Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, more than $1 billion have been raised for the victims. With all the donations and volunteering taking place, this has proven to be one of history’s most unified responses to a crisis. It would seem that we’re pulling together with a newfound pride. Just look in any clothing store and you’ll see: The hottest colors are red, white and blue, and the favorite T-shirt logo is “I Love New York.” Apparently, Americans are taking a fresh look at life, themselves and their country — at least, that’s the way an optimistic broadcaster would describe it.
I think it’s great that so many people have given their money to the relief effort in New York. But my qualm is why should it take an attack on our country to finally give people the initiative to come together, donate and volunteer? Why just New York, and why just now? There were numerous other charities in need before this happened that are still in need. But unfortunately, much of the attention has been taken away from them.
People like to do things in great herds, especially when it contains some drama. We are drawn to the scene of the action. Blood donations were at an all-time high in September. Now those amounts have dropped even though the need for blood is just as real. Although the attacks on the United States were extremely tragic, and many people were hurt or killed, we need to realize that these people aren’t the only ones suffering. Since Sept. 11, donations to Habitat for Humanity have decreased by 40 percent; this is a charity that is usually one of the most successful in the nation. The organization provides homes for people in need. Fewer homes being built means more people are being left without adequate help. The AIDS Walk in Washington, D.C., has also suffered since the attacks, raising less than half the money it usually does.
Some of this setback in charitable donations has to do with the slowing economy. As people cut back their budgets, the first thing to go is usually giving to charity. But it’s not only citizens who are cutting back. The government is cutting back as well. Now that $329 billion has been requested by the Department of Defense, we can all say goodbye to Bush’s promised reforms of Social Security and Medicare. Everything from infrastructure to environmental programs will be feeling the squeeze on their budgets. Now, more than ever, is a time to reach out and help those in need, whether that be through money donations or — for us empty-pocketed college students — a little precious time.
Although I have been ranting on the United States as a whole, I ought to congratulate the people of Eugene. We are probably doing a better job than many other cities, considering St. Vincent De Paul said that donations have actually gone up since Sept. 11. But that doesn’t mean we should pat ourselves on the back and call it good. It’s easy to give when everyone is giving, but a lot harder after the hubbub is over. Just think how much society could benefit if we always reacted with concern toward the welfare of our citizens, in the U.S. as well as abroad. Donating money didn’t just start with Sept. 11, it is an ongoing process
— one that should never stop.