The Black Informant | African American Commentary, News and Community Building

This is turning out to be series to expose the true nature of monetary aid. I assure you that I am not looking for these stories. I just happen to come across them in my normal scan of daily news around the world.

Extremists rip off tsunami charity cash

CHARITABLE donations to help people affected by the Asian tsunami disaster are falling into the hands of radical Islamic groups linked to terrorists in Indonesia, a leading expert on the global al-Qaeda network warned yesterday.

Relief money had become the “primary source” of income for two militant groups, including one founded by a Muslim cleric serving a prison sentence in connection with the Bali bombing in 2002 in which more than 200 people were killed. (more…)

Are you getting the pattern now? Here is how it goes:

1. Tragedy hits a country known for its impoverished population

3. US continues its role as the pocketbook of the world by contributing a large amount of aid (in most cases out-giving other nations)

4. Activists groups applaud move by the US, but ALWAYS arrives to the conclusion that this is just a first step in the “right direction” for the US (likened to a recovering addict)

5. News hits the wires (usually in a low key fashion) that donated money was used by corrupt governments to fund further terrorist activity both domestically and abroad.

6. Activists are virtually silent on failed accountability issues of monies they pleaded for the world to donate.

7. A bombing takes place somewhere in the world where once again innocent people are killed.

8. The same activists, the U.N., and mainstream media accuse the U.S. for failed international policy as the reason for the bombing.

9. For the U.S., monies that could have gone to fund necessities like securing our own borders, paying first responders (police, firemen, ambulatory care, etc) are once again handed to terrorist organizations in the name of “help”.

10. While the taxpayer pays for this endless game, activists reap the benefits of global exposure (increased donations to THEIR organizations, increased record sales, etc.). All this while the poor still do not get the help that they need.

I remember driving through the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia after 9/11 seeing car wash after car wash sponsored by kids in the community wanting to do their part to help the victims of that dreadful day. I also recall other major fundraisers that raised millions of dollars. As an American, although it was great to see the country coming together in this fashion, I also became very nervous of the huge influx of monies that were being poured into “the cause” for the moment. I told my wife not to give to any charities until they were able to provide contributors with financial statements proving that contributed money was going to the intended source. I am glad I made that decision then, and I will continue to do so with any future global tragedies.

I am all for giving money to those that are less fortunate–I just want to see it get into the right hands.

Don’t hold your breath waiting for the U.N. to deal with this one. They have enough on their plate (Oil for Food).