Would You? Could You Ever Sacrifice?
@kitchenwitchoftupper (2290)
United States
May 19, 2007 7:35pm CST
There is no way that I can generalize how many MyLot members are on Disability, but I know that ALot of MyLot friends are; as am I. To us our computers are our Connection to the Outside World.
Some of us also are fortunate enough to have vehicles. We may not have the money to put much gas in them but we have them; and they are our Connection to the grocery store and pharmacy.
The question I would like to pose to the readers of this discussion is this. If you were told (disability or no) that you would be able to save one family from homelessness by sacrificing either your computer or car but
a. you would never be told who they were
b. you would never even know for sure if it was true;
you simply had to act on blind faith that it was the truth. Would you be willing to sacrifice your computer, your car, or both? Why? Why not?
There is no wrong or right answer. There is no prize waiting at the end of the discussion. There is no judgment. ~Just a question ~Donna
10 people like this
28 responses
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
20 May 07
Woah, this is a hard question. I'm not on disability, but I depend on my computer for pretty much all my social stimuli outside of work, so I can't imagine being without it! It would be really hard for me! And since I don't own a car, I guess it would have to be the computer I'd sacrifice.
I have to say "no" ultimately, because I feel that my continued sanity is necessary to my ever being able to help anyone ever again, and my computer is necessary to my sanity. So while giving it away "might" help one family, but isn't guaranteed to since I will never know... it just isn't worth it. I'd rather keep the computer and put my effort into things that I know are helping others, like the donations I make that come straight out of my paycheck, or the mylot money I find use for. =)
3 people like this
@johnyjames (48)
• India
20 May 07
I am a christian. A job of a real christian is to sacrifice for others. In our bible our god jesus christ sacrifised for us. This was the biggest sacrifice. And he teaches us to sacrifice for otherwise. But i am not getting that type of minnd to sacrifice. Please rate me. Thanks in advance.
2 people like this
@kitchenwitchoftupper (2290)
• United States
8 Jul 07
Johnyjames, I rated you (I rate everyone or at least I try to), now please put up some sort of picture for your avatar please. LOL~Donna
@SpitFire179 (2536)
• Canada
20 May 07
i know myself, and i know i would go with the logical side of things instantly.
More than likely, i would give up my computer, and then give it some time before i got another one.
I wouldn't give our vehicle up because well first, it's really my hubby's (even though he says it's ours) and (2nd) because we live too far away from any normal grocery stores and what not to give it up, it could be countless hours of walking or spending dollars on a cab we can't afford.
This is a wonderful discussion.
@Jennifer21 (2476)
• United States
20 May 07
Well, I definetlelly would not trade in my car or computer in for a strangers wealthfulness. I have to worry enough about my own wealthfulness to be concernered of others.
I would not trade my computer in because I use it to make a few dollars here and there.
I would not trade my car in because I need it to take my children to the doctor if and emergency occurs.
These two material possessions are very important to me and my way of life.
2 people like this
@saving_diva (77)
• United States
21 May 07
I agree with Jennifer. First of all I don't have a car so I couldn't anyway but if I did have one, no I wouldn't give my car up, but I would give a few dollars to help someone and I have done that several times.
I just recently donated money online to a program to help others.
I am disabled myself and my computer is how I earn money so I couldn't give that up either. It would make no sense, then I'd be the one in need.
1 person likes this
@vokey9472 (1486)
• United States
20 May 07
Well, we have 3 computers so I would have to ask if it was all 3 computers or just 1. Let's say it was just one. I would give up 1 computer and our car. We have to keep at least 1 computer for my husband's work, but we don't really need the other two and we can use the bus so we could give up the car too. Also, funny enough, it would be easier to replace the car than the computer. I can get a used car for as little as $600 but we need at least 3 times that for a good computer.
2 people like this
@kgwat70 (13388)
• United States
20 May 07
I would be willing to sacrifice my computer to help someone in need if this were to happen. I could always get another computer. My current computer is kind of old but it would still come in handy for someone that is less fortunate. The computer could allow poor people to possibly making money online to help them take care of themselves as well as some fun. I would not be able to give my car away as I need it to get around since the nearest bus stop is too far to walk to and from. Taking a cab to work would be way expensive.
2 people like this
@brokentia (10389)
• United States
20 May 07
If there were no way for me to know it were true...No. I would not give my car or computer up when there is no guarantee.
We not only use our computer at home as entertainment, but also we pay bills, file taxes, bank, learn, homework help for the kids, and even earn money here on myLot. This is something that is very necessary in our house. We even have a paperless bank account. So internet is a must.
Our car...we have to go across the neighboring city to get to my daughter's doctor visits. There is no way I would be able to take care of her and her conditions without having a car. OK...I could do a taxi...but that would cost an insane amount that it would be cheaper to have a car. Then there is the fact that I have seven children and grocery shopping would be impossible without a car.
