Sunday Roundup

A dark cloud hung over this Thanksgiving week. The protracted horrors of Mumbai dominated the headlines. Getting less attention was the growing pain here at home, as food banks and charitable organizations across the country reported having to turn away thousands in need of a meal. A ray of hope amidst the gloom could be found watching CNN's Heroes, honoring everyday people accomplishing extraordinary things in their communities and beyond (watch it again tonight at 8 pm ET). How great to salute them in the same way we do Oscar winners (and reward them with much-needed cash). We'll need millions of heroes like those spotlighted on the show to deal with the lean years ahead. There isn't a stimulus package big enough to address the crisis without Americans making service an essential part of our lives.

Comments

[abbagirl]

The CNN Heroes presentation was a fantastic demonstration of humanitarian spirit. We are biased for the winner - we worked at St Bernard Parish for a week in March 2007. The founders are completely as advertised - smart, dedicated, tireless, compassionate, determined. The people there look on them as true gifts from God. Which they are. The true sad fact of the matter is, however, that these two regular human beings have been able (AND WILLING!) to do what the United States government and the State of Louisianna have not. This is the scandal that will not go away. I hope they keep getting volunteers and donations, because the need is still depressingly high.

[Hoelder]

I guess we need heroes nowadays to steer focus away from gross mismanagement and greed. If we have to rebuild the country why do so many fat cats get money to cover up their mistakes? Are these also making an equal sacrifice. We are told not to ask what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country. I just don't see what the executives and wealthy are doing for our country. In the darkness of our time I remember people giving up butter for the heroes on the eastern and western front, but that didn't help, when the heroes came back, the wealthy were still wealthy and the families of the heroes died of typhoid or TB because their was no coal for heating in Germany. My great aunt died in 1947, while the Tuessen and the Thurn und Taxis (rich German families) stuffed their faces. We need heroes most of the time to distract from great injustice. If we have to rebuild this nation shouldn't we stop paying the people that brought it there. Maybe stop singling out people to remind us that the spirit is still there and disown the people who tried to disown. A very wise history professor once told me that the real heroes are those who bring change to society and die for it. Too bad I am not one of them.

[emh]

obviously many of the wealthy and executives aren't doing good for our country. that's why individuals need to step up and help the neediest in our society. someone has to help them - why not you or me or the guy down the street? "heroes" aren't a distraction. in these times they are a necessity. i hope your attitude changes and that you will spend a little less time complaining about how you think things should be and how hopeless it all is and a little more time helping people who are less fortunate than you are.

[000Jade000]

I did some research on the condition of my local food pantries and charities. Food pantries are running out of food, are low on donations (both food and money that they use for fresh meats, fruits, etc.), and are seeing dramatic increases in the number of families experiencing food insecurity. Even the most local of local pantries, located in my suburban community, is in serious trouble and is having to refer families to other outside agencies.

I'm going through my cupboards and packaging up some non-perishables. Also, my husband and I are cutting back on our own purchases (e.g. eating out and buying expensive meats) so that we can use what we save to buy extra groceries to give to the pantries. It sounds like pasta, rice, sauce, instant potatos, and stuff like that is usually given to the pantries. At least locally, they don't get enough tuna, peanut butter, and other high-protein food.

Please, people, if you can afford it, donate some food to your local community cupboards. That is where help is needed most now. Food insecurity is increasing everywhere, and it is a threat to all of us. I have family already asking me for Christmas gift ideas - I'm asking them to donate whatever they were planning on spending on me to pantries and charities, instead.

[Morticiab]

Absolutely fantastic idea - someone I know normally sponsors overseas (either by purchasing a goat or assistance with a crop or water supply), but this year they (and their whole group) are sponsoring locally. The sad part is the groups that sponsor/assist overseas may find their purses lacking funds because of this situation.

For those of us that have enough - let's remember everyone who may not; and not only food but clothing, companionship and caring. A friendly conversation is also important as food for the soul.

[checksixb17]

I think that there are millions of retired Americans who are able and willing to pitch in and help if we are asked to do so. Many of us have degrees and skills that would bring any country back to life! We are ready. Who will ask us to do it? Who will give us a goal and a purpose? We are ready, we are all Americans and Yes we can do it!

[JeffG]

checksixb17,

I commend you for being willing to serve. Instead of waiting to be asked, dive right in and seek out opportunities. There are many for retired (and non-retired) folks like you.

[sueinmn]

check with your local habitat for humanity. they love the help what ever you are willing and able to do.

[longislandlol]

Could Palin have thought about giving away some of those turkeys to the needy--or are they soaking up enough oil dividends- that the fine Alaskans do not have needy like the rest of the United States..

