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Author
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Topic: Buy an iPhone or feed the hungry
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Doug
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 44
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posted 11 July 2008 09:10 PM
quote:
What else might $4,000 [the cost of an iPhone and Rogers contract for 3 years] pay for?, asks Oxford."It would cover close to 2,000 meals in the shelter where I work, and for folks who live on the street. "Or, if you don't believe that local people need to be going hungry, and don't deserve your charity, then it would allow you to sponsor three children per month for three years through World Vision. "It could purchase 50 school kits per month through the Mennonites, with each school kit helping one child in Bangladesh get through school for one year," he says. "It could provide the necessary labour and materials needed to provide 10 families with the clean drinking water they will need for the rest of their lives. "Over three years, that's 360 families," he writes. "Or, you could buy a toy that will fill a void in you for a few weeks, or months, until you grow tired of it and feel empty again -- or until someone makes a better toy.
Wow, it's that rarest of items, a good article in the Toronto Sun! Worth thinking about, whether the latest and greatest consumer item is really the best thing we could be doing with our money.
From: Toronto, Canada | Registered: Apr 2001
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RosaL
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 13921
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posted 12 July 2008 10:23 AM
Sure, it's a good point. But it's a point that could be made about virtually every aspect of the daily lives of what is commonly called "the middle class", including, no doubt, the writer's. And personally, I think it's a point that should be made - but consistently, not just with respect to items you don't really want.note: I'm certainly not advocating charity as a solution to what are systemic problems. I'm saying that charity - and solidarity - are important while we work towards systemic solutions. note2: I'm using the word "charity" with some irony. In fact, I'm referring to a very minimal form of justice. [ 12 July 2008: Message edited by: RosaL ]
From: the underclass | Registered: Mar 2007
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RosaL
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 13921
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posted 12 July 2008 11:36 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Robespierre:
I agree with all you said, Rosa, but that line got me to smile.  It's so true.
yeah, well, I'm speaking from experience, I have to admit.  [added little smiley person - it's meant to be a rueful expression] [ 12 July 2008: Message edited by: RosaL ]
From: the underclass | Registered: Mar 2007
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