Whither Conscience?

  • How does one make sense of charities that enrich the top dogs running the organizations? (How rich? (i) from HDB flat dwelling to Sentosa Cove penthouse and a mansion in Hollywood (ii) horse-buying (iii) $25K/mth ‘peanuts’ salary, 1st class travels and gold plated tap). Can there be real charity when wolves in sheep’s clothing are running the show?
  • Just when the depressing thought that Conscience had gone to the dogs(!), up popped an *article in the S.T – about a wealthy entrepreneur setting up  orphanages in  countries where the poor/needy are left to fence for themselves –  to revive the drooping spirit. :) His mission is to empower the poor with the skills to lift themselves (and their families) out of abject poverty.
  • With his revelation in the press, especially the one on how the charity dollar is spent, Conscience has a chance to return as the main ingredient in the making of a moral compass.

(a personal opinion)

*S.T. Friday 13/7/2012, page A32

Author: Jassmine Teo

I came to know about the SHC from eNN (Seng Kang). My interests are varied. I write on the forum regularly to improve my writing. In my autumn years, my priority is voluntary service. Hope to meet like-minded people and help initiate a programme/project for the disabled like the hearing impaired.

6 thoughts on “Whither Conscience?”

  1. My view is that we take wealth and charity as distinctly two different issues. Charity does not depend on wealth. It depends, largely on, as you use the term “conscience”. I think value system, religion, upbringing do a major part.

    Wealthy people do promote charity. The big difference is that they are publicized because they give BIG. We scoff at people who make rich by unscrupulous ways, although we at times stigmatize all rich people as unscrupulous people :-(

    Let us celebrate every case of charity that truly bring hope and joy to those who need them.

  2. Profiting from charity is obscene if Conscience in the individual is alive and kicking, but where is Conscience nowadays?

    Charismatic wolves know the fastest way to create a cash-cow is to found or lead a charity or a place of worship …and donors feel good doing their part for charity.

    How disillusioned the good donor gets when he realises his charity dollar has gone into the wolf’s personal ATM! (Refer: ST article on “Donors need to know where money will go” – Wed 18/7/2012. pg A25)

    Abuse reigns when Conscience takes a beating. Whistle blowers are needed!

  3. Hi Jassmine, and participants,

    The references on this Post dwell between principles and opinion with religion in the middle.

    It’s cold down under, it’s winter in fact. Fairy Godmother has just woke up, she thinks spring is here. Please do not escalate the current issue.

    Terence Seah

  4. Hi Terence #6
    I also just woke up and was surprised and then disappointed at the degree of digression from the context of the topic. I was looking forward to a healthy and robust discussion on the issues relating to conscience vis-a-vis charity money.

    I agree with you the comments are not constructive and turning ugly, so i shall use the rewind button and start again.

    To all:
    Will appreciate constructive comments and respect for other people’s point of view.

  6. Another conman with a big appetite exposed (Sunday Times 4/8 Top News Pg 8). How many more charlatans/cheats haven’t been caught? There is a need for more whistle blowers.

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