It is heartening to see the outpouring of
practical compassion by ordinary people in response to crises, be it
earthquakes, or tsunamis, or 9/11 etc., etc. It can restore one’s
faith in human nature to see the best in people coming out, in the
worst of times. But there is much truth to the saying that as much
evil has been committed by well intentioned people, as by evil. And
such things are independent of political or religious affiliation.
Robert Lupton in his book “Toxic Charity” tells that in the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, thousands volunteers continued to
pour into New Orleans distributing free food, long after the city
should have shifted into long term development projects. He says
“When relief does not transition into development in a timely way,
compassion becomes toxic.” In third world countries, time after
time uninformed compassion has lead to the flooding of marketS with
grain, putting the local farmers out of business, and in this way
creating dependence long after the crisis should have been solved.
There are a number principles that can be put in pace to avoid toxic
charity. For example never do for the poor what they can do for
themselves. It's a good idea to limit one way sharing to emergency
situations, and strive to empower through employment, lending,
investing, education, and the facilitation of community encouraging
the taking of responsibility and mutual accountability. This form of
charity affords dignity to those we are seeking to help. “Opportunity
International” is a charity that does these things in spades.
So firstly then, too often there are unintended
and toxic consequences to actions taken with the best intentions in
the world. But secondly there are aways those who are willing to
exploit. The creativity of the criminal mind knows no limits.
Corruption among those who are distributing aid for example, can
result in black market prices being imposed on the distribution of
free food, or strings might be attached with promises of favours
returned can be demanded. Then there is the favouritism that exists
when those of a particular tribe or political stripe, are given the
lions share of the aid. Need I go on? Closer to home, corruption
among politicians of all political persuasions is well documented.
And then political posturing and image is often more important than
substance, and tokenism and favouritism can, and does result.
So let me ask “It is possible that good will and
politically imposed solutions to the gross social ills and
inequalities of our society can have unintended consequences and/or
be used for political gain?” Well not with those on my side of the
political divide! Please forgive my sarcasm. Can we admit there are
both good and bad on both sides? We need to stop taking at each other
and listen, for “there is none so deaf as those who will not hear!”
And is there not a danger here, in the push to legislate against
free speech (google it). Yes there is hate speech, but if we ban free
speech altogether, how will we hold each other accountable, and how
will we correct both unintended consequences and expose exploitation.
I am not saying there are simple solutions to these things.
Father, please help us to stop vilifying the
entirety of those who are “not us.” There are surly people of
good will on both sides. Help us Lord to be as wise as serpents and
as harmless as doves, and help us to listen to each other rather than
dismissing each other in Jesus Name Amen
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