Uganda

[LIBRA]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9006024/


I just dont get it, so much happens and we do nothing. Like the genocide in rowanda (sp) in the 90's, I know we cant save the world, but we should at least try something, it would end so much suffering, instead we stay places unwanted and more innocent people die. Really mames me sad, those poor kids, its soo not right,

[morningsunshine]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9006024/


I just dont get it, so much happens and we do nothing. Like the genocide in rowanda (sp) in the 90's, I know we cant save the world, but we should at least try something, it would end so much suffering, instead we stay places unwanted and more innocent people die. Really mames me sad, those poor kids, its soo not right,
Well there's no oil in Uganda, so what's the point? We'll get nothing out of helping poor defenseless children, who cares about their inhumane suffering? Not the US government, oh no.

[oldkzildjians]

Well there's no oil in Uganda, so what's the point? We'll get nothing out of helping poor defenseless children, who cares about their inhumane suffering? Not the US government, oh no.

Wow, that's pretty sad. Reminds me of the Sudan genocides. When will people learn that violence is pointless and cruel?

I agree that we should help people in need, but how can you say the US government does not care? Do you have a clue how much US government (and private) funds went to the tsunami relief? And people STILL claimed it was not enough even though it far exceeded any other country's contributions. And last time I checked, we received no oil in return. Let's assume we DID send peacekeeping forces to intervene in Uganda. Mark my words, you then would say we have no business there and should let the country fend for itself.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to praise our neo-con government but it pisses me off when people say they do absolutely NOTHING. I encountered this alot in Europe. People told me that we don't give a shit about the world. It's sad. We DO send aid to suffering people, it just doesn't make good headlines to talk about it. I know, I know. I sound like a conservative. I'm not, I think we should spread our wealth and quit being borderline imperialistic. But at the same time, I'm aware that we DO help out. If you're still not satisfied with the government's contributions, why not donate some yourself? I'm sure there's a relief fund program for an issue this horrible.

[ladywithafan]

Well there's no oil in Uganda, so what's the point?


you totally read my mind Morningsunshine.

[LIBRA]

I agree old, we do help out with many things and I understand we cant save everyone, theres alot of saving to be done in our own country. Just makes me incredibly sad, and i would like to donate $ I just get nervous doing that, its hard to tell if your money goes where you want it too.

[oldkzildjians]

Yeah, I wonder where my money would go in those situations. My sis sent money to a kid in Ghana through one of those sponsor a kid programs. Seemed like it was working, she got pics of him and everything. When I went over there we tried to track him down but he had moved or something. (shrugs)

[morningsunshine]

Wow, that's pretty sad. Reminds me of the Sudan genocides. When will people learn that violence is pointless and cruel?

I agree that we should help people in need, but how can you say the US government does not care? Do you have a clue how much US government (and private) funds went to the tsunami relief? And people STILL claimed it was not enough even though it far exceeded any other country's contributions. And last time I checked, we received no oil in return. Let's assume we DID send peacekeeping forces to intervene in Uganda. Mark my words, you then would say we have no business there and should let the country fend for itself.
No way, man. If a country obviously can't help itself and thousands of innocent people are getting killed, then it makes sense to send aid and help them out. There's so much going on that the US chooses to ignore. Sure, we helped out with the tsunami, but we'd look like assholes if we didn't. If America donated just 7% of what it collectively earned every year to third world countries, it would be more than enough to keep clothes on everyone's back and food in everyone's stomach. Instead, we're concerned only for ourselves and our image. I think we do just enough to keep us from looking completely stingy. New and terrible things are happening in the world every day in different countries and we obviously know about them, they're in the news. I think we should be reaching out more. What we did for the victims after the tsunami was great, why doesn't it happen more often with the ongoing problems of the world, and not just giant catastrophes?
The situation with Saddam Hussein was horrible, and he needed to go. But the way we went about getting him out of there I just really don't agree with. I really believe we went in there for the oil and getting him out was just an excuse to head on over to Iraq.


you totally read my mind Morningsunshine.
I think it's what mostly everyone thinks when they read about terrible things like this and the US isn't helping. I wish I was in a position to do more myself, other than to donate canned food and things like that... I wish I could be as loaded as Paris Hilton sometimes, so I could do more. I guess she just got a five million dollar engagement ring from her hubby. I think there's more important things to be spending money on than huge rocks.

[Sunnydaydreams]

america doesnt have interests in africa, unlike in the middle east and asia. the area that was hit be the tsunami was full of AMERICAN people and interests. thats why the US cared. a lot of people did care about the poor people who killed, injured, and had their homes and families destroyed.

if the people start caring and protesting these tragedies around the world, a lot of people, then the gov't will listen.

