Trying to save Haiti - A waste of time

You can't?

sbtim

You can, but I find it a really disturbing characteristic in a person. But I assume it only comes from the fact it doesn't seem real to that person because the death isn't actually infront of them, it's miles away. I doubt the same person would walk by a terminally ill child on the street who had been injured and just leave them "Why help? They're gonna die anyway."

I don't believe so, no. And as long as there are people out there like me, relief efforts will continue to exist. Personally, I don't see how you can NOT want to help at all...I'm intrigued.

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

So what are we saving their lives for? What future do they have?

It's like keeping someone on life support, but they're brain dead and will never recover. Yea, you can keep them "alive", but are they really living?

peaceoutmedusa

would you want to die? regardless of what you say next, THEY dont want to die, and that is enough to help them right there.

If my country was that completely out of luck, maybe I would rather die now than continue to suffer.

I think RiseAgainst12 has the right idea. When there is nothing left to say, there is always...

[QUOTE="peaceoutmedusa"]

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

So what are we saving their lives for? What future do they have?

It's like keeping someone on life support, but they're brain dead and will never recover. Yea, you can keep them "alive", but are they really living?

sbtim

would you want to die? regardless of what you say next, THEY dont want to die, and that is enough to help them right there.

If my country was that completely out of luck, maybe I would rather die now than continue to suffer.

But I'm sure you would rather make that decision yourself and not some guy sitting at his computer thousands of miles away?

The US should look to save their own country before helping others.

So should most countries actually.

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

You can't?

Pixel-Pirate

You can, but I find it a really disturbing characteristic in a person. But I assume it only comes from the fact it doesn't seem real to that person because the death isn't actually infront of them, it's miles away. I doubt the same person would walk by a terminally ill child on the street who had been injured and just leave them "Why help? They're gonna die anyway."

I'd call an ambulance. But Haiti and an injured kid with cancer aren't really the same thing.

I'm Haitian(not born there, my mom & dad were) and yes the country was bad before the quake but it that doesn't mean you should just let people starve & die in the streets. The future for the country is up in the air as you say but there are ways to rebuild and revive it's economy. You're just thinking too negative or completely hate helping others. There are people dying all across the world in even worst conditions, not just in Haiti and people use what they can to help out.

A waste of time is your opinion on the idea of donations to a crisis stricken country - I won't go as far to say you're heartless but you seem to be a cold single-minded human being.

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

You can't?

sbtim

You can, but I find it a really disturbing characteristic in a person. But I assume it only comes from the fact it doesn't seem real to that person because the death isn't actually infront of them, it's miles away. I doubt the same person would walk by a terminally ill child on the street who had been injured and just leave them "Why help? They're gonna die anyway."

I'd call an ambulance. But Haiti and an injured kid with cancer aren't really the same thing.

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

You can't?

sbtim

You can, but I find it a really disturbing characteristic in a person. But I assume it only comes from the fact it doesn't seem real to that person because the death isn't actually infront of them, it's miles away. I doubt the same person would walk by a terminally ill child on the street who had been injured and just leave them "Why help? They're gonna die anyway."

I'd call an ambulance. But Haiti and an injured kid with cancer aren't really the same thing.

Both are "lost causes". Both are "doomed" anyway. Why waste the time if you won't really help and just prolong the inevitable?

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

You can, but I find it a really disturbing characteristic in a person. But I assume it only comes from the fact it doesn't seem real to that person because the death isn't actually infront of them, it's miles away. I doubt the same person would walk by a terminally ill child on the street who had been injured and just leave them "Why help? They're gonna die anyway."

Pixel-Pirate

I'd call an ambulance. But Haiti and an injured kid with cancer aren't really the same thing.

Both are "lost causes". Both are "doomed" anyway. Why waste the time if you won't really help and just prolong the inevitable?

The kid with cancer probably has a better life than any Haitian out there. Anyway, how would I even know that he has cancer in the first place?

The comparison is just not there, I'm sorry. Haiti is not a kid with cancer. It's a country that's on life support.

