VENTING . . . WARNING!!!

Pregnancy has given me a voice. I have always been quite opinionated, but have mostly shared those opinions with only myself. I still do not push my faith or my political thoughts or my morals on anyone else.

But something has changed. I think it's all the hormones. I suddenly feel the urge to spout a little. So, if you are afraid of what may be coming, please skip the remainder of this entry!

First off, since it is in the news and in our faces right now . . . I am so disgusted by 2 groups of people with regard to the Haiti crisis.

The first group: I have "friends" saying that we should be ashamed of giving to the Haitians when we have people dying here in America. I completely disagree. Giving is giving. I cannot tell anyone how to spend their money. And I won't even try. But who is to say that I cannot donate money to Haiti's relief, especially when I already donate money here in the states (Salvation Army, United Way, McDonald House, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, etc.)? And how many organizations do we have for US citizens to aid in bettering themselves? The United States' Salvation Army alone brings in almost $2 billion a year. Besides, who's to say that helping Haiti now will not help us in the future? Rebuilding and enhancing their lives and their country will make them stronger citizens of the world. Giving them aid to make a stronger future can help the environment as well. And if we don't help them, what does that say about us? Granted, they have not helped us much in the past . . . but they have not had the ability to do so. Let's give them that ability.

The second group: There are people out there who are donating because it gains them entrance into this "club" . . . they feel they are more socially accepted because the "in" thing is to donate to Haiti. This is selfish and completely absurd.

So . . . . I could keep going with other things bothering me, but I feel much better for the moment, so I will refrain. I apologize for the venting, and I know it's not completely normal to see something like this from me, so I will surely follow up with something a little happier!