Crisis in Somalia

Is mise le key

Im not sure where to post this so feel free to move it if needed, i have already e-mailed Dav & Darragh with this but have no reply for wahtever reason,

I have an idea to try and collect some much needed money for donation to aid much needed in Somalia right now, it is directed at people in the capital who use dublin bus & never collect the money on the tickets that are owed to them when they pay over the exact amount.

Now i dont know really how much it can gather from boards.ie but if it was put out as a banner across the head of all forums as is done from time to time with the request to send all tickets with money to one of the charitys working on this, the message could also be a plea to Dublin bus to advertise it on their buses also?

Obviously it needs to be thought out a little better but i think in the same spirit as the Boardstock this is something we need to use the power of Boards.ie to try & assisst in any way we can think of.

Let me know what you think

later12

I'm all for increased competition in the market, although I'm not sure how this would go down.

https://www.jackandjill.ie/how-you-can-help/dublin-bus/

Is mise le key

later10 wrote: »

I'm all for increased competition in the market, although I'm not sure how this would go down.

https://www.jackandjill.ie/how-you-can-help/dublin-bus/

Sorry, didnt realise it was already being done, i will have to focus more on some other ideas i have.

Nodin

Is mise le key wrote: »

Im not sure where to post this so feel free to move it if needed, i have already e-mailed Dav & Darragh with this but have no reply for wahtever reason,

I have an idea to try and collect some much needed money for donation to aid much needed in Somalia right now, it is directed at people in the capital who use dublin bus & never collect the money on the tickets that are owed to them when they pay over the exact amount.

Now i dont know really how much it can gather from boards.ie but if it was put out as a banner across the head of all forums as is done from time to time with the request to send all tickets with money to one of the charitys working on this, the message could also be a plea to Dublin bus to advertise it on their buses also?

Obviously it needs to be thought out a little better but i think in the same spirit as the Boardstock this is something we need to use the power of Boards.ie to try & assisst in any way we can think of.

Let me know what you think

One of them is off to fields anew.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056333322

walshb

You reckon your few pittance will make a difference? Over 50 Billion dollars in aid per year, and we're still no better off....

Let me know what you think?

It's like spitting into the Pacific Ocean....

I think it's quite clear that this approach (begging from us) is doing **** all....

srsly78

Kinda hard to deliver aid when they shoot at you no?

Is mise le key

walshb wrote: »

You reckon your few pittance will make a difference? Over 50 Billion dollars in aid, and we're still no better off....

Let me know what you think?

It's like spitting into the Pacific Ocean....

I would have only expected that kind of response in after hours.

walshb

Is mise le key wrote: »

I would have only expected that kind of response in after hours.

You asked. Go read up on aid, and money being thrown at this problem.
Why not go there if you really care, plant seeds etc. What will
your few bob do? Oh, sorry, our few bob, seeing as you're asking us to donate.

Is mise le key

walshb wrote: »

You asked. Go read up on aid, and money being thrown at this problem.
Why not go there if you really care, plant seeds etc. What will
your few bob do? Oh, sorry, our few bob, seeing as you're asking us to donate.

At the risk of getting a red card here,

Go Fúck yourself.

Well worth it if i do get one.

walshb

Is mise le key wrote: »

Go Fúck yourself.

.

And you're making out that your some kind of angel of mercy?:rolleyes:

tbh

walshb wrote: »

You reckon your few pittance will make a difference?

so I have some small experience "on the ground" of the NGOs in Africa.

Unfortunately, this opinion is more and more commonly held in Ireland, and there's not really anything anyone can do about that.

There are some people who would like to help, but don't, because they genuinely believe this (although it's quite easy to discover the actual facts, if you really want to).
There are some people who just don't want to give money and use this as an excuse not to give.

There's no point trying to change people's minds when you hear an opinion like this, people have their reasons for their opinions, and they are entitled to those opinions. There will always be people who want to help, and people who want to mock those who want to help.

However, all I can say is this, and this is *all* I'll say - you can believe it or not, I don't care.

"your few pittance" can literally be the difference between a child starving to death, and a child not starving to death.

it honestly is that simple. Please, if you want to donate, donate.

karma_

tbh wrote: »

so I have some small experience "on the ground" of the NGOs in Africa.

Unfortunately, this opinion is more and more commonly held in Ireland, and there's not really anything anyone can do about that.

There are some people who would like to help, but don't, because they genuinely believe this (although it's quite easy to discover the actual facts, if you really want to).
There are some people who just don't want to give money and use this as an excuse not to give.

