Overseas Aid

[Holiday Planner]

However dire the poverty can get in this country (and I know how bad it can be from the dealings I have with our local foodbank), nothing can compare with the devastating situations some people overseas can find themselves in, through no fault of their own (contrary to some suggestions on this thread!). I once had the privilege of travelling overseas on a humanitarian visit ... and saw how a very little of our money can go a really long way in a 3rd world country ... and save lives. They are not sitting waiting for our hand me downs, but when we can send a helping hand, it really does make a difference.

I absolutely agree that charities should be scrutinised and accountable, as should governments ... but I'm quite shocked at some of the selfish (and bordering on racist) comments I've read on this thread.

We're all well off - let's be generous.

[ChesterfieldJohn]

However dire the poverty can get in this country (and I know how bad it can be from the dealings I have with our local foodbank), nothing can compare with the devastating situations some people overseas can find themselves in, through no fault of their own (contrary to some suggestions on this thread!). I once had the privilege of travelling overseas on a humanitarian visit ... and saw how a very little of our money can go a really long way in a 3rd world country ... and save lives. They are not sitting waiting for our hand me downs, but when we can send a helping hand, it really does make a difference.

I absolutely agree that charities should be scrutinised and accountable, as should governments ... but I'm quite shocked at some of the selfish (and bordering on racist) comments I've read on this thread.

We're all well off - let's be generous.

Everyone in this country is not well off.

Where does racism come in to this conversation?

I said this country, I believe that others have said the same.

There is no racism in that, this country is multi cultural

Selfishness? If you believe that putting your own country first then yes I am selfish.

John

[haveabeer]

But we are supporting these countries to the tune of 11 billion a year
Much as I don't agree with such a large amount of money I have no say in it
I don't see any handouts for those less fortunate in this country so any spare money I have goes to help those not to those already being supported.

[Holiday Planner]

Everyone in this country is not well off.

Everyone on this site is.

[oldbluefox]

Everyone in this country is not well off.

Everyone on this site is.

"I cried because I had no shoes. Then I met a man. He had no feet".
It all depends on what your definition of 'well off' is. Some are better off than others.

[ChesterfieldJohn]

Everyone in this country is not well off.

Everyone on this site is.

I doubt this is true, I for one am not well off.

I live on my pension and my savings, which I have to dip in too regularly.

You are probably extremely well off judging by the fact that you have had 'the privilege of travelling abroad on a humanitarian mission'.

I am sure that many of us could not afford to do that.

John

[Holiday Planner]

Anyone who can afford to cruise is well off in comparison with the extreme poor of this country and those of the third world about whom we were talking at the beginning of this thread. Of course there are degrees of wealth, but if someone can afford luxury holidays they kid themselves if they think they are not well off, and need to spend sometime with people who feed their children, but can't afford to feed themselves. Incidentally, some of the most generous people I have ever met are the ones who had only enough for their next meal, and were willing to share even that with me ... and it made me weep. That's why I say it was a privilege.

[haveabeer]

I am very well off I have good health, a roof over my head, food on my table, and a loving family not much money but very well off .

[ChesterfieldJohn]

Anyone who can afford to cruise is well off in comparison with the extreme poor of this country and those of the third world about whom we were talking at the beginning of this thread. Of course there are degrees of wealth, but if someone can afford luxury holidays they kid themselves if they think they are not well off, and need to spend sometime with people who feed their children, but can't afford to feed themselves. Incidentally, some of the most generous people I have ever met are the ones who had only enough for their next meal, and were willing to share even that with me ... and it made me weep. That's why I say it was a privilege.

There are people in this country that cannot afford to feed their children.

I am comfortable not well off, I give what I can afford to local charities and give my time , now that I am retired, to local charities as well.

I live in a modest bungalow in an area that is not high class, but average.

Certainly not one of the posher areas of Chesterfield.

You have not answered the questions about racism.

John

[emjay45]

Everyone in this country is not well off.

Everyone on this site is.

"I cried because I had no shoes. Then I met a man. He had no feet".
It all depends on what your definition of 'well off' is. Some are better off than others.

Now those are wise words. I have no objection to giving to those less well off. If I could be sure where my money was going I would be happy to donate to any charity. I now have serious doubts as to where the money is ending up. I simply prefer to donate MY money to charities where I can be sure of that. Nothing at all to do with racism more I'm afraid of scepticism. My money, my choice. I don't tell people what to do with their money and I object to being told by others that it makes me less of a 'caring' person than they presume themselves to be.

[Mo2013]

I am saddened by some of the comments I have read. All of us, including the most disadvantaged in society, have, at the very least, clean water to drink. If the boot were on the other foot, I am sure people would have a different view.

[Mo2013]

But we are supporting these countries to the tune of 11 billion a year
Much as I don't agree with such a large amount of money I have no say in it
I don't see any handouts for those less fortunate in this country so any spare money I have goes to help those not to those already being supported.

Which works out at £137 per Brit. Some people will spend more than that on their bar bill on board. There are handouts for all sorts of people in this country. Britain is keeping a promise in relation to a 1970 UN resolution. People appear ignorant of the origins of aid provided by Britain to those overseas. Other countries give aid too.

[ChesterfieldJohn]

But we are supporting these countries to the tune of 11 billion a year
Much as I don't agree with such a large amount of money I have no say in it
I don't see any handouts for those less fortunate in this country so any spare money I have goes to help those not to those already being supported.

Which works out at £137 per Brit. Some people will spend more than that on their bar bill on board. There are handouts for all sorts of people in this country. Britain is keeping a promise in relation to a 1970 UN resolution. People appear ignorant of the origins of aid provided by Britain to those overseas. Other countries give aid too.

Mo I would prefer my £137 to go to a charity in this country thanks you.