Peace & love

[oldkzildjians]

No way, man. If a country obviously can't help itself and thousands of innocent people are getting killed, then it makes sense to send aid and help them out.

How did I not agree with that?? I said we SHOULD help out, what I was bitching about is that people say it's never enough.


Mark my words, you then would say we have no business there and should let the country fend for itself.

You misunderstood me, here. I was talking about "peace" keeping forces, not aid such as food and medicine.


There's so much going on that the US chooses to ignore. Sure, we helped out with the tsunami, but we'd look like assholes if we didn't.


We'd look like assholes if we didn't donate??? It's damned if we do, damned if don't, eh? It's never enough, is it. Gosh, this makes me sooooo mad. That's so disrespectful to all the hard work anybody did for those victims. What do you mean we didn't send enough? WE SENT THE MOST MONEY IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!! If you still think it's not enough, then send your entire paycheck. You'd look like an asshole if you didn't.

[oldkzildjians]

america doesnt have interests in africa, unlike in the middle east and asia. the area that was hit be the tsunami was full of AMERICAN people and interests. thats why the US cared. a lot of people did care about the poor people who killed, injured, and had their homes and families destroyed.

We've also sent more aid to Africa than any other country in the world has. I've been there (both to study abroad and help out) and learned alot about our relationship with many of its countries.

Look people, I do not agree with our government for the most part. I think Bush and the neo-cons want to control the world. But there are good people in it, and it DOES help out fledgling countries.

[morningsunshine]

How did I not agree with that?? I said we SHOULD help out, what I was bitching about is that people say it's never enough.

You said:
Mark my words, you then would say we have no business there and should let the country fend for itself.

That's what I was saying "no way" to.


You misunderstood me, here. I was talking about "peace" keeping forces, not aid such as food and medicine.

I think all of that aid is necessary in some places. I don't think the army belongs everywhere, but in places where violence runs rampant, I think it's a necessary thing.



We'd look like assholes if we didn't donate??? It's damned if we do, damned if don't, eh? It's never enough, is it. Gosh, this makes me sooooo mad. That's so disrespectful to all the hard work anybody did for those victims. What do you mean we didn't send enough? WE SENT THE MOST MONEY IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!! If you still think it's not enough, then send your entire paycheck. You'd look like an asshole if you didn't.

NO!!! I'm GLAD the US donated money, it's a great thing, but I'm saying, it was expected, especially from the US. Kind of like when the person in front of you holds the door open for you while you're walking out. If they let it slam in your face, you'd be like, 'damn, what a jerk!' You kind of just expect them to do it, because it's a nice gesture, and the right thing to do. We sent tons of money, great, whoopee! But there are other ongoing causes that need helping out (like in Uganda, in Sudan) and we ignore them because they're not as "expected" as other stuff like huge catastrophes.

[oldkzildjians]

Mark my words, you then would say we have no business there and should let the country fend for itself. That's what I was saying "no way" to.


If you read carefully, you'll see that I'm not saying we have no business there, I'm saying that's what YOU would say if we did go there. But in your last statement you made it clear that you would advocate force if it's to stop violence. I agree.


NO!!! I'm GLAD the US donated money, it's a great thing, but I'm saying, it was expected, especially from the US. Kind of like when the person in front of you holds the door open for you while you're walking out. If they let it slam in your face, you'd be like, 'damn, what a jerk!' You kind of just expect them to do it, because it's a nice gesture, and the right thing to do. We sent tons of money, great, whoopee! But there are other ongoing causes that need helping out (like in Uganda, in Sudan) and we ignore them because they're not as "expected" as other stuff like huge catastrophes.

Saying it's expected is implying that it's underappreciated because we have to do it in order to save international face.

And other issues? The USAID does not ignore them. http://www.usaid.gov/locations/sub-saharan_africa/

Here's a current script on the homepage.
"As part of ongoing assistance for undernourished people in Niger, the US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), announced today it will charter two jumbo freighter flights to airlift 206 metric tons (MT) of special, high energy food aid from Vatry, France, to Niger's capital of Niamey on Friday, August 5."

Do your homework, we help out alot. Sorry this turned into a heated debate, but I just have to defend issues that I know are wrongfully attacked.

[oldkzildjians]

And I just found an article dealing with the very issue of our discussion. Here's an excerpt.

"USAID programs in Uganda support development in several sectors, including governance, peace building, education, HIV/AIDS, and economic growth. These photos illustrate aspects of daily life in four Ugandan districts: Luwero, Nakasongola, Kampala, and Kitgum."

I see too much of this bandwagoning of attacking our government and calling it selfish, especially among my liberal (which is 90% of) friends. While this is partly true (the government being selfish part) it would be better if people actually knew what they were talking about before they attack something.