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

I'd call an ambulance. But Haiti and an injured kid with cancer aren't really the same thing.

sbtim

Both are "lost causes". Both are "doomed" anyway. Why waste the time if you won't really help and just prolong the inevitable?

The kid with cancer probably has a better life than any Haitian out there. Anyway, how would I even know that he has cancer in the first place?

The comparison is just not there, I'm sorry. Haiti is not a kid with cancer. It's a country that's on life support.

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

I'd call an ambulance. But Haiti and an injured kid with cancer aren't really the same thing.

sbtim

Both are "lost causes". Both are "doomed" anyway. Why waste the time if you won't really help and just prolong the inevitable?

The kid with cancer probably has a better life than any Haitian out there. Anyway, how would I even know that he has cancer in the first place?

The comparison is just not there, I'm sorry. Haiti is not a kid with cancer. It's a country that's on life support.

How can you know a Haitian would rather die then survive even if their country is a mess? Believe it or not some Haitians are still prideful and supportive of their nation and many of them want to rebuild and grow. Are you saying they shouldn't be given that chance because you don't think it'll make a difference and that they're doomed anyways? I feel sympathic of your mindset and I hope one day it changes. I'm just happy there's enough people still in this world without that mindset that are trying to help these people, cause that's more of what this world needs.

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

Both are "lost causes". Both are "doomed" anyway. Why waste the time if you won't really help and just prolong the inevitable?

MystikFollower

The kid with cancer probably has a better life than any Haitian out there. Anyway, how would I even know that he has cancer in the first place?

The comparison is just not there, I'm sorry. Haiti is not a kid with cancer. It's a country that's on life support.

How can you know a Haitian would rather die then survive even if their country is a mess? Believe it or not some Haitians are still prideful and supportive of their nation and many of them want to rebuild and grow. Are you saying they shouldn't be given that chance because you don't think it'll make a difference and that they're doomed anyways? I feel sympathic of your mindset and I hope one day it changes. I'm just happy there's enough people still in this world without that mindset that are trying to help these people, cause that's more of what this world needs.

Like I said, I'm not going to try and stop them from trying, but that doesn't mean I'm going to help them, nor do I really think anyone should, because I know for a fact that 30 years from now Haiti will still be terrible.

[QUOTE="MystikFollower"]

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

The kid with cancer probably has a better life than any Haitian out there. Anyway, how would I even know that he has cancer in the first place?

The comparison is just not there, I'm sorry. Haiti is not a kid with cancer. It's a country that's on life support.

sbtim

How can you know a Haitian would rather die then survive even if their country is a mess? Believe it or not some Haitians are still prideful and supportive of their nation and many of them want to rebuild and grow. Are you saying they shouldn't be given that chance because you don't think it'll make a difference and that they're doomed anyways? I feel sympathic of your mindset and I hope one day it changes. I'm just happy there's enough people still in this world without that mindset that are trying to help these people, cause that's more of what this world needs.

Like I said, I'm not going to try and stop them from trying, but that doesn't mean I'm going to help them, nor do I really think anyone should, because I know for a fact that 30 years from now Haiti will still be terrible.

See, stop right there. You are one of those people that forget what happens 5 posts before and still stick to your wayword thoughts. As I said before, thousands of people would instantly die if we stopped supporting them. And 30 years from now, Haiti wont be close to to how devastating this month has been for them.

We'll see how we'll they're doing in 30, then. I'll be back to discuss it.

We'll see how we'll they're doing in 30, then. I'll be back to discuss it.

While haiti is the most povershed nation in the western hemisphere, it is not beyond hope of improvement. While the surge of donations will stop, there will still be people who support haiti and that number will have increased due to the awareness. Heck, my school ALONE has helped start up six other schools in haiti in the past eight years in the rural areas. While there has been a vast amount of destruction and deaths, haiti has the chance to improve its infrastructure from before. If we abandon our support of haiti within the month and everyone left, haiti would simply be erased off the map. That is why we need to continue to support haiti at least for the short term, even if it seems futile.

I really wish I remembered who stated this originally, but I can't remember.