So, since there is no way of knowing it to be true, I would not give up the things this family needs.
2 people like this
@meljessxena (2315)
• Australia
20 May 07
i couldnt say i would give either up as i dont like taking chances for something that i dont know is true, to many people out there are just theives and i dont really trust people that give you and option like that especially if they cant proove to you.
2 people like this
@Angelwhispers (8978)
• United States
20 May 07
If some one I trusted asked this of me on behalf of a family, yes I would... I may not donate my computer or car per say, but I certainly would do my best to to come up with the amount of money my car or computer was worth. Either of which has seen better days in the past I assure you. But yes I would do something.
2 people like this
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
20 May 07
If I had no idea who they were or proof it was true I would say no I think as I need to computer too much. I don't believe my computers value could save a family from homelessness anyway it is old. I don't have a car anyway as I am mobile my disability doesn't effect mobility, so I'd gladly agree not buy a car if it would help in any way.
2 people like this
@archer1811 (1098)
• Philippines
20 May 07
if its needed why dont? at least in my mind helped the one that need it, then if its not true and just wanted fool me there is our Almighty God up their can see the truth or lies..
@peaceful (3294)
• United States
20 May 07
Of course, I would, in an instant, and without looking back, either.
There are sometimes in one's life when this type of situation will come along, and that when it's your turn to "Step Up or Step Out"... if it's a matter of giving up things like a car or a computer to save someone from homelessness, then so be it.
I am resourceful and smart enough to get those things again... that's simply what being resourceful is all about.
There are some things that come into your Life that were meant to be given away... if there's any argument with that statement, I'd like to see what it is.
It's a simple fact that that my Life is powered by Love and Resourcefulness, and as a result I will aquire Stuff...
I have long ago learned not to let "Stuff" aquire Me... and I think that's a good thing. :)
2 people like this
@r0ck_r0ck (1952)
• India
20 May 07
well depends on the person or persons asking me to do so! well if i know him ima goona sacrifice but if i dont no question arise to sacrifice as there r so amny cheaters n stuff here n there! nice question btw! :) ild like to know wat u wld u like to do in dat situation!
@kitchenwitchoftupper (2290)
• United States
7 Jul 07
Rock,
Had I not already pondered the question and known in advance that I would be willing to sacrifice either one, I would have not asked.
And, my dear one, either one would be a true sacrifice for me. Even though my clunker of a car has had no air conditioning in it for 5 years and I sweat my boobies off when I'm in it, it still gets me to the store and to doctor's appointments. If I had to go without it, I am fortunate enough to have Disability to cling to and would be eligible for "Senior (otherwise known as "blue hair") Transportation". It is inconvenient and does not go by your schedule but by one set for you; but it is there and it is free.
As far as my computer goes, Oh, how I would detest having to go without it. It is my link to you (not to mention my Tupperware business); but if worse came to worse, once again, I could use that same transportation system and go to the public library where computer use is free.
My belief that others tell me the truth all of the time has hurt me before, but I won't ever sacrifice my hope that humans are inherently good and will tell the truth when given the chance. ~Donna
@meeandnotyou (2548)
• United States
20 May 07
With all of the scamming and cheating in this world I would have to say NO WAY! There is no way that I am going to help the greedy get more and that is why I only deal with reputable charities.
Don't feel alone Donna as I am also disabled and I do not have a car as I cannot drive but Mrs. Mee does. I have not always been disabled so it is kind of hard at times since I do miss driving.
Have a great day!!!
@APMorison (424)
• United States
20 May 07
I'd have to be certain that its true.
I've seen too many scams. If I was certain it would really go to what I was told - where do I sign - people have helped me, it has to be paid forward one way or another
2 people like this
@Bizziebod (3497)
•
7 Jul 07
It's a very good question and very well put, would it count if I say I gave away A computer, but still have others I can use at home, or would it count if I said I'd give up my car as I can use my daughters? Or do I have to get rid of one totally? Cause if I did I would have to give up my PC, I'd want evidence first though else I wouldn't do it on someone's say so.. I've chosen to give up my pc (for this discussion only) as I need a car and have owned a car longer than a PC, I'd feel trapped if I didn't have a car and trips such as shopping and going out taking photos would have to be given up too!
1 person likes this
@awonderfullife (2893)
• United States
8 Jul 07
Wow, what an interesting question. I do not think I could do it. Especially if I weren't 100% sure if it were true. I'd also want to see who the family is that I'd saved, to be sure. I depend on my computer for a lot and don't think I would want to be without it, although I suppose I could use someone else's. The car I could do without a little more, but I'm a mother to young kids so I need a car. What a hard question, Donna! I feel bad saying no I wouldn't do it, but I don't think I could.
1 person likes this
