Quote:
Originally Posted by Michelle No matter how much money the wealthier countries dump on poorer ones, the poorer ones never seem to gain bearings and improve themselves with it.
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Those who feel victimized by wealthier countries know nothing of the suffering, struggle, and hard work it took those countries to get to that point. Those who feel entitled to the fruits of another's labour are moochers. |
Michelle,

not that you wanted this but I definitely agree with you. I have seen this phenomenon myself & very recently wrote a diary entry about this very phenomenon.
My turning point in my life was when I realized I created my own destiny. I realized I could change & be courageous & face whatever "obstacles" life would throw my way. After that I was never permanently depressed again nor was I unhappy in any real sense. I did suffer (hehehe...you should meet my family! hehehe) but I did become truly happy as a result of my own efforts.
Very recently I met a girl in one of my classes who is from a poorer place originally & she felt very entitled to other people's money & was generally very selfish. She also cried a lot at small hurts & people initially felt sorry for her... & well.. let's just say I realized if you gave her something she didn't understand the effort or intention behind it & she started to feel entitled to it which made her 'problem' worse. Eek.
So yes I can say.. giving can be an ugly thing if its not for the highest good. It is difficult as human beings with a limited perspective to know what the highest good is & we sometimes are able to see glimpses of it. & yes, much charitable aid has been funneled into Africa but unfortunately.. because many of the people there have no idea how to responsibly handle money they squander it or squabble & it becomes absolutely useless. I compare this to this girl I met who doesn't even know how to use her credit card. If you were to give her $100 (which she asked me for btw...) she doesn't feel like she has to pay it back nor does she understand that money has a value. So...once again, like Michelle, I've lived through some pretty darned traumatic stuff (my sister was beaten in front of me) yet I have learned that everything happens for a reason & that sometimes it is supposed to make us stronger more courageous & more willing to be the stewards for some peace in this world by creating inner peace within ourselves.

May you have this peace one day but right now you are unintentionally hurting others with your words.. you may not see it but I can see it. Hurt people cannot give Love but people who are overflowing with Love emanate it & thus comfort those who do not know what it means to feel Love. Mother Teresa did this for those who suffered. I am not her but I wish you that level of comfort. Ask & it is yours..not from me but from yourself.