I couldn’t sleep last night. I have to get this off my chest.
I had the best weekend with my family. Watching the Packers beat Seattle was the icing on the cake. But…. I could not get the images from the Sunday news out of my mind.
What is happening in Syria is wrong. There I said it. Before everybody gets all pissed off – let me explain myself. I don’t have an answer to the problem. It’s a very difficult and scary situation.
I can only speak for myself but I would imagine that some of you feel the same way.
I am afraid of Muslims. In my head, I know that not all Muslims are terrorists. It’s just that the most recent terrorists have all been Muslims. That being said, we have had a few of our own… Timothy McVeigh….the Unabomber….and the multiple gunmen who have massacred innocent movie goers and school children… there have been a few.
I know that not all Muslims are terrorists. Not all Germans were Nazi’s and not all gun owners are shooters of schoolchildren. In fact, it’s the opposite. Being scared makes it hard to see the forest from the trees…or the trees from the forest.
I was trying to recall some of my history lessons….
When I was partying in New Orleans many years ago we made a pit stop into a museum. Many historical parts of New Orleans are paved with the original cobblestones. Do you know who laid those bricks? Slaves? Creoles?? Nope, those bricks were laid by Irish immigrants. They were cheaper than both slaves or Creoles because they had zero guaranteed rights regarding food/water/shelter/hours. Immigrants have long suffered.
World War II was such a bloody and terrible time in World History. From what I remember – the US got involved after we were attacked by Japan. We didn’t involve ourselves in the genocide of over 6 million Jews until the attack hit home. I read a lot of novels so I can’t be trusted with historical fact- but it is my understanding that the Vatican wasn’t exactly helpful in that time either. Hmmm…. I think Pope Francis is a totally different cat – in a good way.
From what I gather, Syria is conducting genocide on its people. It’s not like they have a choice. If I had to choose to either die by chemical warfare or bombings or other horrible means…. I would start walking. I would hope that if someone was able that they would help me.
It’s not like we as Americans are having to face 3 millions refugees parked at the front gate. The Atlantic Ocean is too big and rough… the dinghy’s aren’t going to make it. (If you need to see a scary Atlantic Ocean movie, watch The Perfect Storm) I haven’t seen a lot of refugees talking about a desire to get to the US. They want to get to Germany.
After tossing and turning all night, I came up with a plan that makes me feel a little better. Today I made a contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
I am not going to wait for the government. (When we need to wait and trust the government to do the right thing…. something is not quite right. I am not completely comfortable with that on a number of levels.)
I know there are administration fees and that only 93.7% of the funds will go to helping people. That’s okay, I gave enough that I think it will still help someone.
People are worried that ISIS has infiltrated the refugees and has a plan to infiltrate the US. It probably has already happened. It is my opinion that we have a far greater risk of creating terrorists by putting refugees in fenced- in areas and blasting them with tear gas. If that happened to me, I would never forget it. On the other hand, if someone gave me food and water and a safe place to sleep….. I would never forget that either. I want to be on that team.
Giving money is easy. Let me tell you how I am financing it. 
I am having a lean year with having just purchased a new business. But, I am not completely broke. I looked in my vehicle and in my loose change jar. In my purse alone I had almost $37.00. That is the money I usually put in my Las Vegas trip jar. I thought I could do better than that so I decided to eat out of my existing pantry and freezer tonight. I have to wrap this up because my ham and scalloped potatoes are done. Tomorrow I am going to make chicken piccata and watch the premiere of NCIS. Normally, I would get some Thai take out while hoping that Leroy Gethro Gibbs survives and that Tony and Ziva get together. There, that is my donation.
I don’t know if it will make a difference. I hope so.
This blog is only a hobby for me. I have never asked anyone to share my stories or tried to profit from it. This time, I am going to ask my friends and family and readers to share it ….if they know someone who may be willing or able to help. There are other organizations that are trying to help… Unicef comes to mind as well. I picked the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) because it was easy to access and donate. Whatever you can do and feel good about is the goal. Let’s try to move the dial on this one.
Thank you.
GGJ
Gypsy Girl Jilly 