Drolgin Steingrinder wrote:Winnow wrote:The story really should have mentioned something about him being affected by the tsunami and making a donation without mentioning amounts as it doesn't matter.
A final note on this thread and subject. I am most impressed by those that give their TIME and not money to causes like these. Time is much more valuable than money. You can pump money all you want, but the people doing the actual work are the main heroes of the day.
Take someone like a Schumacher who instead of donating, gives up a year and goes and helps rebuild. He is certainly in a position to do that. That would warrant a wow and awe from me. Anyone can write off an amount of money to taxes and it's a great thing and appreciated by anyone who does so...not everyone will actually take the time to do something themselves. Most people can't afford to do that but can afford to donate which is the next best thing. Imagine a world relief worker in the mold of Pat Tillman if you will. That would be my awe and inspiration for a rich person but wouldn't make them any better than a Varia doing the same thing for example. You still sacrifice something to give your time no matter what your position is in society.
Actually, what is needed most at the moment is money. Period. I called to volunteer in any capacity and apart from waving a collection box around, there wasn't any job for me. They would rather have my money. Tons of people have volunteered to go out there and help, hands on - but they've been asked not to.
Agreed, it's case by case. Money makes the world go around for the most part. Being proactive over reacting to any known situation in need of aid is desirable in cases that aren't natural disasters that occur suddenly.
No single person can be a world saviour and help with every issue the planet has. Each person has their own comfort level or guilt level with regard to helping those in need. You can always do more and there is no guide as to what you should do. It's a difficult question. Should you feel bad because a child is starving in Africa? What is the price to feel better about yourself? 10.00? 20.00? Time spent in Africa serving food to starving african kids?
Your comment about money being needed is a valid point. Inspired people that go beyond the call of duty in any "worthy" cause is music to my ears. At the same time, I don't think everyone needs to take up a cause to feel good about themself.
Am I better than Varia because I donate more? ...or am I still an asshole that donates more? Placing a dollar figure on what anyone gives doesn't get the real point across. That's what originally set me off in this post. Unfortunately, when it comes to famous people, the general public eats that information up. If some other no name individual with a nine figure bank account donates 10 million, we won't hear about it.
We need more stories about Joe Slurpee that works fast food, donating 10.00 because he was in India training his replacement and was affected by the tsunami. Stories about the scuba divers that stopped and carried bodies, aided people, and tried to help on the scene are more directly related to the positive side of humanity. Donators should be thanked but not tagged with a dollar figure which serves no purpose. In this case, it has more to do with the journalist than the donator unless it publicity agents are involved.