There's no point trying to change people's minds when you hear an opinion like this, people have their reasons for their opinions, and they are entitled to those opinions. There will always be people who want to help, and people who want to mock those who want to help.

However, all I can say is this, and this is *all* I'll say - you can believe it or not, I don't care.

"your few pittance" can literally be the difference between a child starving to death, and a child not starving to death.

it honestly is that simple. Please, if you want to donate, donate.

walshb has a knack of turning up in these threads.

tbh

walshb wrote: »

You reckon your few pittance will make a difference? Over 50 Billion dollars in aid per year, and we're still no better off....

Let me know what you think?

It's like spitting into the Pacific Ocean....

I think it's quite clear that this approach (begging from us) is doing **** all....

let me just ask you. Why would you go to the trouble of actively seeking to discourage people from trying to do something good? What difference does it make to you? Are you that insecure that you have to prove how much more "worldly wise" you are than a bunch of strangers on the internet? Could you not just read the post, roll your eyes and let the people hand over their few quid?

irishh_bob

tbh wrote: »

so I have some small experience "on the ground" of the NGOs in Africa.

Unfortunately, this opinion is more and more commonly held in Ireland, and there's not really anything anyone can do about that.

There are some people who would like to help, but don't, because they genuinely believe this (although it's quite easy to discover the actual facts, if you really want to).
There are some people who just don't want to give money and use this as an excuse not to give.

There's no point trying to change people's minds when you hear an opinion like this, people have their reasons for their opinions, and they are entitled to those opinions. There will always be people who want to help, and people who want to mock those who want to help.

However, all I can say is this, and this is *all* I'll say - you can believe it or not, I don't care.

"your few pittance" can literally be the difference between a child starving to death, and a child not starving to death.

it honestly is that simple. Please, if you want to donate, donate.

i made a donation ( with money i got for nothing ) to the irish red cross last year in aid of the pakistani flood relief fund , was then shocked to hear about all the corruption within that org , is thier any particular charity you would recomend ?

walshb

tbh wrote: »

let me just ask you. Why would you go to the trouble of actively seeking to discourage people from trying to do something good? What difference does it make to you? Are you that insecure that you have to prove how much more "worldly wise" you are than a bunch of strangers on the internet? Could you not just read the post, roll your eyes and let the people hand over their few quid?

Oh, so if you aren't on board, then ignore, is that how a discussion thread is run here?

Insecure? Why, for giving a view? He asked for a thought; I gave mine. It didn't sit well with OP, that's him, not me.

I wasn't impolite OR aggressive with him. I juST gave my view. He then let loose, all because I didn't see anything encoouraging or inspiring with his plan.

walshb

tbh wrote: »

say - you can believe it or not, I don't care.
"your few pittance" can literally be the difference between a child starving to death, and a child not starving to death.

My few pittance?

Well, what about the billions of dollars per year? That is not pittance, and it doesn't seem to be solving anything. We've had the begging bowl now for over 50 years. WTF are they at over there? I mean, the west!

walshb

karma_ wrote: »

walshb has a knack of turning up in these threads.

I like the discussion, but when one view is seen as the ONLY view, then it kinda ruins it.

Now, please, don't call me racist because I happen to think that incessant monetary aid is doing
more harm than good.

karma_

walshb wrote: »

I like the discussion, but when one view is seen as the ONLY view, then it kinda ruins it.

Now, please, don't call me racist because I happen to think that incessant monetary aid is doing
more harm than good.

Like the discussion eh? Shame, you're missing a couple of great threads over on AH about the same topic isn't it.

caseyann

Is mise le key wrote: »

Im not sure where to post this so feel free to move it if needed, i have already e-mailed Dav & Darragh with this but have no reply for wahtever reason,

I have an idea to try and collect some much needed money for donation to aid much needed in Somalia right now, it is directed at people in the capital who use dublin bus & never collect the money on the tickets that are owed to them when they pay over the exact amount.

Now i dont know really how much it can gather from boards.ie but if it was put out as a banner across the head of all forums as is done from time to time with the request to send all tickets with money to one of the charitys working on this, the message could also be a plea to Dublin bus to advertise it on their buses also?

Obviously it needs to be thought out a little better but i think in the same spirit as the Boardstock this is something we need to use the power of Boards.ie to try & assisst in any way we can think of.

Let me know what you think

While i find it commendable and nice idea you trying to help.
Shouldn't you maybe look at something close to home?
Like children s hospitals and Irish homeless?At least you can get involved physically and over see where y our money and collections are going.
Aid in those countries will be taken from your wages and taxes as is.

walshb

karma_ wrote: »

Like the discussion eh? Shame, you're missing a couple of great threads over on AH about the same topic isn't it.