There are people in this country who need it just as much as people in other countries.

Especially now with the new cuts that are being forced upon them.

John

[emjay45]

I am saddened by some of the comments I have read. All of us, including the most disadvantaged in society, have, at the very least, clean water to drink. If the boot were on the other foot, I am sure people would have a different view.

So you know that those in need are receiving the money you donate do you Mo? I think you're being a little sanctimonious here.

[ChesterfieldJohn]

I am saddened by some of the comments I have read. All of us, including the most disadvantaged in society, have, at the very least, clean water to drink. If the boot were on the other foot, I am sure people would have a different view.

So you know that those in need are receiving the money you donate do you Mo? I think you're being a little sanctimonious here.

Emjay,

You do not really know that whichever charity you give to.

John

[emjay45]

Perhaps John. I've already stated that I give to local charities over here, which are run mainly by volunteers. The charities in the UK I give to are those which although I don't know exactly where my money is going, most of it is going into research from which I hope my son may benefit one day. I'm therefore prepared to take the chance.

[Mo2013]

I am saddened by some of the comments I have read. All of us, including the most disadvantaged in society, have, at the very least, clean water to drink. If the boot were on the other foot, I am sure people would have a different view.

So you know that those in need are receiving the money you donate do you Mo? I think you're being a little sanctimonious here.

Em jay, please refrain from making the discussion 'personal'.

[Mo2013]

But we are supporting these countries to the tune of 11 billion a year
Much as I don't agree with such a large amount of money I have no say in it
I don't see any handouts for those less fortunate in this country so any spare money I have goes to help those not to those already being supported.

Which works out at £137 per Brit. Some people will spend more than that on their bar bill on board. There are handouts for all sorts of people in this country. Britain is keeping a promise in relation to a 1970 UN resolution. People appear ignorant of the origins of aid provided by Britain to those overseas. Other countries give aid too.

Mo I would prefer my £137 to go to a charity in this country thanks you.

There are people in this country who need it just as much as people in other countries.

Especially now with the new cuts that are being forced upon them.

John

As I said John, there is a background and history to the overseas aid given by this country and the question of the amount of aid was part of the original post.

[Mo2013]

I know about bribery and corruption and More needs to be done to ensure that the aid reaches the people it is meant for.

[ChesterfieldJohn]

But we are supporting these countries to the tune of 11 billion a year
Much as I don't agree with such a large amount of money I have no say in it
I don't see any handouts for those less fortunate in this country so any spare money I have goes to help those not to those already being supported.

Which works out at £137 per Brit. Some people will spend more than that on their bar bill on board. There are handouts for all sorts of people in this country. Britain is keeping a promise in relation to a 1970 UN resolution. People appear ignorant of the origins of aid provided by Britain to those overseas. Other countries give aid too.

Mo I would prefer my £137 to go to a charity in this country thanks you.

There are people in this country who need it just as much as people in other countries.

Especially now with the new cuts that are being forced upon them.

John

As I said John, there is a background and history to the overseas aid given by this country and the question of the amount of aid was part of the original post.

MO,

I know, but what good has it done and how long must we do it?

Surely it is time that some of the countries stood on their own.

We cannot give them money all the time.

John

[emjay45]

I am saddened by some of the comments I have read. All of us, including the most disadvantaged in society, have, at the very least, clean water to drink. If the boot were on the other foot, I am sure people would have a different view.

So you know that those in need are receiving the money you donate do you Mo? I think you're being a little sanctimonious here.

Em jay, please refrain from making the discussion 'personal'.

Sorry Mo just asking you a question. To be less personal some posters on here are being a little sanctimonious.

[ChesterfieldJohn]

I am saddened by some of the comments I have read. All of us, including the most disadvantaged in society, have, at the very least, clean water to drink. If the boot were on the other foot, I am sure people would have a different view.

So you know that those in need are receiving the money you donate do you Mo? I think you're being a little sanctimonious here.

Em jay, please refrain from making the discussion 'personal'.

Sorry Mo just asking you a question. To be less personal some posters on here are being a little sanctimonious.

or perhaps you are.

John

[Silver_Shiney]

Can we all please just step back and calm down a little? Robust debate is one thing, but this is starting to overstep the mark.

[emjay45]

So you know that those in need are receiving the money you donate do you Mo? I think you're being a little sanctimonious here.[/quote]

Em jay, please refrain from making the discussion 'personal'.[/quote]

Sorry Mo just asking you a question. To be less personal some posters on here are being a little sanctimonious.[/quote]


or perhaps you are.

John[/quote]

Why am I ? I'm not telling other people which charities to support and I'm not insinuating that I am a kinder, more caring person than anyone else on here. I happen to think some people are and I believe that to be sanctimonious.

[The Monocled Mutineer]

Delboy:

Your intervention, with the link, is a welcome "breath of fresh-air" in this otherwise "saloon bar" example of politics that most of the rest of the thread comprises.

The only "good thing" this "bongo bongo land" has done is to allow the very poorly affixed mask to slip on the typical UKIP representative and their repellant members and reveal their deeply unpleasant "little englander" politics.

A right own goal given that some of UKIP's premise is to replace some of our favourable trade links with our fellow EU nations with the developing world - many who I presume match typical UKIP activists' appellation of 'Bongo Bongo Land' - hardly winning friends and people - other than appealing to saloon bar bores, racists and the underclass.

MMO, only you could manage to link a thread on overseas aid to membership of your revered EU.

Towny44:

Erm ... The ignorant saloon bar utterances by Bloom is from an MEP who is a member of a party (UKIP) whose avowed aim is the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. I believe I was making a valid point and consequently exposing the ignorance, hypocrisy and bankruptness of this useless 'protest' party.