Someone who was having a conversation much like this one about giving money to homeless people stated, "After hearing about how I shouldn't give people money because they'll likely just buy booze with it, I decided I was fine with that. If that's what they need to get themselves through the day and my dollar will help them, then so be it."

I think the same mindset applies here, in a way. Whether or not Haiti will be any more affluent in 30 years, everyone's donations are feeding people who otherwise wouldn't be able to eat right now. Isn't that worth it in the short term regardless of whether or not there are any long term effects?

I really wish I remembered who stated this originally, but I can't remember.

Someone who was having a conversation much like this one about giving money to homeless people stated, "After hearing about how I shouldn't give people money because they'll likely just buy booze with it, I decided I was fine with that. If that's what they need to get themselves through the day and my dollar will help them, then so be it."

I think the same mindset applies here, in a way. Whether or not Haiti will be any more affluent in 30 years, everyone's donations are feeding people who otherwise wouldn't be able to eat right now. Isn't that worth it in the short term regardless of whether or not there are any long term effects?

mattbbpl

That quote is stupid. Contributing to someone's addiction is never a good idea.

So what are we saving their lives for? What future do they have?

It's like keeping someone on life support, but they're brain dead and will never recover. Yea, you can keep them "alive", but are they really living?

sbtim

OK, my 1st post was just writing without reading anything but your opening argument but now I see that you are just talking crazy. "Let them die, they have no future!" Neither you nor I know what the future holds.

[QUOTE="mattbbpl"]

I really wish I remembered who stated this originally, but I can't remember.

Someone who was having a conversation much like this one about giving money to homeless people stated, "After hearing about how I shouldn't give people money because they'll likely just buy booze with it, I decided I was fine with that. If that's what they need to get themselves through the day and my dollar will help them, then so be it."

I think the same mindset applies here, in a way. Whether or not Haiti will be any more affluent in 30 years, everyone's donations are feeding people who otherwise wouldn't be able to eat right now. Isn't that worth it in the short term regardless of whether or not there are any long term effects?

That quote is stupid. Contributing to someone's addiction is never a good idea.

They can't do anything well because of corruption. And there will always be more earthquakes there. I'm thankful to live in the middle of a plate not the edge

They can't do anything well because of corruption. And there will always be more earthquakes there. I'm thankful to live in the middle of a plate not the edge

Cruse34

Trying to save the lives of millions is never a waste of time

[QUOTE="1hit"]

Pretty sure if you were in their position you wouldnt think it was a waste of time that people from other countries were helping you.

But what do they think will happen a year from now or so? Are they just going to become a welfare country, living off of donations? I don't see how they'll ever become self sufficient.

I personally think its a waste of time but we are AMERICA! Here to serve and protect...

in a sense it is slightly pointless to donate to haiti, simply because the government officials have been known to take donation money. i guess you still get the "i did something good, therefore im a good person" feeling.

I really wish I remembered who stated this originally, but I can't remember.

Someone who was having a conversation much like this one about giving money to homeless people stated, "After hearing about how I shouldn't give people money because they'll likely just buy booze with it, I decided I was fine with that. If that's what they need to get themselves through the day and my dollar will help them, then so be it."

I think the same mindset applies here, in a way. Whether or not Haiti will be any more affluent in 30 years, everyone's donations are feeding people who otherwise wouldn't be able to eat right now. Isn't that worth it in the short term regardless of whether or not there are any long term effects?

I really wish I remembered who stated this originally, but I can't remember.

Someone who was having a conversation much like this one about giving money to homeless people stated, "After hearing about how I shouldn't give people money because they'll likely just buy booze with it, I decided I was fine with that. If that's what they need to get themselves through the day and my dollar will help them, then so be it."

I think the same mindset applies here, in a way. Whether or not Haiti will be any more affluent in 30 years, everyone's donations are feeding people who otherwise wouldn't be able to eat right now. Isn't that worth it in the short term regardless of whether or not there are any long term effects?

I really wish I remembered who stated this originally, but I can't remember.

Someone who was having a conversation much like this one about giving money to homeless people stated, "After hearing about how I shouldn't give people money because they'll likely just buy booze with it, I decided I was fine with that. If that's what they need to get themselves through the day and my dollar will help them, then so be it."

