Are some of the tsunami victims too greedy?
 

This was reported in one of the local rags (Metro) here in Toronto.
"The southern Asian community leaders who met Martin yesterday praised the weekend’s doubling of previous disaster aid from the government to $80 million but several said $200 million would be more appropriate.

"I feel that we can do much more," said Budhendra Doobay, a member of the South Asian Earthquake Relief Association.

He called on Martin to visit some of the stricken areas during a previously scheduled visit to India in a couple of weeks and dubbed his trip to Toronto a day after announcing an improved aid package as "PR," or public relations.

Martin did not comment on the $200 million request but said more details on Canadian aid will come Jan. 11 at a disaster-aid donation conference in Geneva."

An excerpt from a letter to today's Toronto Star by one Seenith Vivekananda:
"....Canada should contribute its expertise and equipment to help survivors rebuild. In this infrastructure plan, many billions of dollars should be dispersed - house materials, school supplies, home appliances, vehicles, tools and equipment, even life and accidental death insurance services to Sri Lanka."

Well, is the cat getting out of the bag in certain communities?
Just what do we owe exactly to these people?

Their rationale is that since Canada is home to the biggest Sri Lankan population outside Ceylon, some estimate the number close to 400,000 (lucky us I guess), this somehow compels the Canadian government to rebuild their country into a brand spanking new first world dig.
Well if they were just a little bit more concerned about their own ancestral place perhaps they could chip in the $500.00 per person that would be required to reach that magical figure. Why should my tax dollars be spent so Rajiv can take his favorite squeeze to the new IMAX in air-conditioned comfort?
I don't think so. Interestingly I don't hear the same sentiments form the Thais or from the people of Sumatra. Of course having spent some time in Thailand this summer I would never expect anything like that from those truly humble Thais.
I guess the sense of entitlement are more prevalent in some communities then others.
Alex

On the other hand you have that actress, Sandra Bullock, giving-up $1 million. I cannot think of a cynical way of greeting that act of generosity. And this is her second time giving $1 million to charity. I think she has done a wonderful thing for people who desparately need charity.

this is an interesting Q, Dacia. they are in the family of man whether that family originates from Deity or from DNA. As such, there is an obligation to help them.

here's my problem with the dire situations around the world......the answer is HELP. helping is a two way street. i don't think we should be in the business of doing it for them. we should save thier lives and keep them well so they can work themselves out of dire circumstances. we should rescue the helpless and cradle the widowed, old and parentless while they fight thier way through this......in this principle there is personal growth and strength. we should all turn tragedy into opprtunity.

the officials who harp at us like barkers for the yak lady at the fair, are just doing thier jobs. they may be crass and ingrates, but if my family were stuck on an island with no food or potable water, i'd want all the advocacy i can get.

my .02