[unionave]

In their zeal to destroy all union activity the GOP have over the years almost destroyed the USA . We are very close to the point of no unionized workers in our country . We are also very close to no USA currency in circulation in the USA . The corporate MSM has convinced many Americans that what comes out of those American assembly plants are cars made in the USA but if they took a trip down to the sea ports (San Fran) they would see large ships stacked high with complete foreign cars along with the parts to assemble more cars . What the corporate MSM does not broadcast or print is that the fine print in the free trade agreements lets the foreign countries repatriate the profits and pay no taxes . So if we add up the money paid for OIL and all the other products it will show an enormous amount of USA currency flowing out of the USA . The first to feel the effects of this are the lower income people . It then moves up to the middle income people . Thats where we are now with every thing being bought on credit . The sad part about this mess is we are still pouring our money out of circulation in tha USA at an enormous rate . Cheap has consequences . "The new world order" is almost here .

[GrkAm]

union . . . YIKES! I agree with your entire post, except for your last sentence. Did you mean "new world order" in a good way OR that we will be consumed by the last eight years??

We live in the northwest, and travel on Hwy. 14 (WA side of the Columbia River) often. We have watched more than our share of cargo ships traverse the river carrying containers from China. Cheap goods, yes! However, we are watching the consequences of these cheap goods, and the terrible effect on the US economy. EVERYTHING seems to come from China or other third world countries, leaving the US with nothing! We don't MAKE anything anymore! So, does it matter how many Barbie's little girls have?? Yes, it DOES matter! Think about the fuel used to run all of those cargo ships and all the pollution that is being contributed, just by imports.

How many pets were sickened last year by tainted products from China? I really don't want to have to worry about my food or what I feed my pets!

We can't unring the bell and have all these industries come back, but we can certainly create new jobs and industry, and good union jobs, too. Thank goodness, our President Elect has his head in the right place! Let's get him in office and work towards turning this around!!

[CarolinaDem]

I was never anywhere near a union in all my years, and everybody I ever heard mention unions was against them as if they were evil. However, I think you are exactly right. The war on unions which began with Taft-Hartley and pulled away with Reagan is what sold our people into serfdom. "The first to feel the effects..." have felt it for a long time. Thanks for your post.

[sueinmn]

those against unions usually have never belonged and fear what they hear. bush presently is signing into law weaker OSHA standards allowing worker hazards to become worse! its like a going away gift. unions must survive or I fear what may happen across the country to all workers. its like going back in time but people need to become educated on just how important unions truely are. its not just better wages but all the work conditions go hand in hand. employers only see the fast buck these days and you are just a number they will replace you if they can in a cheaper manner.

[Lionsden]

Service is well and good ONLY if it is voluntary. "Service" coerced by government is subjugation and slavery.

The Bible sets out the simplicity of "service" in the most effective way: "love thy neighbor as thyself". As this repeats itself throughout the world, everyone is thus cared for.

Of course, most of the world rejects this truth.

We cannot save the world, only Christ can.

In the mean time, love your neighbor as yourself as this is all any of us owes a stranger.

[000Jade000]

If you are a Bible-believing Christian, then you should know that the Bible compels your SERVICE to those in need.

Have you forgot your Christian DUTY to give alms?

Many so-called Christians have. If ever there was a sin, that would be it.

[Lionsden]

Since you are such an expert on the Bible, please provide the verse(s) you refer to that "compels your [me] SERVICE to those in need." so I can respond directly to your charge. I simply don't know exactly what you are referring to.

And, also, please provide the verse about "your Christian DUTY to give alms?". Also, if you will kindly please inform me about how that might anything to do with government or Obama.

Since you are such an expert on the sins of Christians, I imagine these simple requests will be no trouble for you to perform.

[lindalp]

Who is being coerced by government into service? What exactly are you referring to?
We all need to get off our duffs, you included, and work to better our society and our nation. It cannot be done by a few politicians at the top. Or is that what you are going to sit back and see about? Just wait and see if this new government is going to save the nation or not, while you sit back and hope your inaction helps them fail? I see through your first line. So does Christ.

[Lionsden]

Democrats plan to force "service" on public school children. I call that slavery, I'm not surprised democrats are behind it, and I oppose it.

You may need to get off you duff, but I don't. We know that conservatives already devote more time to volunteering that liberals (or progressives--whoever they may be) do.

"Obama believes that middle and high school students should be expected to engage in community service for 50 hours annually during the school year or summer months. "*

*
http://obama.3cdn.net/3b3158f85f69a39217_hydpmvzbb.pdf

[abbadabba]

This is a no brainer. My community food bank can buy $9 of food for every dollar I give them. Skipped Thanksgiving (spent it with friends under stressful circumstances) and gave fifty bucks to the food bank. I'm doing the same thing this Christmas. That's $900 bucks worth of food for people who really needs it. Don't even think, make out a check right now.

Imagine what you big spenders can accomplish!

[aweissnet]

I applaud you with all sincerity.

I'd like to forego Christmas and spend it in the way you suggest. I think I would feel better after the fact, having received more than a couple of gifts. I have 2 children, one is a 12-year old boy. While my grown (college-attending) daughter shares my principles and ideals, and would jump right in to help and give, he is just "gimme gimme gimme," through no influence of me, or television (we don't have it). X box isn't good enough, PSP isn't good enough, PS2 isn't good enough. Must have more, must have better. He considers himself very religious, to boot, and will hear nothing of my views ....

