JUST FOR AMERICA

"JUST FOR AMERICA: Shame on you America: A country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations. 99% of people won't have the guts to copy and repost this." is what a friend has as her FaceBook update and ya know, I bet she's right!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not belittling the recent tragedies in Haiti. Far from it! But let's put things into perspective shall we? The networks saw a chance to boost their ratings. The performers saw a chance to boost their popularity. And the folks in Haiti are most likely going to be waiting a good while before they see any of that donated money. If you want to help, donate to the Red Cross. They've always been above reproach in my book. (unlike many fly-by-night "charitable" organizations)

Yes, what happened in Haiti was horrible. Almost as horrible as what happens HERE on a daily basis. But Haiti gets the press. "Trouble In Paradise" stories always do. But what about OUR fellow Americans in need?

The ultra-freaky right will tell you it's their own fault. They shouldn't be homeless! They should've gotten a better job! They shouldn't have had kids. They should've planned ahead better. They shouldn't be mentally ill. The gooey-eyed left will tell you that we're 'developing programs' to help them. (from experience on both sides of the desk, I'll tell you that alot of these programs are bloated, top-heavy wastes of funding) But what happens when things go wrong here at home?

Most Americans don't find out until its too late. It's not "good press". Sure, some smart media big wig could develop a TV special to help our fellow Americans in need...but unless its a hurricane in New Orleans or 'trouble in paradise' elsewhere in the US, you're not going to hear about it. Or worse, you'll cast a deaf ear and a blind eye to it.

I've spent the majority of my adult life working to help people in need. There are times when ALL of us need help. Some need more help than others. But the money doesn't come pouring in like it does when there's good press coverage! Maybe the homeless/hungry/elderly/sick/mentally ill all need to carry puppies with them. Now THAT would warrant press coverage! The cameras would zoom in on the puppies and everyone would empty their wallets! "Oh no! Look at that poor (American) puppy! I have to donate money NOW!"

Please, donate some money to the people in Haiti. Preferably via the Red Cross. But when you do, add an extra $10 and ask that they use it to help people here at home. If you can, add an extra $10 and ask them to use it anywhere else in the world where someone is in need. The Red Cross will! And you'll know that the money is going where it's needed. Here's another idea: volunteer in your community! If you have an hour a week (and yes, you do!) consider spending that hour helping someone less fortunate than yourself. If you're reading this, you have access to the internet...you should have no trouble finding programs to help...but I bet 99% of you won't have the guts to!