Bewildering Stories Editorial

by Jerry Wright

Caritas

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Tsunami, Donate, dig deep, generousity, giving... All those fine words and thoughts. And yet... and yet...

The earthquake created a terrible disaster, and people across the world have dug deep, donating money in the billions. But where will the money end up? I have no faith in these "guardians of mankind". I am minded of grain rotting on the piers of starving Ethiopia, and the warlords, and the corrupt and powerful preferring starvation to plenitude.

Who will guard the guardians? It is wonderful to see so many caring so much. It is saddening to think that for many, perhaps most, of those in charge it is simply a chance to line their own pockets. Think "Oil for Food" and the millions that were stolen by Saddam, and those who ran the program. Multiply by ten thousand. And weep.

--Jerry