A Question of Morals

I had a rather heated discussion today with a friend and it's left me curious to what others think on this subject. So this blog invites your thoughts and your opinions. I've done very little research because the discussion was off the hoof. Neither of us really knew the facts... we only had hearsay and our opinions to fight our corner. Hearing your views too could highlight a massive lack of knowledge and understanding that the general public have.

It started with my friend saying how stupid we all are donating our hard earned cash for charities such as Children in Need and Comic Relief when all that money does is line the pockets of dictators like Kuni.

We all know that in some countries around the world,  bribes are a day of life. I've been held at gunpoint in Burma because I refused to pay $200 for a visa I had already paid for in the Burmese Embassy in London. I had my passport confiscated in Russia (a very long time ago) for a similar reason. So if we donate enough to buy a container full of mosquito nets that can potentially save hundreds of children's lives,  why be shocked if the port official wants a thousand dollars?  Or the dictator in power wants a backhand to safely get those nets to where they are needed?

I'm not saying it's right. I'm not saying it's ok. I'm just surprised it's such a shock to some people. Yes,  they tell us every penny goes to help... If this is actually happening, then it's still being spent to improve the whole picture.

Or is it?

Bribes set a precedent. They tell the thieves that the money will keep lining their pockets provided they continue to keep their promises. What promises are kept by liars and thieves and thugs? How many more lives could we save if every penny really did go where it should? How many more malaria drugs, mosquito nets and water pumps could we buy?

Personally, I'm torn. These bastards (pardon the strength of the language) shouldn't be taking a penny. They shouldn't even be in power. So what could we do? Embargoes will only hurt the poorest people most whilst the before mentioned dictator relaxes in comfort... War? We all know how we feel about that idea and the same results would happen... Send in the special forces to 'remove' them? Lower ourselves to their level and open the door to someone else to take over?  Someone else who we don't know and can't bribe?

It's a tough call. Better the Devil you know? Whatever way your opinion falls,  just think about this one question. What is the price of a human life?  Would I pay one asshole a grand to save a hundred children? Too bloody right I would. But as my friend asked, would I pay the same asshole a million?

©2012 Kari Milburn