I thought it starts at home

I agree that we need to worry about things at home first but I have to say I get kind of upset of "Appalachia" getting picked on...I grew up in them there coal fields in West Virginia. Things could be a lot worse. Yes there are poor people, but the state has really came a long way in the past 20 years or so. The majority of people who live in a poor state (kids without shoes) have chosen too...as we also have the worst prescription drug abuse in the nation...not to mention meth. (I dont think this is coincidental) Coal mining is a good job too...I know the recent disaster (which was about 15 minutes from my mom and dads) puts a bad light on coal, but it is a good living for unskilled workers. And no you don't have to be "unskilled" most of the schools are excellent! But those that choose that path can provide for there family's well.

Then I get on a rant about affordable electricity. Do you like to be able to turn on the lights or watch TV...thank a coal miner - alternative energy just isn't as cheap...yet...lord help us if something ever happens and the bottom does fall out of coal though...the whole region will be on welfare!

Just a little rant...sorry but I always laugh when people find out where I am from and they ask me "if we wear shoes"...I always reply: "yea otherwise we would get our feet filthy going down to the outhouse"

MedicineMan wrote: Just a little rant...sorry but I always laugh when people find out where I am from and they ask me "if we wear shoes"...I always reply: "yea otherwise we would get our feet filthy going down to the outhouse"

I like it. I've always replied, "Yes, but I put rocks in them to make my feet feel at home."

Margie

"Appalachia" getting picked on

Not "pickin" man. My people are all from Parkersburg.

In reply to Gearheadotaku:

Actually, it cost me about 25 cents to take a shower! (13 bucks per thosand gallons, 3 gallons a minute, 10 minute shower)

Joey

There are people right in my little town whose trailers don't even have windows, and a whole bunch of dirty kids in the yard, and pitbulls. Then they order pizza, which doesn't seem like a god idea to me.

Joey

Community Farming would benefit much of Appalachia. It's drifted away from that, but having kids getting connected in a way that also provided positive diet would be good.

I think something else that should be looked into is VoTech schools in Appalachia that teach kids how to build, repair, service and update solar panels and small wind turbines...hell, that's something I want to learn.

Maybe this should have its own thread but I’d like some advice on picking a good charity.

I’ve been thinking about Christian Children’s Fund but how do I make an apples-to-apples comparison between charitable organizations’ efficiency.

Also, if one group is advantaged with schooling, food, etc., won’t they just grown up to dominate those that didn’t receive the advantage.

I guess what I’m asking is how do you define “helping” on a universal scale; Nurse a bird with a broken wing back to health…you clearly helped the bird but you’ve also reeked havoc on the local worm population.

What do you think about me giving my contributions to SETI. It’s possible that an “Encyclopedia Galactica” with information about how to reduce disease, hunger, war, social injustice, etc. is just waiting to be discovered and SETI’s protocol calls for immediate public dissemination of their findings.

So, how can we differentiate between “helping” and “shifting” and with that in mind, what is the most efficient way to “help”.

poopshovel wrote:

Sorry for the rantishness. This has been on my mind, because I watched "Idol Gives Back" last night

Couldn't handle it. I understand if your financial situation forces you to live in a trailer that's falling apart. I do not understand garbage lying all over the place inside said trailer. Even if your stuff is E36 M3, you can show a little self-respect and dignity and clean that E36 M3 up...especially when you have kids...and at LEAST when you know there's going to be a camera crew in your house. Ever see that documentary about the homeless dude who was given ($100k?) and pissed it away in a year? Or how about the sob stories on the news where they're interviewing someone who claims they "can't afford heat" and there's a computer, a TV, and a leather sofa in the shot? Yeah. I can't watch that stuff.

I agree with the sentiment, but really, I've seen leather sofas at the goodwill for VERY cheep, (like cheep enough to buy just for the leather) and I have an extra useable computer that I would just about give away. Just because people have those things doesn't mean the are wasting there money. Those things quite possibly were even given to them.

I do agree that very very often the poor or nearly poor (or most all of us) keep them(our)selves poor by spending what little money there is in all the wrong places.

Joey

In my area, SoFla, we have a lot of very poor areas. But, with welfare, food stamps, Medicaid, etc, they don't seem to be as destitute as what has been mentioned. What does bother me is the "Entitlement Mentality". Too many have been raised to believe that the Great White Fathers" will take care of them, that there is no need for education or hard work. You also see a lot of cars a lot nicer than mine in those areas. What REALLY bothers me is that a large portion of these kids could succeed, THRIVE, in general society, if there was an expectation placed on them, if the parents would demand that they go to school, not just high school, but beyond. Look at the Asian community. Parents came here with very little, but the kids were expected to succeed, and they did. There is no real genetic difference in intelligence, just what the family expects from them. Rant off.

MedicineMan wrote: "Appalachia" getting picked on...

Wow man, I wasn't picking on them at all. I saw a news report a few months ago then did some research and what I learned touched me. If I had worked in the last 20 months I'd probably send some money to those folks. I'm just stickin' up for someone.

I stick with local charities because, at least in my miniscule mind, the locals know better what's needed and for who as compared to MegaCharities who can hire Sally Struthers.

United Way is a good thing if you can't find another local charity, think of them as a nationwide network of local charities.

pete240z wrote: My dad travels to Appalachia all the time to do volunteer work. The stories break your heart.

a retired guy sent me a message on this and I can't find it. please send again.