Spring is here

[nemesis45]

Good morning LB,

This morning here on the north Essex coast it is sunny and already 15C.
My gardens a full of spring flowers, crocus, snowdrops and daffodils.
European collared doves mating on the roofs of the garages and collecting
nest building materials.

Yet we see the tragedy of Lancashire and Cumberland's flooding happening
all over again with a red warning for today and the army attempting to beat
the "tide".

It strikes me that was this flooding in a " 3rd world state, the British Government
would be chucking billions at it mobilising the RN and Air Force , charities would
be begging for money.

What happen here just a few millions made available and warning that the populations
of the affected areas to take precautions ??

Is everything buggered in the UK or is it just me.

nem

[des8]

Re: Spring is here

Well Nem, I have a wife who agrees with you regarding billions to third world countries and little at home.
I however think the problems are on a different scale.
When the monsoons hit harder than expected in eg Bangladesh tens of thousands are made homeless. Their homes disappear, the soil on their farms is scoured away, their crops are lost. Their situation is dire.
The countries we once ruled to our profit need billions to preserve life.

In the UK we need little in comparison.
Whether or not we invest sufficient in the UK "disaster" alleviation is not something, IMO, we should compare to the assistance that morally we should offer other countries in their hour of need.

[nemesis45]

Re: Spring is here

Good morning Rob,
Having in the past been on " disaster relief" deployments in many parts of the world over many years, when
" on the spot" one did become aware of a disproportionate amount of aid available not only that but the incredible
waste and misappropriation means that an increasingly small amount of " aid " actually reaches the people in need.
Increasing the aid only increases the amount of corruption.
Being an " insider " on the charities front as chair of a mil based charity I am staggered by the salaries and perks
provided to the " execs" of the major charities.
We opperate on volunteers with one paid exec the auditor on £1 pa. We do not advertise, shake collection boxes
or seek publicity, we work behind the scenes quietly and without notice.

I have to say I'm not sure about any moral obligation to provide foreign aid when countries are visbly
wealthy and have prosperous economies e.g. India/china.

nem

[des8]

Re: Spring is here

" Rob",??? Have I upset you that much, nem?( lol... no reflection on R0b)
I agree corruption and waste should be eradicated, and bureaucracy siphons off more than is necessary.
Whilst not having your close contact with military charities, I would not disagree with your comments.

I just don't think we should compare our "disasters" with those that overwhelm other countries.
Yes, we should endeavour to ensure the aid reaches those that are in need, and possibly review the countries who receive it, and perhaps increase our spending on domestic assistance.

[Fred]

Re: Spring is here

Well up to now in sunny Lancashire I just do not recall these last two recent (flood) events in comparison with any others in the last 25 years.

I do not know what the hell is happening other than nature is not doing what I am accustomed to.

I am amazed we still have power,running fresh water,gas..................some of my neighbours are not so lucky.

Fortunately the weather is more manageable (for now)......................................promise me some sunshine when we are closest to that "big orange" thing in the sky, I think not.

[nemesis45]

Re: Spring is here

" Rob",??? Have I upset you that much, nem?( lol... no reflection on R0b)
I agree corruption and waste should be eradicated, and bureaucracy siphons off more than is necessary.
Whilst not having your close contact with military charities, I would not disagree with your comments.

I just don't think we should compare our "disasters" with those that overwhelm other countries.
Yes, we should endeavour to ensure the aid reaches those that are in need, and possibly review the countries who receive it, and perhaps increase our spending on domestic assistance.

Under health stress Des generalised bacterial infection caused painful lesions and respiratory problems, lack of concentration, certainly no offence meant!!

nem

[des8]

Re: Spring is here

None taken Nem.............. I thought perhaps it was the SPIRIT of Christmas

Trust you are now recovered

[nemesis45]

Re: Spring is here

None taken Nem.............. I thought perhaps it was the SPIRIT of Christmas

Trust you are now recovered

Side effects now Des, + my wife has now the same problem getting old I'm afraid.

nem

[des8]

Re: Spring is here

But you're a mere stripling Nem (at least 1 year younger than I and goodness knows how many younger than Sparkiemasred