[Fwd: Iraq Dispatches: Inside Abu Hanifa mosque during attack

[Ralph Shumaker]

John H. Robinson, IV wrote:

>boblq wrote:
>  
>
>>I do believe that we need the secular equivalent of churches,
>>sermons, and direct voluntary social  action. I hear lots of talk  
>>about what politicians and governments should do by people who 
>>walk right by the homeless every day and do nothing. 
>>    
>>
>
>I agree. But we do have them, they call them Community Centers. I have
>been to the Senior Center here in La Mesa, but it was by invitation. I
>have not been to the Community Center. I don't know about the secular
>equivalent to sermons, though.
>
>I'll be honest, I am one of those that has and would walk right past the
>homeless and do nothing. I don't think that direct handouts to the
>homeless is the right answer. It may work for *some* homeless, but
>without research I would not know if the one on this corner is one of
>those.
>
>I tend to prefer to give my money to an institution with a proven track
>record of real results and directed effort. Yes, direct money brings
>temporary comfort, perhaps in the way of food or drink, or even a bus
>pass for transportation. Is that helpful in the long term? Perhaps the
>bus pass is, as it allows getting to and fro; perhaps to a job
>interview. I don't know.
>  
>

Sometimes, the short term is every bit as important as the long term.  
As a made up example, consider the bum who's going to die in his sleep 
tonight no matter what.  Call it his fate.  Does he die hungry and 
cold?  Or does he die content and warm?  Or does it even matter since 
he's fated to die anyway?  (Nevertheless, I agree with you donation 
strategy for the most part.)