give back

i was totally in tears last night watching american idol... no no.. not cos my fav contestant was booted out (no one was actually) but all the images of poverty and suffering.

i believe, for all the retribution for the evils etc, none shld be inflicted onto children. I am passionate about them and last night's show made me regret even further and ashamed at my excessive spending and wished i had not swiped clean the credit card.

S$4 can buy a row of pills to combat malaria for 4 children in Africa! And less than S$15 for a mosquito net to shield the whole family from mosquitoes! One child dies every 30 seconds! can you believe it? Atrocious!

And the boy who lives with his sister in his hut? Parent long gone, and he is the head of the household, brother, and he is all but just 12? I just fell into misery seeing him cry. He looked like he hasn't been able to cry for the longest time! Those tears he kept for so long, trying to remain strong for himself and his sister... it must have been cathartic and i think he needed it. he needed to cry it out! Barely having enough to eat, and yet, despite all the adversities, survives strong. ADMIRABLE.

And while others are slamming the whole episode, how exploited they feel, how the celebs are just taking advantage of primetime hr etc etc... i just thought it was very nice and generous of them to lend their time towards the effort. Others criticised on the amounts pledged by the celebs, but really, no matter the amount, they did give, right? Ellen's donation of US$100,000 was her challenge to even wealthier people/organisations to match or exceed it and i thought it was a good start. Whatever it is, let it be from the heart. Let it be sincere.

All the best to a better world. We really need it.