What happened in Haiti is horrible. Absolutely horrible, I thank all the people who have donated, the doctors, the people who either have given money time. For the incredible outpouring of donations to the Red Cross. But I want to say something that will probably garner a lot of ill will - or controversy.
CHARITY STARTS AT HOME!
It has irked me for a while that there are tons and tons of rich Americans that are handing money hand over fist to other countries when there are people starving in the US. The homeless is growing faster than we can count the unemployment rate is ridiculous. Companies are sending their offices, call centers and factories overseas to cut employment cost and then wonder why people aren't buying their products. Well, I'll tell you why. The wonderful people who bought your products and services are out of jobs because you have given them to other countries. There are people who can't get medical care - and it doesn't have to do with a National Health Care Program - if you don't have a job, you can't pay for the anything the government is going to offer or the fine that comes from not buying it. We need help at home. Period. I have been unemployed since June 2, 2009. Not because I wanted to I had to quit my job, because it cost more to have my kids in daycare over the summer than I made working. That right there is a sad fact.
Since then looking for work has been an exercise in futility. I've sent tons and tons of resumes out. I've posted them on websites - I haven't gotten one call for an interview and I was employed by the same company for over 14 years. I can't even get an call from Walmart & Target. I have however been offered several opportunities to launder money. All of which I have turned down - I'm not stupid, but something better happen soon.
Companies, bring jobs back to the US, it truly is the only way to lower unemployment. China is poisoning us by cutting corners, call centers in other countries are just pissing off consumers because they can't understand who they are talking to. Don't try to gouge a profit from the people who are still employed because the ones teetering on the edge will fall off that cliff trying to fill a gas tank to get the little job they can find. BUY AMERICAN, EMPLOY AMERICAN. I can't say this enough.
Fill our food banks, start a fund for people who need medical care - hell just donate to the Red Cross for what they do in America - not other countries. Adopt kids in America who need homes - there is no need to go to another country to do it. Do you know how many kids are in need of homes or are in the Foster system? I just saw a TV report that said that people from Mexico (illegal or legal) that are in the US for jobs are having trouble finding them or keeping them and are returning in droves to Mexico. What does that say about the US if people are returning to the poverty in Mexico.
Wake up and smell the coffee - we are failing the people of the US. Stand up and fight for it.
3 comments:
I just read your comment about losing a follower and your thoughts that this blog post was the reason. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same as you. We live in America and we have the right (for now) to speak what's on our minds. You're a very talented individual and something will open up and come your way soon.
BTW, my husband was laid off from his job a week ago yesterday. Totally understand what you're going through.
Agreed. I think what happened in Haiti is horrible as well but I cannot help but be a little disgruntled that it becomes "chic" to help Haiti but nobody wants to talk about the masses of men, women and children who are homeless, sick, etc... that are RIGHT HERE in the US. Thousands of kids need loving homes and yet again shoved aside because it is "in" to adopt Haitian children now.
I'm certainly not "against" relief for Haiti but I think it irresponsible to overlook the issues we have RIGHT HERE.
Great post, D! :)
I agree with not only you but the comments above. It becomes trendy to donate money to certain issues, causes, and events, wear a little ribbon, yet turn your head to problems right in front of your face on your own doorstep.
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