TPD wrote: » You pay for porn?!?
phenomenon wrote: » Again this isn't my fault. I wish the EU didn't flood third world markets with our surplus produce but I'm powerless to make a change unless a referendum is held on the issue. The EU don't act in my name or represent me. Again I want to emphasize that I do sympathize with the world's poor and would happily give to a genuine charity but I'm not accepting the blame for their situation.
phenomenon wrote: » *sigh* I was waiting for somebody to bring this up... Ireland never had any overseas colonies or slaves. Even if it did, today's generation can't be held responsible for something our ancestors did centuries ago. The whole "white guilt" argument has an antagonising effect imo. If I give money to Africa its out of sympathy, not guilt.
Biggins wrote: » Because "caring" separates us from the animals of this world... Because "caring" reminds us that "there but for the grace of god, go I..." Because "caring" acknowledges that we are just temporary tenants of this Earth, not owners... Because "caring" makes us grateful for what we have, what others don't, reminds us of that difference and makes us more appreciative... Because "caring" means you are a thoughtful, passionate, non-egotistical being that is willing to step forth and be counted...
taconnol wrote: » You're either part of the solution or part of the problem. And what about ecological debt? What sort of ecological footprint do you have? Does your lifestyle require resources from other countries that Ireland's land area cannot provide? If so, you're part of the problem. What exactly is your definition of a "genuine charity"?
d3mon24 wrote: » Giving makes me feel a lot better.. Heres a usual credit Card statement for me.. Online Gambling 500 Porn 200 Barnardos 25 Useless other stuff 200 That 25 makes me feel a lot better about the rest
phenomenon wrote: » A genuine charity is one that makes sure the donated money goes to those in need and spent on food, clothes and shelter rather than to some loopy dictator who spends his countrie's budget on guns while his people starve.
phenomenon wrote: » I was born into a society that relies on electricity, industry and cars etc to function so of course I leave a carbon footprint and use up imported resources, just like you. You're as guilty as me on this one buddy. However, I'm not from a very affluent background and have only been on a plane once in my life so I'd imagine my carbon footprint is significantly lower than most others. On top of this I use public transport all the time as I don't have a car.
phenomenon wrote: » In fact its poor developing countries like China and India that are causing the most damage to the environment because they don't know how to handle waste properly yet.
jordano wrote: » What goes around comes around dude! You may need help some day.
d3mon24 wrote: » Yeah. Your ma dont do it for free;)
JohnGalt wrote: » Seriously, why is it my problem
micmclo wrote: » Rest easy OP If you're a taxpayer the government is doing it for you:The Government has allocated a record €914 million for Official Development Assistance (ODA) this year €914 million is lot of money no question even if it's tiny fraction of GNP
JohnGalt wrote: » Taking money from somebody by force and then passing it on to another country in the form of aid does not fit the definition of charity, and unless I evade tax (which I wouldn't mind doing) I can' avoid it. So quite obviously I am questioning why i should give to charity or help the poor or starving of the world through my own choice. I am am asking the question why should I care because it is often suggested that I should by various tv campaigns, charities, posters and billboards etc. The point that if everybody had my attitude the world would be a worse place holds no water whatsoever, firstly it is not the case, many people have completely different views than I do on this matter and they will continue to give and help out regardless of my attitude, so it is not really important, and secondly, yes the I am sure the world would be a worse place for the poor and starving if everybody decided not to bother with charity, but this doesn't mean it would be a worse place for me, it would probably be better in fact because I would not have to see another stupid Concern ad on TV. The point that it could just as easily be me is equally empty, as the fact is that it is not me who is starving and poor, I was not born in Ethiopia into poor family, I never will be, and I don't have to deal with that problem. I think one of the main reasons why people give to charity is a sense of guilt about the fact that they are living in an comfortable existence only through the absurdity of blind chance, while others are not so lucky. I should capitalise on this advantage to enjoy my life, not worry about others not born here and waste my resources trying to alleviate some senseless guilt.
Biggins wrote: » No more to be said then about yourself. The rest is obvious.
taconnol wrote: » You can tell yourself the above arguments over and over but what it really comes down to is something that you are clearly lacking: compassion.
luckylucky wrote: » he's probably a 4x4 driver
A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.
taconnol wrote: » LOL - I bet. Actually, JohnGalt, according to Einstein, you're suffering from an optical delusion:
JohnGalt wrote: » The only occasions on which I would be happy to have a difference of opinion with Einstein are when he moves outside empirical science and into philosophy, like he has done here.
MoominPapa wrote: » Sounds like someone has just discovered Ayn Rand
thelordofcheese wrote: » I am John Galt, and I'm here to ask you a question. Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow? 'No!' says the man in Washington, 'It belongs to the poor.' 'No!' says the man in the Vatican, 'It belongs to God.' 'No!' says the man in Moscow, 'It belongs to everyone.' I rejected those answers; instead, I chose something different. I chose the impossible. I chose... Rapture, a city where the artist would not fear the censor, where the scientist would not be bound by petty morality, Where the great would not be constrained by the small! And with the sweat of your brow, Rapture can become your city as well.
d3mon24 wrote: » Porn 200
MoominPapa wrote: » Sounds like someone else has just discovered Ayn Rand:pac:
brianthebard wrote: » Because op to an extent,its your fault.maybe not directly,but eu and tnc interference and neo colonialism in the 3rd world is responsible for a lot of underdevelopment and poverty