So writes Fredrick J. Streets, Professor in Pastoral Counseling at Yeshiva University, N.Y. Dr. Streets writes, "There needs to be a new collaboration and conversation among religious, political and social welfare leaders that addresses the negative attitudes and myths that hinder our social welfare system from reflecting the best of our vision of being a democratic society and nation.
Religious people, in serving the poor, demonstrate aspects and values of their faith. This may inspire those they help to adopt their faith orientation. The main objective is for religious people to help those in need.
Justice also require that compassionate people deal with the policies and structural ways which contribute to the causes and conditions that put people at risk or in peril."
No, Dr. Street, this nation has not done a very good job of tackling the "causes and conditions". Compassion, coming from religious people or not, is not enough. What can be done about causes and conditions often times fail to enter into the equation. It is easier to support those in need with money without concern as to how that money is used. Too many compassionate people are not concerned with correction; they want or give money to solve the immediate problems. Some would be shocked to know how some of their money is used. Like new hires, new offices, new furniture, etc.
Haiti is a good example. I send money to "Doctors Without Borders" where they will use the money with less fear of corruption or the money falling into the hands of those who are corrupt in the Haiti government.
Trust? I do not trust the Haitian government nor even the U.N. I know in fact that the corrupt government of Haiti has wasted millions of donated dollars and wasted much food and equipment as disorder reigned and still does, in this unfortunate country.
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