject poverty with lots of kids to feed can actually eat $18 a pound meat. I think those steaks last overnight so there is no reason those kids should go to bed not knowing if they'll eat the next morning. I don't have a government card, I eat cheap hamburg and buy any meat or seafood only if it is on sale. Oh yeah, did you know that a specialty, high priced, designer pizza shop, can accept bridge cards too? Yup, they sure can, as long as they don't cook it. I eat the freezer stuff from the supermarket, costs $2.47 for a whole pizza.
Every once in a while a special religious pastor comes along and starts some sort of a church. The pastor is so entertaining and charismatic that people flock to the services to hear what he or she has to say. It is every one's personal faith base that determines if this sort of thing is for them or not. I'm not the judge of that. Great churches have been built around the pastor by faithful. I'm just talking dollars and cents here. Most often, according the facts ands figures available to us all, Money eventually becomes the driving force of the originally well meaning pastors and they find new and inventive ways of spending the huge donations given to them by caring, kind considerate followers. According to the figures, money, huge amounts of free, donated money, corrupts. Something to bear in mind when putting that weekly offering in the envelope.
What I'm saying here is that today, every institution vying for my money is spewing out information in such inventive and imaginative ways that I have to educate my self independently in order to make a good decision. I happen to like butter, I don't mind giving it up from time to time if it's going to be appreciated and used in a way to actually benefit someone in true need. I say that if someone is used to eating lard, If lard is what they want, then let them eat lard. I once gave a car to a family with lots of kids and they didn't have a way to get to church on Sunday. I had been driving them to church each Sunday for almost two years. They were so happy. They never drove that car to church. Actually, until they ran the thing out of oil and the engine blew up after only 4 months of driving and neglect, they never went to church at all. When the engine blew up they called me and wondered if I could start driving them to church on Sundays again. What was my answer? What would your answer have been?
I think it's a good idea to do my research when someone asks me for free money that I worked my butt off for. Be it in church, at the store, on the phone or through my taxes.
Taking into consideration all the statistics available regarding the level of unemployment today. There is no doubt millions of people are unemployed. It is not a happy time for them. Did you know that in 1982 the unemployment was even higher? Yeah, it was. I was there. The lowest was back in 1953. I was there then too. Unemployment is figured and handled differently now. Interesting that unemployment figures are based on people aged 16 or older? Back before the early 40's it was 14 or older. I think we should know stuff like that. Kind of changes the doomsday approach we are fed daily. Over the past 60 years, unemployment has averaged 4.6%. Did you know that? I think today's unemployment figure is somewhere in the area of 7.6%. In the natural way of figuring wouldn't that mean that only 3% are unemployed more than usual? Not that those 3% aren't having difficulties but it's a heck of a lot easier to handle an "additional" 3% than it is to handle and "additional" 7.6%. That's what actual figures can mean instead of emotional gobbely gook.
Another fact about those figures we are bombarded with. Were you aware that the dollar amount we use to determine poverty has been altered considerably? Hundreds of thousands of people are still not aware that they are living in poverty and go on about their business without asking for or receiving any help from charity or government. According to graphs and collective figures, some parents can feed their families on far less than the national figures would suggest. Those surveys also show that people who use a government card don't always use it wisely. (who'd a thought) Did you know that those trucks that drive to houses delivering expensive steaks, seafood and other meats can accept bridge cards? Yeah, those folks living in abject poverty with lots of kids to feed can actually eat $18 a pound meat. I think those steaks last overnight so there is no reason those kids should go to bed not knowing if they'll eat the next morning. I don't have a government card, I eat cheap hamburg and buy any meat or seafood only if it is on sale. Oh yeah, did you know that a specialty, high priced, designer pizza shop, can accept bridge cards too? Yup, they sure can, as long as they don't cook it. I eat the freezer stuff from the supermarket, costs $2.47 for a whole pizza.