I don't know what breeds this. Is it on the Y gene? Testosterone? Where does the problem lie? Is it the rare man who is self-sacrificing, that we congratulate for being rare? Cuz I think if the world were run by women ... it would get a whole lot better, a whole lot quicker. Not to turn this into a sex war ... just expressing the frustration of many parents stuck in this "dilemma."

[CarolinaDem]

p.e.e.r. parenting

[GrkAm]

Arianna, thank you for your post! This isn't the first time you have drawn me back. We MUST be vigilant each day to ensure that the cynism that has seemed to creep into the hearts of all of us doesn't consume us.

We are in a post election malaise waiting for the inauguration of Barack Obama while we are scared to distraction about the economy, jobs, homes, pensions/savings and all things we have come to call our security. So, DEFINITELY we all have much to concern ourselves over.

We nonetheless have to count our blessings and extend courtesy to those around us (and yes, even commenters on HuffPo). This site has certainly become much more snarky since the election!

WHY??

We ALL should re-read the Rules and Regs. to realize this is a community, too!

[WritingFrontier]

With all this stress going around, probably the best thing to do is consult your 2009 Horoscope. See

http://saturdaymorningpost.com/horoscope-2009/

[PatCroft]

People helping people, hmmmm, . . . compassionate conservatism. And it is indeed commendable. After all people helping people is, hmmm, . . . socialism at its best.

Yet time after time and example after example we have a government that with all of its resources either does not have any interest or intent with helping main street. Case in point the 7 trillion rescue for Wall Street. And then compare that with the Katrina aid.

Our Representation refuses to look out the window. Or perhaps the airplane is traveling so fast to see out the window.

The bed of roses has turned into a bed of thorns with this government right in the middle of this mix.

[KathyinCT]

Arianna, you have a huge network of readers and the ability to reach millions of people.

Can we all think of a simple message that can be delivered via Huffington Post, maybe on the masthead, every day, to encourage -- nay, prod -- each of into doing something to help.

And maybe a "Top 10" list of ideas in case people think, "Gee, what can I do today?"

Or maybe you could create a special place on your site where people could add to the list by saying "today I did" or "my family did" or post ideas for others?

We could turn this into a big "community" effort except the community stretches from sea to shining sea and beyond.

We need your leadership, Arianna!

Thanks!!

[Stokes]

Not all of us are physically or financially able to help others , but I'm sure that each of us could help family in need. Charity begins at home, but it has a way of spreading. I'm sure that every homeless or hungry person must have some family. All due respect for those who have and are giving, as long as it is done from the heart and not for show.

[BoulderSue]

ALL of us are capable in some way of making someone's day better. In another post I describedmy experience as a volunteer coordinator for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Among my volunteers I had people who were shut-in and disabled calling other shut-in and disabled folks every day at atime predetermined by them both to check on their wel-being. If the caller got no answer or the callee got no call, each was instructed to call me, my office or 911. Not only were isolated people checked upon daily by other often isolated people, but I witnessed many great friendships grow between people who might never physically meet. Check with your local volunteer agencies to see if there is such a program in you community. If there isn't start one. Call hospitals or doctors who have patients who might need checking on, maybe go through your police department or sheriff's office to make sure everyone is on the level-no predators or scammers. You can do this from home. All you need is the willingness and a phone..

[BeingFullyPresent]

Let's focus on the last line of Ms. Huffington's post - making service an essential part of our lives. I, too, watched the CNN Heroes celebration. Sad, isn't it, that extraordinary service to one's fellow man needs to be celebrated in such a manner, as if it were an uncommon event? How can we simply make service to others part of our normal behavior? Many of the posted comments are complaints; about the press coverage of good deeds (I doubt anyone serves for the public recognition), about the people currently managing the government (I am hopeful for a return to leadership in January), about the state of the economy (yes, it stinks; what can each of us do in spite of it?). I think the challenge being tossed our way to is to just act. Act with compassion, act with a positive attitude, act with hope, act with and for humanity.

[BoulderSue]

The first time I tried this post it didn't go through, so I hope I'm not duplicating myself.
Mumbai was terrible, but in this country we have a lot of people apparently suffering from"election withdrawal". An awful lot of us on both sides got into the habit of volunteering politically for free. Well, let's stay in the habit an fill up that free time with doing something for a cause near and dear to you. My step-daughter happened to be alone for T-Day this year. She is a two-time Marine helicopter pilot vet of Iraq. She now runs a civilian volunteer group of people with their own boats as a Coast Guard officer, training them in rescue techniques. She tried to volunteer at someplace serving T-Day dinners (San Francisco area) and they were over-run with volunteers! Pretty great,huh? I'm planning my next year around a volunteer opportunity doing something I've always wanted to do, and found the way to do it through a fellow Obama volunteer. He and his wife are both involved in this project. We can only do what we can do, but it adds up. I'm sure a lot of people I know volunteering with the Red Cross will be going to Mumbai. I knew people who worked as volunteers in Thailand after the tsunamai. There's plenty to do. Even a little bit helps!