so here i am watching the news about niger

[Heathcliffscathy]

and crying. and seeing ds in all of the starving childrens' faces. and knowing that it isn't nature to blame but every one of us. i know i'm always doing this, but i just feel so awful about the state of the world at the moment.

the famine in niger was predicted years ago. we obviously on a governmental level haven't given a toss.

we worry about being blown up by a terrorist. we tolerate a world where people are starving to death. we wonder why people are angry and hate-filled at us at the west.

i had really good news today. we exchanged on a house ending a long process of house hunting and i can't feel anything but over indulged and despairing. and so angry.

we spend billions on slaughtering civilians in iraq. and begrudge pennies to africa.

i don't even know why i'm posting this except that i don't know what to do with myself.

Great post acnebride. Janh - I saw that too.

Good post acnebride!

"well that was then this is now and i dont wish to discuss it"

Sorry just have to bring this one up again - today is the 2nd August 2005 - yes??

Saturday 30th July by LB22

"popped into the Raplh Lauren childrens store and go ds (15m) a linen shirt reduced from £40 to £8! i picked up another top that was reduced from £38 to £10 both beautiful!"

This morning

"nice dress!!! ive racked through the rails at monsoon (where i was expecting to get something) and could not find a thing that i like! anyone help me? Ive been looking for ages! just wondering if anybody new of anywhere where i haven't looked yet! thanksXXX" (so not spent it yet but planning too soon - on a serious note - the most beaitful dress I even bought cost me £5 in a charity shop - it had only been worn once!)

Well I'm glad that this thread has taken off. Last week we were trying to generate interest in this topic, but met with a very muted response. I think people were too busy discussing cheese and 'what state their house was in at the present moment' at the time.

This was the sleepy thread last week:
humanitarian crisis in Niger

Still, note to self. Next time a thread needs a higher profile CAT loulabelle and ask her to post

QoQ - I was thinking the same (about the conspicuous consumption)

An Interesting Article on how the West has been in some ways to blame for starvation in Niger

The article is from the Guardian, but is on the MSF website, along with much other interesting information.

It draws attention to the fact that the refusal to allow distribution of free food in Niger until now has made the crisis worse.

A free market has led to subsistence farmers being unable to buy grain or food and so a policy which was supposed to make the country come out of poverty has made the situation worse.

But the article makes the point much better than me.

The essence is that there is now a crisis and anyone can help, if they are on Mumsnet then they have a spare pound or pence even.

..all gone a bit quiet on here..

I think I'm in shock!

...proud of myself though.... I didn't even swear!!

Very restrained Toothache!

anyhow - as I posted (can't remember whether it was this one or the other one) I'm not donating to Niger ..

But I am continuing to donate to the Southern African appeal (ongoing for the last 2yrs or so) where an equal number of people are facing starvation

Thanks for article Lemonice - have printed it off to read later (as just about to sign off now)

From today, DONATIONS can be made at most POST OFFICES.

Just to remind everyone, because I had to hunt around for the info myself and even when I went into an Oxfam shop this morning they didn't know where I could donate.

i didn't say what my money situation was did i? whats the problem if i spend it on clothes.. sorry for putting clothes on !i just have an opinion and every1 is free of their opinion. i havent been nasty all i said was that i would like to do something personally ..not do it through charities... no need to shoot me down for it!

queen of quotes its great that you go round searching for all my messages you must have plenty of time on your hands.......

By loulabelle222 on Tuesday, 2 August, 2005 1:29:28 PM

i didn't say what my money situation was did i?

really?

By loulabelle222 on Tuesday, 2 August, 2005 12:00:42 PM

no not a penny at the minute! i am skint!

shut up u lot of weirdos ... i meant what has happened...get over it! if u so disagree with me not giving money u give double the amount! i don't want to y is that such a big deal to u people

LLB22 - I beg to differ.... that is not all you said!

Can you not see that some of your posts are rrrrrrrreally ignorant and clearly wrong?

Again.... for some reason this isn't sinking in to you..... THE PROBLEM IS YOUR ATTITUDE NOT YOUR MONEY!

...you clearly like the attention though.

Yawn

Nuff said really LLB222.

OOh LLB, you really are showing yourself up now!

because i said that one way is to hand out free condoms? i think that is a constructive way of dealing with future situations. but if everyone gives money for water and food there is still poverty! looking at the state of our country at the min they will probably be over here in the next few years everyone else is

you were the ones getting the hump with me hahaha

Oh and by the way, France is the largest donater to Niger.

LLB222 - Again... that isn't all you said. Perhaps you should read back on the wording and harshness of some of your posts!!!!!

Sheeesh.

yawn..i wondered when the daily mail rant would start..