Donations.

[gavroche]

Why is it that every time something bad happens in the world, we are being asked for donations right away. I am sorry but I don't donate any more as all countries have governments and their job is to look after their people through our taxes. They spend billions on weapons , enough to wipe off the whole world. In the UK, which is classed as a rich country, the government could support all those " charities" and would not miss a few millions. Charity begins at home they say, and that is the one I really care for cos no other bugger will do it for me.

 

[Turbo Rider]

Ha, ha, an agreeable notion but you'd be surprised. You get asked because others do give...not that I'm saying your should, because I only give on a whim and hate to be asked as well, which is mostlty down to my general lack of funds.

Lovely story the other day though, in that my good lady's car broke down in the middle of the road. Not one driver stopped to help her, but 4 pedestrians did, and helped her push the car to the side of the road. Another kind passer by even went to the local shop to get the kids some snacks, as she'd been waiting for crappy GreenFlag to come and sort her out for the best part of two hours. The same person then went home and called GreenFlag to complain about it and another kind person stopped by for a chat to keep her and the kids company for the last remaining hour of her 'ordeal'. All very charitable and it just goes to show that though it is rare for people to care, there are some kind souls out there...

 

[Drago]

You're right,.the government spunks money elsewhere which should be spent on some of these worthy causes at home.

The practical reality is though that if people didn't contribute to charidees - such as our local search and rescue group of which I am a member - then people will lose their lives. It all depends on how much you would like society to inflict harm on the vulnerable and needy by upholding a point of principle and not donating.

 

[pplpilot]

I'm really on the fence here. on one hand I don't like to see suffering or hardship, but on the other it sticks in my throat when when the government gives money away to those that don't need it, The inbreeds at the end of The Mall spring to mind.

I had this argument the other day, someone telling me they are good value for money along with all the other bull that surrounds them. The argument was that they only cost circa >50p or so for every one blah, blah, blah. Republic estimate the figure to be closer to circa £300m. Now correct me if I'm wrong but that would pay for a lot of Police or Nurses or Teachers or extra kit for your children at school, the list is long.

 

[numbnuts]

India – they have a space program.
Africa – they should have the best water irrigation system in the world by now.

 

[Drago]

Indeed. India can afford nuclear weapons and a space programme, so why are we giving them a billion a year in aid?

 

[gbb]

The answer is simple...donate what you want, to whom you want, when you want...and don't feel guilty because you can't donate to everyone.
We get door knockers....they never get a penny.
I will donate a couple quid here and there to Poppy day collectors , dogs charities, Blind charities etc etc for instance in the street.
I never donate to TV appeals (generally speaking, although i may have at some time or other)
I happily donate to people fundraising, have done on a couple here.
I have donated to an occasional down and out.
The wife regularly contributes financially or in time given to help handicapped kids she works with.

We pick and choose who gets our money and TBH, if someone doesnt like it...tough.