Why Michigan Gives.
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 2:18pm
It's been a few weeks since the tragic earthquake forever changed the lives and landscape of Haiti. Each day, more is revealed to us about the devastating effects and the enormous time-table required for life to return to "normal." Michigan people shed their tears, as did so many, and we gave, like so many did as well. It should feel good to give. It does.
In the wake of all of this, many around the state are still left conflicted. I've heard the conversations and criticisms on all shores. Why are we, as a nation, giving so much to Haiti when we need so much help here in Michigan. What do they give us in return? Many Michigan citizens want to know why isn't that money being invested in the Upper Peninsula where unemployment in areas is close to 40%, or Flint or Detroit? We do indeed have our share of problems.
To understand this, is to really know Michigan and the deep-rooted core values of it's people. Being unemployed in Michigan is not fun and at times, very discouraging. Going from thriving to excepting government aid is not an ego boost. However, a perceived bad day here can not compare to the fall out in Haiti and we know this. We know what it is like to be go from the top to the bottom. We know what it is like to lose most of our possessions and we know what it is like to lose hope but we give anyways. We know that the Earth did not attempt to swallow us whole and that dark days are best recovered by giving. Our economically poorest typically give the most in relation to their income. Our middle-class, blue-collar, God-loving values push us to give, even when at times, it seems we have so little to give ourselves. We did not just give money but rather we invested in human life and that is the reflection of our spirit as a Michigan people. This is why I believe Michigan gives.
We're cutting back and simplifying. It's a chance to do things over and head into a more fiscally responsible future for us. The Haitian people are starting over from scratch. For us, it's Tuesday. For them, it's day 14. The negative attitudes and naysayers will never understand. We may never receive thank you cards or pats on the back but we'll press forward knowing that when we were called upon, even in our time of need, we rose up, stood tall and reached out because that's what Michigan does.
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Mon, 03/29/2010 - 12:44am
#2
Natural disasters are really
Natural disasters are really unpredictable and when it strikes for sure lots of properties and also people would be damaged. Nowadays, global warming is one of the major environmental problems that we have. It's a good thing that there are some people that are eager to make campaigns on how to save the Mother Earth. A total doofus could do a little something for Earth Hour - all you've to do is turn off all the appliances and lighting (within reason - I am not turning off the fridge, that's just stupid) or not drive a auto from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on the 27th of March. That's pretty easy. Consider it as making payday loans out to the Earth - if it actually does help offset climate change or global warming, then it isn't as if it hurts you to do it. Heck, turning the lights out may even encourage people to do something exciting with the spouse that does not revolve around American Idol.
Sat, 03/06/2010 - 1:25am
#3
It's never a question,on why
It's never a question,on why we should give to the needy. We are experiencing a lot of difficulties now a days. We are in the midst of crisis and we are into a lot of devastation's that's why we should all take part and do our best to help the people who call for help. Anyway, don't your know that some of the more egregious ridiculous holidays are the food holidays. For instance, March 3rd is National Cupcake Day. I am not, for the record, going to buy any cupcakes to celebrate. I am not, for the record, going to buy any cupcakes to celebrate.
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In terms of this disastrous calamity,we should help one another and do the best we can to reach out for those who are in need.We all know that we are suffering from economic crisis that greatly affect our lives.It's like a hopeless life that no way at all to survive.But we should bear in mind that we can surpass this. Among the big things which governs income tax rates and tax theory in general in these United States is something called the Laffer Curve - which makes sense because it is a real laugher. It was made popular by Jude Wanniski, a crony of Donald Rumsfield, Dick Cheney, and later, Reagan and Bush, and the argument goes that there's a midpoint of taxation rates which makes for optimal collection and use of tax funding, which is designed to be essentially payday advances from the people to the government. It's clearly tied to Keynesian economics, and the Austrians (free market, libertarian types - not Reagan, btw) dispute its effectiveness.