Before we get started I'll let it be known that I have done my bit for the bushfire appeal and that I agree to an extent that we should be digging deep for the victims of the bushfires. I wont go into extreme detail to bignote myself, for reasons that I'll discuss later. Just as the US taxpayers are keen to track the funds spent as part of the government stimulus package, I too would like to know exactly what the bushfire appeal funds are being spent on.
First of all, I understand that a large percentage of Victorian families had no home and contents insurance. This article:
http://www.insurancecouncil.com.au/...l Media Release - Bushfire protection VIC.pdf,
from October 2008 mentions the need for cover going into the Summer months and quotes the figure at 25.8%. I have heard it said that the figure for the regions affected is something more like 40%. The wounds are obviously still fresh, and the issue is still somewhat taboo, but how much personal accountability will there be for those who thought it would never happen to them and chose not to purchase home and contents insurance. With the amount of money floating around, a lot of people will be recieving some much needed and much deserved substantial handouts. I understand that the immediate needs of these people are identical, and that at the moment a lot of people have nothing, but I wonder whether in the long run, the bulk of the money will be going to provide for those without insurance? Is it fair on those who sacrificed and prepared themselves for the worst case scenario if this is the case?
Also, in Matthew 6:2, it is stated that:
"...whenever you give to the poor, don't blow a trumpet before you like the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they will be praised by people. I tell you with certainty, they have their full reward!"
In other words, if you give, you shouldn't parade around blowing your own horn. Even atheists would agree that this takes away from the initial act. Although it was a decent gesture, it was interesting that the company who donated $5000 per goal during the Bulldogs v Essendon match was the largest building company in Victoria, and that they appeared throughout the broadcast, seemingly blowing their own horn. If anybody is set to benefit from the destruction of so many properties, they would be, and to me, they secured themselves some primetime advertising. Other groups of people have been behaving similarly over the past week...
First of all, I understand that a large percentage of Victorian families had no home and contents insurance. This article:
http://www.insurancecouncil.com.au/...l Media Release - Bushfire protection VIC.pdf,
from October 2008 mentions the need for cover going into the Summer months and quotes the figure at 25.8%. I have heard it said that the figure for the regions affected is something more like 40%. The wounds are obviously still fresh, and the issue is still somewhat taboo, but how much personal accountability will there be for those who thought it would never happen to them and chose not to purchase home and contents insurance. With the amount of money floating around, a lot of people will be recieving some much needed and much deserved substantial handouts. I understand that the immediate needs of these people are identical, and that at the moment a lot of people have nothing, but I wonder whether in the long run, the bulk of the money will be going to provide for those without insurance? Is it fair on those who sacrificed and prepared themselves for the worst case scenario if this is the case?
Also, in Matthew 6:2, it is stated that:
"...whenever you give to the poor, don't blow a trumpet before you like the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they will be praised by people. I tell you with certainty, they have their full reward!"
In other words, if you give, you shouldn't parade around blowing your own horn. Even atheists would agree that this takes away from the initial act. Although it was a decent gesture, it was interesting that the company who donated $5000 per goal during the Bulldogs v Essendon match was the largest building company in Victoria, and that they appeared throughout the broadcast, seemingly blowing their own horn. If anybody is set to benefit from the destruction of so many properties, they would be, and to me, they secured themselves some primetime advertising. Other groups of people have been behaving similarly over the past week...