I know, they ban you over there for disagreement, it's mad!

walshb

caseyann wrote: »

While i find it commendable and nice idea you trying to help.
Shouldn't you maybe look at something close to home?
Like children s hospitals and Irish homeless?At least you can get involved physically and over see where y our money and collections are going.
Aid in those countries will be taken from your wages and taxes as is.

Probably no exposure doing that. Helping Paddy won't make the news headlines.

tbh

irishh_bob wrote: »

i made a donation ( with money i got for nothing ) to the irish red cross last year in aid of the pakistani flood relief fund , was then shocked to hear about all the corruption within that org , is thier any particular charity you would recomend ?

I've always been impressed with the percentage of money that GOAL disperse compared to the cost of running the charity and raising the funds.

Jammed

tbh wrote: »

"your few pittance" can literally be the difference between a child starving to death, and a child not starving to death.

it honestly is that simple. Please, if you want to donate, donate.

The only charity worth donating to in Africa is one that distributes condoms.

walshb

Jammed wrote: »

The only charity worth donating to in Africa is one that distributes condoms.

Bob and Bono wouldn't agree; they've been pushing poulation increase for years.

Scofflaw

Jammed wrote: »

The only charity worth donating to in Africa is one that distributes condoms.

Having read the rest of your posts, that's not a light-hearted remark, and you're no longer welcome to post in the forum.

Permabanned for trolling and racism.

moderately,
Scofflaw

walshb

It's a harsh reality, Scofflaw. No?

Yes, it's been put bluntly, but many would agree with the validity to it.

southsiderosie

caseyann wrote: »

While i find it commendable and nice idea you trying to help.
Shouldn't you maybe look at something close to home?
Like children s hospitals and Irish homeless?At least you can get involved physically and over see where y our money and collections are going.
Aid in those countries will be taken from your wages and taxes as is.

I don't understand this attitude at all. Why does donating have to be either/or? People can both contribute via time and/or money in their home communities and donate money and/or time abroad as well.

I particularly don't understand the point about tax dollars - don't your tax dollars already go to fund hospitals and state welfare programs? Does that mean that people shouldn't donate or volunteer in schools; "shur, that's what we pay the teachers for?"

tbh

walshb wrote: »

Bob and Bono wouldn't agree; they've been pushing poulation increase for years.

in societies where the state doesn't provide pensions or free schooling or free health care you need as many people earning in the family as possible, because they all have to support each other. If you're old and you don't have kids, you starve.

When so many children die before adulthood from diseases that you can't afford to have treated, then you need to have many kids to make sure that some survive to look after you in your old age.

swiss

There certainly seems to be a case of 'famine fatigue' when it comes to stories like this.

The story is depressingly familiar. Drought, conflict, overpopulation, all conspiring to unfold a litany of human suffering to make even the hard hearted blanch. I suspect this is the reason a lot of people switch off. It's emotionally difficult to watch images of emaciated children who have no hope for survival eking a miserable, starving existence before death takes them. It's galling to imagine that what little that many people can spare in this recessionary environment could potentially not reach the intended recipients due to conflict or corruption. And ultimately, what is it for if it merely staves off death until another crisis emerges that necessitates another immediate response?

For myself, I'd be much happier to donate if I thought there was a longer term strategy to deal with the endemic as well as immediate problems in the area. I wouldn't use it as an excuse not to donate, but I think we need to make some difficult or unpalatable decisions regarding how this aid is distributed, including - perhaps - refusing to distribute in areas where guerillas are known to operate. I also think a program of distribution of condoms is worthwhile, not only to help stop the spread of AIDS and other STIs, but as part of a family education program. It may be heartless to suggest this to a mother, but the harsh reality may dictate that if there is a reasonable prospect that she cannot feed her children, perhaps she should not have them.

My biggest concern is that by helping, we are in fact maintaining a status quo of corruption, conflict and overpopulation. As terrible as it sounds, would it be preferable for people to die now, so that this situation isn't simply propagated? I really don't know.

CatFromHue

@swiss

you should read this article in the independent
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/africa/us-withholds-urgent-aid-for-somalia-as-famine-hits-2825795.html

"But Washington, the world's biggest donor to Somalia until 2009, is now barred from funding food appeals if there is a risk its aid would "materially benefit" terrorists.

The new rules, from the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, came into force after reports that al-Shabaab, Somalia's al-Qa'ida-linked insurgents, were taxing food convoys, stealing supplies and threatening aid agency workers."