I think the same mindset applies here, in a way. Whether or not Haiti will be any more affluent in 30 years, everyone's donations are feeding people who otherwise wouldn't be able to eat right now. Isn't that worth it in the short term regardless of whether or not there are any long term effects?

[QUOTE="sbtim"]

We'll see how we'll they're doing in 30, then. I'll be back to discuss it.

peaceoutmedusa

So what are we saving their lives for? What future do they have?

It's like keeping someone on life support, but they're brain dead and will never recover. Yea, you can keep them "alive", but are they really living?

sbtim

Please just stop

I really wish I remembered who stated this originally, but I can't remember.

Someone who was having a conversation much like this one about giving money to homeless people stated, "After hearing about how I shouldn't give people money because they'll likely just buy booze with it, I decided I was fine with that. If that's what they need to get themselves through the day and my dollar will help them, then so be it."

I think the same mindset applies here, in a way. Whether or not Haiti will be any more affluent in 30 years, everyone's donations are feeding people who otherwise wouldn't be able to eat right now. Isn't that worth it in the short term regardless of whether or not there are any long term effects?

[QUOTE="peaceoutmedusa"][QUOTE="sbtim"]

We'll see how we'll they're doing in 30, then. I'll be back to discuss it.

Phoenix6359

I really wish I remembered who stated this originally, but I can't remember.

Someone who was having a conversation much like this one about giving money to homeless people stated, "After hearing about how I shouldn't give people money because they'll likely just buy booze with it, I decided I was fine with that. If that's what they need to get themselves through the day and my dollar will help them, then so be it."

I think the same mindset applies here, in a way. Whether or not Haiti will be any more affluent in 30 years, everyone's donations are feeding people who otherwise wouldn't be able to eat right now. Isn't that worth it in the short term regardless of whether or not there are any long term effects?

You're absolutely right. The whole problem is people use this event as a feel good execuse to be involved.. while the rest of the time we ignore the worlds problems and say it's none of our business.. what a joke. I'm all for helping people in need.. but if were going to do that lets at least be consistent about that. Right now we'll throw wads of money at Haiti.. then forget about it.. and nothing good will happen in haiti after.. they'll still have gangs running the government and corruption. while relying on archaic structure of energy management and agriculture to sustain life.EMOEVOLUTION

A few things:

How do you know that people are doing this just for PR, and not for any shred of caring? And what makes you think that all the other problems in the world go unchecked and ignored by almost everyone? Why can't both be done, even if you aren't hearing about it? Further, how do you recommend changing a country that's been struggling for over 200 years with all sorts of problems? And what makes you think that people only started caring about Haiti after the 'quake? There has been significant economic aid given to Haiti for decades for instance.

If anything, Haiti will benefit from this earthquake in the long run. The country will literally be able to build its self up from the ground again, and hopefully without a terrible corrupt government.

I wish people these days still viewed other people as, you know, people and not as statistics, or investments. I don't care if Haiti is still a hell hole in 30 years, thats still no reason to let millions die. It's actually a terrible reason because no one has a crystal ball. I don't care if Haiti requires aid and donation for years, it is not a country that is "a little hard on the times" and genuinely needs the help. I am not concerned about the country, I am concerned about the people and I cannot believe others would condone basically dooming millions to starvation on a prediction, or because their government sucks and that is somehow their fault. I'd much rather the US spend money helping Haiti than send money to say Israel.

*facepalm*

I hope you get hurt badly. :x I hope you get struck by a vehicle but live. In much pain :x

Paul Shirley, is that you?

[spoiler] Dear Haitians -

First of all, kudos on developing the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Your commitment to human rights, infrastructure, and birth control should be applauded.

As we prepare to assist you in this difficult time, a polite request: If it's possible, could you not re-build your island home in the image of its predecessor? Could you not resort to the creation of flimsy shanty- and shack-towns? And could some of you maybe use a condom once in a while?

Sincerely,

The Rest of the World [/spoiler]

could the freemasons have something to do with this? to do with the haiti earthquake? i have thought about putting a 4x2 through their window... TONIGHT! :D