Every once in a while a special religious pastor comes along and starts some sort of a church. The pastor is so entertaining and charismatic that people flock to the services to hear what he or she has to say. It is every one's personal faith base that determines if this sort of thing is for them or not. I'm not the judge of that. Great churches have been built around the pastor by faithful. I'm just talking dollars and cents here. Most often, according the facts ands figures available to us all, Money eventually becomes the driving force of the originally well meaning pastors and they find new and inventive ways of spending the huge donations given to them by caring, kind considerate followers. According to the figures, money, huge amounts of free, donated money, corrupts. Something to bear in mind when putting that weekly offering in the envelope.
What I'm saying here is that today, every institution vying for my money is spewing out information in such inventive and imaginative ways that I have to educate my self independently in order to make a good decision. I happen to like butter, I don't mind giving it up from time to time if it's going to be appreciated and used in a way to actually benefit someone in true need. I say that if someone is used to eating lard, If lard is what they want, then let them eat lard. I once gave a car to a family with lots of kids and they didn't have a way to get to church on Sunday. I had been driving them to church each Sunday for almost two years. They were so happy. They never drove that car to church. Actually, until they ran the thing out of oil and the engine blew up after only 4 months of driving and neglect, they never went to church at all. When the engine blew up they called me and wondered if I could start driving them to church on Sundays again. What was my answer? What would your answer have been?
I think it's a good idea to do my research when someone asks me for free money that I worked my butt off for. Be it in church, at the store, on the phone or through my taxes.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Silly things in life
First of all and very seriously:
Happy Mother's Day to the ladies that gave us their heart and showed us the meaning of love in the most wonderful way it was intended.
*********************************************************************************
With a little tongue in cheek here a list of some silly things of late:
I found the most powerful guy in the United States the conspiracy theorists were talking about. His name is Bill and he sets down the rules that we live by. So much for that conspiracy theory.
A huge question here too. Our President, in revealing his official birth certificate said something like, it's time to put the silliness behind us for those demanding to see it. Was it not pretty silly to keep that certificate hidden for over two years in the first place?
The response by the government officials in Pakistan concerning the taking down of the terrorist responsible for 9/11. They were doing their best to track him down and we shouldn't have gone in like that. He lived there for years, right under their noses, I guess their best was rather inadequate.
Donald Trump, an outspoken multi-millionaire, funded in part by strategic bankruptcies, totally out of control with his language around anyone and a shock entertainer, running for president. Seems anyone taking him seriously, supporting or voting for him has blinders on.
At a time of ever decreasing employment in manufacturing, exports and take home pay in the United States, absolutely no research is being done on development of less expensive people's cars such as in China, India, Pakistan and some other developing countries. Another thing, what's wrong with manual labor? Why does everyone aspire their children to not do any of it like it was some sort of plague or something. Unless of course it's connected to a sport of some kind.
Children are being exploited, deprived of normal childhoods and incredibly overworked in the name of sports or entertainment. Yet, any child that accomplishes a small task evenly remotely related to work is considered a child laborer and the ones that paid them are monsters.
With all the resources the government has, just why they haven't solved the airport groping/xray exam situation yet escapes me.
When any government funds are reduced it is always the police, firemen and maintenance workers that are pink slipped. Why not the office workers or management staff first?
In our school system the amount of money spent on education is incredible. Why have I never seen a full accounting of where it goes? I am reminded of this overweight person that was so heavy he was stuck to his chair for over two years, people just kept bringing him food and he just got heavier and heavier until the fire department was called to extract him and remove the chair from him. He, of course constantly complained about the whole thing because he thought there was nothing wrong with him.
Some churches bear no resemblance to any type of faith system that I've ever heard of. It almost seems that anyone, anywhere, anytime can jump up and shout about anything and call it a religion. There are no criteria any more. Nothing is sacred!
Allergies are a serious matter. Some can be lethal. However, so very many people are crying wolf and claiming allergies to things from gluten to perfumes to water in an obvious effort to control other people.
If a child is being bullied they are told to run and tell a parent, teacher or other adult. If they retaliate and protect themselves they are ostracized and punished. From a very early age our children are being taught that they cannot protect themselves. Is that the way it is?
The human aspect is being removed from almost anything for the sake of money. Customer service is a prime example. Convenience and consideration are out the window to protect the money for the investors. We probably brought this on ourselves but it's still silly just how poor we do business these days.
