Chairty is it really Good?

[scott h]

There have been several charity related topics lately (plus one that is above my paygrade awaiting approval) which got me to thinking. Now this might seem insensitive and its not meant to be that way, just thought provoking,,,,maybe.

We have all heard the saying "teach a man to fish................" but in todays world does that actually do any good. Do we need to teach him to fish, build a canning factory and set him up in an export business in order to pull them out of poverty?

Konsider that Feed the Khildren was established in 1979 to feed the African children. Over 40 years ago, that's 2 generations really. Since then population pressure, drought (which is nothing new in the history of mankind). With a projected increase of 2.4 billion by 2050. 

So the question is, are we really helping by facilitating population increase when they can not currently feed or provide a means of living? Or is actually counter productive in the long run.  Its a moral conundrum. 

Africa just had statistic readily available. But the same might be applied to several undeveloped countries I suppose.

[Dave Hounddriver]

10 minutes ago, scott h said:

So the question is, are we really helping by facilitating population increase when they can not currently feed or provide a means of living? Or is actually counter productive in the long run.  Its a moral conundrum. 

There was a time when the Vatican gave some interesting advice (which I am only pointing out as it is a well known phrase):

Quote

"Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius."" was allegedly spoken by Papal legate and Cistercian abbot Arnaud Amalric prior to the massacre at Béziers, the first major military action of the Albigensian Crusade. A direct translation of the Latin phrase would be "Kill them. For the Lord knows those that are His own."

For me I would suggest we change that to:  Feed them all, let God sort them out.   Because when I see a starving person, I have been raised to share what I have.  BUT I was not raised to search the world over looking for other starving people to feed.

Charity begins at home and then spreads to immediate kin and then spreads to those immediately around you.  If that does not give you enough places to share your blessings then go looking elsewhere.  But it sure enough keeps me busy.

[Jack Peterson]

3 minutes ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

Charity begins at home and then spreads to immediate kin and then spreads to those immediately around you.

 I for one certainly believe in this Statement but would question only relating to feeding people. How Odd that this has come up Today and soon after my Topic on Tree Planting, The Lower end of our  Barangay & Purok has been closed off to 4 wheel Traffic (For over 1 year) due to a Greedy neighbour who demanded HIS right to use 1/2 the  Road as his Garden. Problem was that a Tree in the Road was at an angle that Prohibited Passing it. So as it was only M/C's and Trikes that used the Road to the main Road it got rutted and dangerous to People visiting the Cemetery not Far away when it rained. So my Local Sori Sori owner came and asked if I would share the Cost to have the Tree Removed. OK said I but what about the Road. Over this weekend all the people at that end of the Purok Filled in the Road and made it all level again.

 We now have the Permission to Remove the Tree and get the Much needed Traffic Moving again and get delivery Trucks+ Fire Engine and other Emergency vehicles to where they need to be. So what I say is that Charity does begin at Home and My neighbours have done their Bit and now we (With a Little more Cash) will Pay to Complete the Job. Charitable issues like this are in their Culture but sometimes they need to be reminded that Giving is better in some circumstances than Receiving. I do think Charity is a good thing if Handled right and in this case the people of the Barangay (Purok) can once again used the Road and not have to make a very big Detour to get to the main road with 4 wheels So with their own Charitable efforts and the Removal of the Tree Life can Only be better. On a side note I notice this morning that there were a lot of people that had not been too friendly toward each other for some time due to this issue are now talking to each other, after the hard work of the Weekend they maybe realize that being Charitable to each other, Life can become that much a happier time.

 The Road BTW is not Barangay but Gifted/Donated by Lot owners  for access to the Top end of the Barangay  my hat goes off to them for all mucking in and helping themselves. "Charity  starting at Home indeed" 

[Dave Hounddriver]

3 minutes ago, Jack Peterson said:

would question only relating to feeding people

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his need" as Karl Marx said.  Charity is a concept that should transcend Socialism and Capitalism so each should learn a little from the other.  If all you can do is feed them then that is enough.  If you have the ability to fulfill other needs then,  (. .  why the heck aren't you in Bermuda instead of this dump  ) by all means do so.

[Jack Peterson]

1 minute ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

 (. .  why the heck aren't you in Bermuda instead of this dump  )

 why Bermuda?

[Dave Hounddriver]

8 minutes ago, Jack Peterson said:

why Bermuda

Philippines:  Cost of living is low, as is quality of life

Bermuda:  Cost of Living is high....as is Quality of Life.

Elementary my dear Watson  I believe the entire situation you have described in your post could be avoided by living in Bermuda.  But don't take me too seriously on that, you did quote the "smiley" part of my post.

[mogo51]

I have never been real big on charity.  Never really asked for it or expected it.  I am big on 'charity begins at home'.

[Kuya John]

What have we learnt over the centuries, yes there has been many tyrant's in all shapes and sizes (descriptions)

Even today it continues in the name of this or the other, billions of Dollars,  Pounds, Peso's etc are spent on the war machines in the name of peace.

I'm sure there will be a few wealthy persons living the high life in Bermuda who have capitalised on the suffering of others.

If the money spent on war was spent on developing and sustaining life instead of death, charity would not be needed.

Even in the so called Western society as we speak, if not for charity and research with donated funds, we would not of found cures for life's ills.

Let our consciences be our guide, for there will always be those with no conscience at all.

 

Edited August 28, 2017 by Kuya John

[Snowy79]

The secret is to differentiate the charities from the businesses. There's a lot of money to be made from suffering in some peoples eyes.

[bigpearl]

1 hour ago, mogo51 said:

I have never been real big on charity.  Never really asked for it or expected it.  I am big on 'charity begins at home'.

God helps those who help themselves but Christ help those that get caught. Another long story but best for another topic. Hope you are travelling well in your new digs Ron, Still sorting our Flights and accom but hope to catch up for a beer in March.

Cheers, Steve.