| I am more than sympathetic to the plight of the farmers. However, I do not think that anyone has the right to demand any donations. While the government has not stepped in, there are also wealthy people involved higher up in the pearl trade in China itself, locals who should be more than in tune with the situation being closer in proximity. Jeremy has stepped in through someone he knows and trusts, but people overseas who do not know the situation are not obliged to trust a stranger over the internet. There have been too many scams in the past, some based partially in fact, but the money never reached the victims.
Forgive my cynicism, but I will only donate money when I can be sure it's going to the right people. This forum is not only frequented by "wealthy" businessmen. Even if it is, Jeremy who has a farm in Xuwen itself has taken a hard hit and he has had to cope with his own losses while trying to help others on a limited scale. The number of consumers far outnumbers the vendors here. I do not mind forgoing my pearl purchase of the month to help people truly in need because I support the farmers, but only if I know where the money is going. NGOs mean nothing to me. When the tsunamis hit Indonesia NGOs were also involved, but most of the donations were still usurped by local authorities.
Perhaps you can also be more specific - how much donation were you expecting from here?  |