"The withdrawal of US funds for southern Somalia, coupled with al-Shabaab's long-held belligerence towards foreigners, was "now costing lives", said Mr Konyndyk."

al-Shabaab is reportedly Somalia's al-Qa'ida-linked insurgents
Jeremy Konyndyk is a policy director with Mercy Corps in the US

i think like most people im caught between two stools. i dont want these to people to starve but if i give money they may be fed but whats to stop this happening again? give a man a fish he eats for a day, teach him to fish he eats for as long as there are fish in the sea.

at times like this i always think back to a wishy washy module i took in college on industrial relations. the lecturer said that the culture of an organisation is nearly impossible to change, even if by changing the culture the organisation will benefit hugely.

somalia needs to change its culture. at the end of the day we can do only so much.

walshb

tbh wrote: »

When so many children die before adulthood from diseases that you can't afford to have treated, then you need to have many kids to make sure that some survive to look after you in your old age.

Well, you seem to be making an excuse, or reason for it. Food shortage is not just an African issue. Water shortage too is a major issue, and all over the world. 'Need to have many kids?' Ok, then face the consequences of struggling desperately to feed them.

I hate to see anyone suffering. But, Africa has had years and years of the begging bowl. It obvioulsy is not working. The OP and his plan is IMO ridiculous. He may care, but what use is his plan? Money is not what they need. Like I said, he may as well be spitting into an ocean.

They need governance, education and independence. Freedom from non stop interference. Ok, interfere, but it's the taking over that causes problems.

Nobody with half a brain can dismiss the major problem that over population is causing al over the world, and particularly in countries that cannot provide for the increase. The West is barely keeping its head above water.

Another ad on tv begging for money as I type. This has to be big buisness.

tbh

walshb wrote: »

Well, you seem to be making an excuse, or reason for it.

yes. giving a reason for it. or as it's also known "explaining it" :rolleyes:
This:

'Need to have many kids?' Ok, then face the consequences of struggling desperately to feed them.

is just a completely ridiculous statement.

Need expensive cancer drugs? Ok, then face the consequences of struggling desperately to afford them.

Ridiculous. Unfortunately, the world is filled with barstool experts who don't have a clue what they are talking about.

walshb

tbh wrote: »

yes. giving a reason for it. or as it's also known "explaining it" :rolleyes:
This:

is just a completely ridiculous statement.

Need expensive cancer drugs? Ok, then face the consequences of struggling desperately to afford them.

Ridiculous. Unfortunately, the world is filled with barstool experts who don't have a clue what they are talking about.

No need to be so uppity.

So, you know what you're talking about? Promoting population increase in a place that has no food. I see, that's some good logic there...:rolleyes:

I can do the roll eyes too...

What should we do to save Africa, and end poverty, Mr. Know It All?

Drugs? If they can't afford them, so be it. That doesn't mean that they should keep reproducing. If anything, a shortage of food AND medicine should
get alarm bells ringing.

So, it seems both of us don't know what we're talking about.

karma_

walshb wrote: »

No need to be so uppity.


So, it seems both of us don't know what we're talking about.

One of you does definitely not. And it's not the other guy.

CatFromHue

the vast majority of people aren't experts on africa or it's problems. we have our own lives to live which bring their own problems to deal with.

you can call people barstool experts in a derogatory fashion all you want. remember these are the people you are coming to asking for donation though.

we see the tv adverts of dying children, we see the reports of ethopia buying 100million worth of tanks, we do give money. then after a while we still see these ads containing dying children and we wonder well i gave money before, it didnt do anything and think what's the point. ive my own problems to deal with too.

everyday at work i have to push our suppliers to do more for less, to become more efficient so the product i sell will be affordable to my customer who has less money to spend. if i dont do this my job becomes more in jeopardy. if i lose my job im on the dole. not starving but i'll just be surviving myself then. everyone here is doing the same because we have less money due to the recession. it's not being a monster to ask why this effort isnt being reflected in the humanitarian business. the problems at the irish red cross don't help one bit either.

no one wants these people or any people to die for stupid reasons. our govt does spend alot of money on humanitarian issues already. it isn't enough though. the us spends alot of money on humanitarian issues, it isn't enough though.

i dont want these people to die starving. but they are no matter what i do! it's very fatalistic but i feel it's true.

for what it's worth i have donated some money because my stupid heart is bigger than my stupid head.

tbh

walshb wrote: »

Promoting population increase in a place that has no food. I see, that's some good logic there...:rolleyes:.

