Great British Government to raise donation

[3lions]

Breaking news on Sky News Great British Government has increased its donation from £15 million to £50million and the public so far have raised £22million,lets hope more can be raised.

[butterflyblonde]

Originally Posted by 3lions

Breaking news on Sky News Great British Government has increased its donation from £15 million to £50million and the public so far have raised £22million,lets hope more can be raised.

Yes, if all ''rich western countries'' dig deep, we can all really make a difference & it is certainly heart warming to know people care

[Social_Norm]

Like many of my friends here, I have responded to the appeal in the UK which has Mr Dimbleby as it's public voice but I find myself in a difficult dilemma. I read with shock and sadness and disgust, a posting by Dude/Bellboy and where he seeks to make some capital from other people's misfortune. That is the most literal example of screwing someone that I have ever come across.

My real dilemma is that although I made a respectable contribution to the disaster fund, it is never going to be enough to make me feel comfortable. I am still eating well, drinking clean water and sleeping in a warm bed in a cosy house. I ruefully reflect that the donation I made could have provided 2 or 3 weeks of happiness for me and a lovely and deserving BG but that is a very selfish thought, even though it is only a thought.

The dilemma will be greater when I return to Phuket in April because I will feel selfish that my need for the company of that warm and devoted lovely BG is far less than some people's need for food and shelter.

In other words, I will still be enjoying a precious luxury while there are needy people all around the Indian Ocean. Still, if we were all totally altruistic, I suppose we would never have a penny to spend on ourselves.

Is someone going to offer some words that will help salve my conscience?

[docweaver]

Originally Posted by Social_Norm

Like many of my friends here, I have responded to the appeal in the UK which has Mr Dimbleby as it's public voice but I find myself in a difficult dilemma. I read with shock and sadness and disgust, a posting by Dude/Bellboy and where he seeks to make some capital from other people's misfortune. That is the most literal example of screwing someone that I have ever come across.

My real dilemma is that although I made a respectable contribution to the disaster fund, it is never going to be enough to make me feel comfortable. I am still eating well, drinking clean water and sleeping in a warm bed in a cosy house. I ruefully reflect that the donation I made could have provided 2 or 3 weeks of happiness for me and a lovely and deserving BG but that is a very selfish thought, even though it is only a thought.

The dilemma will be greater when I return to Phuket in April because I will feel selfish that my need for the company of that warm and devoted lovely BG is far less than some people's need for food and shelter.

In other words, I will still be enjoying a precious luxury while there are needy people all around the Indian Ocean. Still, if we were all totally altruistic, I suppose we would never have a penny to spend on ourselves.

Is someone going to offer some words that will help salve my conscience?

I cannot tell you to put your mind at ease, only you can do that.

However, let me tell you simply that on my first trip to Thailand, I was in a mindset to get laid...frequently and with no remorse. In the ensuing two weeks, I was able to experience Thai culture and come to an understanding that this was different from "prostitution". It was not about $ex, it was about the time spent together, a sharing of everything that they are, without bounds, which includes an intimacy that is severely lacking in "prostitution". Then I learned that most of everything they make is sent to support thier families. I send money to my Thai girlfriend now and still have to work very hard to convince her to take some money for herself and go shopping.

Ultimately, what I am saying is that if you treat them right, then they will want to stay with you. Whether true or not, this is my mindset. I realize that my Thai GF is probably out still working. So is it me or my money? While she isin my heart and/or in my arms, it makes no difference. It is the time we share without the complicating factors Western women always want to put forth.

A far as your wealth compared to thier strife:that is up to you. You can sell everything and send the money to the relief fund. Buddha left everything behind in his quest. But I find that extreme. I will suggest that before you go out drinking/dining this weekend, remember the Thai people. This weekend will be one of domestic beer and I will eat at home instead of dining out and drinking expensive imports. Make cuts in you daily living that have minor impacts on you, but can change the life for someone else.

[Social_Norm]

Like Docweaver, I will be moderating my lifestyle from now until my next trip in April and all monies saved will be spent on leisure (not only BG's) in Thailand rather than here in the UK.

I like to think that is a further contribution to help with re-building. Phuket will need tourists more than ever once the mess is under control. I only wish I was able to be there and help with the clean up right now.

I lived in Africa for 20 years and although I have great sympathy for the various tragedies that have befallen African countries over the years, my sympathy for the Thai people is even greater because they work so much harder and are quite the nicest people I have encountered any in my travels around the globe.

[steve w]

the appeal now in uk has raised £32 million from the public plus £50 million from the government.....nice one

[dawsey]

Originally Posted by butterflyblonde

Yes, if all ''rich western countries'' dig deep, we can all really make a difference & it is certainly heart warming to know people care

All the bars in Bournemouth had collection buckets for the Red Cross in Asia last night.If this is happening all over the UK then a lot of extra cash will be added to the total. It was great to see.

[barfly]

The British Public have now donated £45mn to the aid effort. It's very rare these days that I would say that I'm proud to be British(and I know this is not the time for Jingoism) but this is one of those occasions.

Rather more disturbing are TV pictures from Aceh in Indonesia which was one of the hardest hit towns of all. 6 days on and not a single Aid agency is to be seen. Where is all the aid going?

[steve@thaib]

British publice donations now up to 60 million and worldwide over a billion, heartening to see.

[Trograin]

The aid is not the problem, money and food and supply is now in plenty for the first time ever when the world try to help some are that has been gopign thtough tough time. But logistics, most of the small villigaes and towns in India for example are so far away from civilization so its extreamly hard to get out all the supply and people that need to be there and help. Its a nightmare now, everything is there to help but how to get it out to there..

[K2]

Well done to the Great Britsh public and goverment. Just been announced that Japan is going to donate $500 million - Arigato masu Japan.