Quote:
Originally Posted by Guinness
But isn't that the whole problem with 'modern charity'.
Cameron has always banged on about the 'big society' where people help each other. (I got news for him, people have ALWAYS helped each other, long before his catchphrase vote grabber, people have always been 'Big' on helping others, especially amongst us working class). We've all cut our elderly neighbours lawn, picked something up from the shops for them, checked on them from time to time etc..etc..
Some charities are worthwhile, problem is too many others are aided and abetted to the extent of job destruction. Some of them, like the RSPCA, have become political (anyone tried taking a stray to them recently?), others use your money for crazy research or to undercut private sector job creation, many of these charities are creating so much money that they are paying bonuses to their paid staff just to balance the books.
Camerons argument is that there is no need for society to pick up the bill to ensure that people are cared for, that we should all take responsibility, he's not going to lower your taxes for the money he saves if we do, because thats reserved for his bankers, backers and other associated leeches to society. He's never going to cut his neighbours lawn because his nearest neighbour lives a couple of miles away and has a gardener. He's ok with the rise of charities, because he doesn't have to pay for it from the money you give him in taxes, you do..you pay your taxes and then you pay again for a charity to do something that your taxes were meant to pay for.
You are being altruistic, and fair play to you, BUT, although you are giving your time and spending your hard earned money to support the charity by buying from their shops, you are still complicit in this governments attempt to turn many paying jobs into volunteer positions, you are complicit in helping Cameron make cut after cut after cut to the detriment of many of the people these so called charities portend to support.
Charities spring up daily, it's not really that hard to become a charity, it's a tad harder to become a registered charity, but big business with an  array of lawyers can easily overcome the restrictions placed by the charity commission.
Just a thought if a business indirectly runs a charity and then donates to that charity what kind of tax breaks that business gets on that donation?
One thing I've gained from the Graham Jones blog that I originally posted is that I will be extremely careful which charities I donate to in future, I will not just chuck my loose change into any old bucket in Tesco, and I will stay the heck away from any charity than can afford mainstream advertising or high street shops! |
All good points Mr Guinness. I am a charitable person as I am sure many people on this forum are... I'll help people if I can, and you're right-I'm not unique. People, generally are quite willing to assist others if they can.
The RSPCA have their place, I know of people and animals they're assisted..-But...not sure if you're aware but I ran an animal rescue centre for some time, a couple of years ago. I was there when the local RSPCA facilities were full..They usually are, it seems. Their rules on rehoming are a little too strict, in my opinion-coming from an animal lover to the extreme that's saying something.
EG to get a dog, you have to have an enclosed garden. Why?If you're available to walk a dog twice daily and have a large house to keep him/her in,why need a garden?Dogs are stolen from gardens. Just an example.
Cameron does have skewed views-not even outdated ones, just a biased view.
I'll never say I'm altruistic, though-I don't really believe in altruism. People are usually out for themselves in some way or other. If you help someone, it makes you feel good, or viable-or that you're DOING some good. It's part of human nature for many.
I shop in charity shops because I feel It's better than buying new, I'm not a fan of consumerism or waste....And I'm from Yorkshire
If I do a little bit of good in the process, or at least do not contribute to the 'bad' , then I feel better (again , not altruistic).
I agree about the chucking of loose change. I have never done that.
And also, I do not like how begging on the street is frowned upon for the homeless-yet many so called 'charities' seem to find it totally acceptable, even though in neither case do we really know where our money is going. As charities are not 'allowed' to make a profit, what if they do?
Large bonus, anyone...
Also RSPCA 'big wigs' are known to be on quite a large wage so I've read.
And with 50% of the animals in their care being put to sleep...
(My case is having a rest, now)....