Except I wasn't promoting population increase at all. The fact that you could read my post and think that I was shows me how pointless it is dealing with you. You can't understand, or you don't want to. Either way, I'm not wasting any more time. Treat that anyway you like, and you're very welcome to the last word. all the best.

walshb

karma_ wrote: »

One of you does definitely not. And it's not the other guy.

I'm tongue-tied trying to read that sentence, sorry!

walshb

tbh wrote: »

Except I wasn't promoting population increase at all. The fact that you could read my post and think that I was shows me how pointless it is dealing with you. You can't understand, or you don't want to. Either way, I'm not wasting any more time. Treat that anyway you like, and you're very welcome to the last word. all the best.

But, criticising others who think population increase is a bad idea. Can't win, I guess!

Einhard

walshb wrote: »

Probably no exposure doing that. Helping Paddy won't make the news headlines.

Eh, we spend €20 billion a year on SW payments alone. How much help does Paddy need before people like you stop bringing it up??

walshb

Einhard wrote: »

Eh, we spend €20 billion a year on SW payments alone. How much help does Paddy need before people like you stop bringing it up??

No wonder we have welfare tourists. Wow, colossal!

Nodin

walshb wrote: »

No wonder we have welfare tourists. Wow, colossal!

How do we have "welfare tourists"?

Einhard

walshb wrote: »

No wonder we have welfare tourists. Wow, colossal!

So you agree that we are helping our own then, even to an unsustainable extent?

walshb

Nodin wrote: »

How do we have "welfare tourists"?

Another question. Don't you ever get tired?

20 billion, that's how!

walshb

Einhard wrote: »

So you agree that we are helping our own then, even to an unsustainable extent?

Yes, we're not that bad a people.

If we had half the "dedication", "passion," and "enthusiasm" as those saving
the 3rd world I reckon Ireland would be flying.

Einhard

walshb wrote: »

Yes, we're not that bad a people.

So then the point you raised earlier about looking after our own has no basis in this discussion?

Nodin

walshb wrote: »

Another question. Don't you ever get tired?

20 billion, that's how!

No, actually I don't.

Thats not an answer. What do you mean by "welfare tourists"? Who does this refer to?

walshb

Einhard wrote: »

So then the point you raised earlier about looking after our own has no basis in this discussion?

Well, caseyann brought it up. I just made a point about it.

You know, there are many many "do gooders" here in Eire who start of their charity careers thousands of miles away. Never having lifterd a finger in their own communities to help a neighbour. Those I am wary of.

John GOAL O'Shea himself started ofF here in Ireland helping homeless people and addicts. He said himself that he had no time for them. There you go.

You get far more exposure when you set up a charity to save the poor black babies, or the Asian babies, or the Chernobyl babies et al.

walshb

Nodin wrote: »

No, actually I don't.

Thats not an answer. What do you mean by "welfare tourists"? Who does this refer to?

You have have never heard of that term? And there is me thinking that you were well versed.

Nodin

walshb wrote: »

You have have never heard of that term? And there is me thinking that you were well versed.

You stated "...we have welfare tourists". Please explain exactly what you're talking about.

walshb

Nodin wrote: »

You stated "...we have welfare tourists". Please explain exactly what you're talking about.

Someone else told you on a different thread that they weren't going to spoon-feed you. I am taking their sage advice.

Einhard

walshb wrote: »

Well, caseyann brought it up. I just made a point about it.

And by making the point, you implied agreement.

You know, there are many many "do gooders" here in Eire who start of their charity careers thousands of miles away. Never having lifterd a finger in their own communities to help a neighbour. Those I am wary of.

How exactly do you know what these "do gooders" do in their private lives?

I don't think I've ever donated in an organised form to an Irish charity (by organised, I mean direct debit etc), because I think that there's enough money in this country to sort out the problems of the less well off, and, more importantly, nobody will watch their kids starve to death in front of them in Ireland because of my lack of donation.

John GOAL O'Shea himself started ofF here in Ireland helping homeless people and addicts. He said himself that he had no time for them. There you go.

I'm pretty certain that he meant that in relative terms.

You get far more exposure when you set up a charity to save the poor black babies, or the Asian babies, or the Chernobyl babies et al.

Because the poor black babies will die without our aid, unlike the poor Irish babies who will grow up to get almost €200 a week in dole, and more in ancillary benefits- if they're unlucky. I really cannot believe that you're making a comparison between the plight of a Somalian baby in a refugee camp who hasn't eaten for days, and that of an Irish baby with all the supports that he and his parents can avail of.