I suggest, my readers, that you pass on this note to all your friends and loved ones: Please donate the small, though value of $50 to the flood relief effort in Pakistan. Consider that private pledged donations to Pakistan’s flood victims are 1/40th the dollar value pledged for the victims of the Haiti earthquake and for the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Consider that the median value for those relief efforts was also $50. But, now, at the face of politics and fear, fewer people than before have pledged donations to the relief effort (slowly) underway in Pakistan.
The fact that the government of Pakistan is corrupt; that there are militant elements run through in the country does not alleviate the urgent need for aid, help for the millions of flood victims–most precious of whom are innocent, hungry children. The qualities and short-comings of a government are no anchor or trailer to the lives of a people, to the value of their dignity and their promises and best hopes.
Please click on the link below to go to the State Department’s page on private donations to Pakistani victims of the flood. Mrs. Clinton’s message remains important and, even now, timely. Please attend to that message.
http://www.state.gov/pakistanrelief/index.htm
Consider Secretary Clinton’s thoughts on the U.S. effort in delivering aid to Pakistan.
“The Pakistani people are friends and partners, and the United States is standing with them as the tragic human suffering from flooding continues—up to 20 million people have been affected. Americans have always shown great generosity to people facing crises worldwide. I urge you to join this effort and send much needed help to the people of Pakistan as they face substantial relief, recovery and reconstruction challenges. Your financial contribution will go towards providing shelter materials, food, clean water, and medical supplies to those in need.”
Then consider that this message was put out 2 weeks ago. Consider that 5 weeks after the floods, aid money is still trickling in drips and drabs.
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