The Line

That is where the line is. You have crossed it. From The Star: Activist held under ISA over demolition of squatter colony:

JOHOR BARU: A woman has been arrested for allegedly disseminating false information concerning the demolition of a squatter colony in Kampung Baru Plentong Tengah.

The 28-year-old, who is a member of human rights group Suaram, was picked up at 10pm last night under Section 28 of the Internal Security Act.

www.FreeRice.com

I donated 1,940 grains of rice today (and counting). What have you done?

http://www.freerice.com

Blog Action Day: Poverty

Today is Blog Action Day, a day dedicated by bloggers worldwide to discuss an issue pertinent to the global environment. The issue du jour is poverty, a very real threat to civilised society, because how can we call ourselves civilised when every 1 minute, 11 children die of hunger.

I won't suggest a solution to world hunger, or a solution to the downsides of capitalism. I can't lead you in an intellectual discussion on the problems with the world governments. I won't try and get you to give up your life to help others. In today's economic environment, I think it's more important for you to make sure your own livelihood is in check.

What I can do is suggest small, doable ways through which Malaysians can help the extreme and hardcore poor:

1. Free Rice is a website that donates rice for every click of your mouse. It's not a gimmick. I've checked it out. It's for real.


2. World Vision. For RM50 per month, less than an Astro subscription, you can help provide a child with much needed meals and help him/her get through school by sponsoring a child. You never know. Your child could become a doctor or a teacher.


3. Hati is a website that lists non-profitable organisations in Malaysia. Help these organisations by sponsoring school books. Some organisations help their boarders make a living by collecting items such as old newspapers or electronics and making them into new products to be sold. Message me for more information on this.

These ways of helping are simple and don't take very much time out of your day or very much money out of your pocket. They're not mutually exclusive, and doing all 3 would be a fantastic effort on your part. Think about how much you can do in a few minutes.