Charity is a virtue. I believe in supporting worthy charities and helping those of us who are having difficulty. I do find it interesting just how much money many of those people who are in charge of some of those charities are making. Sometimes huge sums of money are going into someones pocket instead of helping someone in need. I knew a guy that made charity calls to raise money. He made a phone call, someone donated $100 to his charity, he received $45 commission, the company he worked for received $45 for their trouble, the people that ran the charity received $5 for managerial fees and the needy received a whopping $5. Sometimes I wonder if government politicians and employees think of them selves as charity organizations.
So, in my opinion there are a lot of silly things happening every day. We need to keep our eyes and ears open to be aware, stay clear and avoid such things. At least I do.
Happy Mother's Day to the ladies that gave us their heart and showed us the meaning of love in the most wonderful way it was intended.
*********************************************************************************
With a little tongue in cheek here a list of some silly things of late:
I found the most powerful guy in the United States the conspiracy theorists were talking about. His name is Bill and he sets down the rules that we live by. So much for that conspiracy theory.
A huge question here too. Our President, in revealing his official birth certificate said something like, it's time to put the silliness behind us for those demanding to see it. Was it not pretty silly to keep that certificate hidden for over two years in the first place?
The response by the government officials in Pakistan concerning the taking down of the terrorist responsible for 9/11. They were doing their best to track him down and we shouldn't have gone in like that. He lived there for years, right under their noses, I guess their best was rather inadequate.
Donald Trump, an outspoken multi-millionaire, funded in part by strategic bankruptcies, totally out of control with his language around anyone and a shock entertainer, running for president. Seems anyone taking him seriously, supporting or voting for him has blinders on.
At a time of ever decreasing employment in manufacturing, exports and take home pay in the United States, absolutely no research is being done on development of less expensive people's cars such as in China, India, Pakistan and some other developing countries. Another thing, what's wrong with manual labor? Why does everyone aspire their children to not do any of it like it was some sort of plague or something. Unless of course it's connected to a sport of some kind.
Children are being exploited, deprived of normal childhoods and incredibly overworked in the name of sports or entertainment. Yet, any child that accomplishes a small task evenly remotely related to work is considered a child laborer and the ones that paid them are monsters.
With all the resources the government has, just why they haven't solved the airport groping/xray exam situation yet escapes me.
When any government funds are reduced it is always the police, firemen and maintenance workers that are pink slipped. Why not the office workers or management staff first?
In our school system the amount of money spent on education is incredible. Why have I never seen a full accounting of where it goes? I am reminded of this overweight person that was so heavy he was stuck to his chair for over two years, people just kept bringing him food and he just got heavier and heavier until the fire department was called to extract him and remove the chair from him. He, of course constantly complained about the whole thing because he thought there was nothing wrong with him.
Some churches bear no resemblance to any type of faith system that I've ever heard of. It almost seems that anyone, anywhere, anytime can jump up and shout about anything and call it a religion. There are no criteria any more. Nothing is sacred!
Allergies are a serious matter. Some can be lethal. However, so very many people are crying wolf and claiming allergies to things from gluten to perfumes to water in an obvious effort to control other people.
If a child is being bullied they are told to run and tell a parent, teacher or other adult. If they retaliate and protect themselves they are ostracized and punished. From a very early age our children are being taught that they cannot protect themselves. Is that the way it is?
The human aspect is being removed from almost anything for the sake of money. Customer service is a prime example. Convenience and consideration are out the window to protect the money for the investors. We probably brought this on ourselves but it's still silly just how poor we do business these days.
Charity is a virtue. I believe in supporting worthy charities and helping those of us who are having difficulty. I do find it interesting just how much money many of those people who are in charge of some of those charities are making. Sometimes huge sums of money are going into someones pocket instead of helping someone in need. I knew a guy that made charity calls to raise money. He made a phone call, someone donated $100 to his charity, he received $45 commission, the company he worked for received $45 for their trouble, the people that ran the charity received $5 for managerial fees and the needy received a whopping $5. Sometimes I wonder if government politicians and employees think of them selves as charity organizations.
So, in my opinion there are a lot of silly things happening every day. We need to keep our eyes and ears open to be aware, stay clear and avoid such things. At least I do.
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