Romeo,

When does it stop though? I mean, there will always be people in need around the world. We can't stop that, they can't stop that.

The time is nearing where self sufficiency will prevail and if we don't have our own in order we'll be forced into someone else's way of living. Seriously.

Again, no thanks. I'm not happy they suffer nor did I ask for this to happen so don't pull the `suffer card` on me. I have plenty near me who `suffer` daily yet seem to always have a hard time getting government assistance; even if they don't really want it, but will because it's the right thing to do for their family.

I'm talking moral backbone here. I may be old school but there was a time in our country where you took care of your own. You came together to get things done whether it was plowing the fields, building a home or just relaxing on the front porch drinking sweet tea. Yes, sure those all sound a bit `corney` now to some of you younger members but we've lost touch with our fellow man. Not man as someone in another country who is in need but rather the fellow man next door.

I'm sure each of you could find 5, 10 maybe 20 people who could really use a break. Have it be a free meal or maybe a ride because they've no car to drive themselves. It's the simple things that bring us together and the current trend is to rally upon something massive to show your `one of the ones` who helped. Why does suffering, hunger and disasters around the world unite those of these United States of America while pat yourselves on the back for `doing the right thing` just as you shuffle past some homeless guy you don't even acknowledge?

Me? I donate regularly. To what you may ask? Local (county and tri-county) food banks, upon checkout purchased a families groceries for them a few times and most recently several hundred dollars to a little girl who has heart complications.

Sure, maybe it's not the `in` thing to do and I am so saddened by the loss of both life and civil stability but again how can I honestly, deep down, help others while I know those closer/closest to me are suffering; not from a natural disaster but from the unkind, unclean souls of those "fellow Americans" who just ignore.

Sorry. You've dug up some emotion in this old, black heart of mine (as some would call it) but then again I'm not one for the glorious `look at me attitude`. I'll donate, when and to whom I favor, without wearing a pin or bracelet or button; because I believe in first myself and second my moral fiber.

Thank you,

Richard