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Re:
That's very true, Carolyn. Sometimes people don't consider the fact that, in many cases, whatever happens in almost any part of the world can have an impact somewhere else. Besides, regardless of our nationalities, we will always be connected as human beings. I know that if I was in that situation, I would want someone to help me . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on December 8, 2013 at 9:49 AM
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Re: We are all in this together...
I couldn't agree more, Jemmie. And I truly believe that most people are sympathetic to the plight of others, and do do what they can to help. The irony of this particular article is that it gives the impression that many people don't care, and won't try to help! That's why I think those poll numbers are deceiving. And kudos to your company for doing its part. Hopefully other corporations around the world who are in a position to do such things do their part as well . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on December 8, 2013 at 9:46 AM
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Re: Re: Re:

posted by
JimmyA
on December 8, 2013 at 9:41 AM
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sounds good to me, jimmy a... we all suffer the wide world over.
posted by
Carolyn_Moe
on December 8, 2013 at 3:48 AM
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We are all in this together...
But that means helping those in need no matter who they are or what population they represent.
Here in Hawaii, a state with a HUGE Filipino population, relief efforts to the Philippines have been a very big deal! We have held a benefit concert to help those affected by the typhoon.
The company which employs me also boasts a employee base of which the vast majority are Filipinos.
My own husband is half Filipino.
We ARE all in this together, and we should help everyone in the same manner.
posted by
Jemmie211
on December 7, 2013 at 10:30 PM
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Re: Re:

posted by
Kabu
on December 7, 2013 at 4:46 PM
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Re: Jimmy...I think a lot of people are
That's all very true, Rumor. I don't think people will ever "run out" of empathy or sympathy, but like you said, there's just so much to go around! And as far as donations are concerned, I'm sure many of us would love to give as much as possible. But there's only so much of that to go around as well! We do what we can, but it is indeed getting tougher and tougher . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on December 7, 2013 at 8:45 AM
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Jimmy...I think a lot of people are
"empathied out"..its just been one disaster after another, and money for donations can only be stretched so far..
..
posted by
Rumor
on December 7, 2013 at 8:32 AM
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Re:
That's the ticket, TAPS. I would think that it's time to stop splintering people into different groups, and rememeber that we're all a part of the same "body." Can anyone really imagine how it would be if we weren't of the mindset that's it's 'us' and 'them?' No matter what anyone else thinks, we're all human beings . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on December 7, 2013 at 6:36 AM
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Re: JimmyA
That's true, Sir Wiley. Believe me, I will never run out of hope, or empathy towards others who find themselves in these terrible situations. But the frequency in which they are happening gets to be a little overwhelming sometimes. Individual prayers don't seem to be working. We need one, huge supplication for all of Mankind right about now . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on December 7, 2013 at 6:32 AM
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Re:
Yes, Kabu, I believe that a "blanket prayer" for the whole world may be in order right about now! It seems like every day we hear, read or see something that makes us sad, upset, discouraged and sometimes despondent. Death and destruction is becoming all too commonplace these days, and it makes me not want to watch the news anymore. But we must stay informed, and do our best to cope, and help who we can when we can . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on December 7, 2013 at 6:27 AM
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And unfortunately, frequent they are, FSI! I believe the late great George Carlin said it best when he quipped: "Usually after every tragedy you'll inevitably hear someone exclaim 'Now the healing can begin.' No, there is no healing! There's just a brief pause before the next tragedy!" Just look at all of these school shootings we've had to contend with over the past year or so! There just doesn't seem to be an end in sight . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on December 7, 2013 at 6:22 AM
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Re:
You're absolutely correct, C C T. When something happens in our own neighborhoods, most people will rise to the occasion and help those in need. But when it's 5,000 miles away, all you can do is show empathy, and hope things turn out for the best for those involved. But these "disasters" seem to be reaching epidemic proportions these days, and like I wrote, there seems to only be so much empathy to go around . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on December 7, 2013 at 6:17 AM
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Re:
That does seem likely, lovelylady. I always hate to sound like a complainer and negative, but it sometimes appears to me that many, many people have turned into selfish, ignorant morons. Sometimes it's difficult to pinpoint the actual cause, but I'm sure much of modern technology is to blame. The mentality seems to be "I've got mine, now get yours!" I don't think that's how we're supposed to be . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on December 7, 2013 at 6:13 AM
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A very interesting post.
I must say along with Tiny Tim. "God bless us every one!"
posted by
TAPS.
on December 6, 2013 at 7:35 PM
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JimmyA
The train wreck at lac Megantic in Qué, it goes on and on, prayer and a modest monthly contribution to our church is all we can do about it pard.

posted by
WileyJohn
on December 6, 2013 at 2:40 PM
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I do like your balnket prayer...I do that for all my friends here and I think i will extend my blamket.
oh and Mr. Graysome is a carpet cat, only allowed into the screen porch or his cage on the deck in the Summer and occassionally on his harness and lead with me...but a couple of times he has escaped and then the fun is on...
posted by
Kabu
on December 6, 2013 at 2:06 PM
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I feel that you are spot on with your assessment from the questioning of polls' validity to how we will not run out of sympathy and empathy to the greater frequency with which these events seem to be occuring.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on December 6, 2013 at 12:07 PM
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Perhaps it has all been made worse by the deluge of charity letters one receives at this time of year. The nearer one is to the disaster the more likely it is to raise an emotional response. Although we are near to every situation via news etc. it does not invoke the same feeling. In a way it is sad, but survival is paramount.
posted by
C_C_T
on December 6, 2013 at 12:04 PM
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Somtimes I seriously believe that technology has also erased our ability to feel anything for others and has taught us only to care for ourselves.
posted by
lovelyladymonk
on December 6, 2013 at 11:05 AM
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