Jim Wallis’ Call To Bankers To Send Bonuses To Haiti Goes Unheeded

On January 15, 2010, The Reverend Jim Wallis, President and CEO of Sojourners, a Christian Community devoted to Social Justice, sent the following Tweet –  “Wall Street Bankers: Send Your Bonuses to Haiti!”

Haiti, the island nation between Cuba and Puerto Rico, had been struck by a 7-magnitude earthquake on January 12th. 

With devastating consequences around Port-au-Prince, its teeming Capital city.

On January 9th the New York Times reported at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/business/10pay.html that 5 of the largest banks which received taxpayer money under the TARP [Troubled Assets Relief Program] bailout are set to pay out some $45 billion in Bonuses for 2009.

Yes.  You read that right.  It’s “B” – as in Billion.  In Bonuses, alone!

Out of some $90 Billion set aside by these Big 5 as Compensation payments in 2009.

What have these Wall Street Bankers, who are getting $90 Billion in Total Compensation, done in response to Jim Wallis’ plea?

Zilcho.

Nada.  Nothing.

Just dead silence from these Wall Street Bankers.

Here’s what they could do in response to Jim Wallis’ call.

Don’t buy that $4 million Pad.

Avoid restaurants where Breakfast is over $15.

Duck away from the doorways of Luxury-Goods Retailers.

Abandon the thought of buying a Big Boat; charter instead.

Forgo the high-end Vacation Home.

Refrain from meeting with Art Dealers.

Ditto luxury Travel Agents.

Forswear expensive Jewelry, Watches, Baubles.

Shun Bars and Cigars – the kind that Tiger Woods used to haunt.

Steer clear of being Served – by chefs and maids and masseurs.

Instead, choose to Serve.

The poor, desperate, dying, people of Haiti. 

Send your entire Bonus to Haiti.

Whether you like it or not, these are your brothers and sisters.

Made by the same Lord Our God that made you.  And, your wife.  And, children.

Or, in the ultimate act of Christian Love – gather them all together.  And, head off to Haiti.

 
Egbert F “Burt” Bhatty has worked 30 years as an Analyst at the American Embassy, New Delhi, and at British [Dunlop] and American [Chase Manhattan] multinationals.  He is a Certified Catechist.  Holds a 3-year [part time] Certificate in Foundations For Christian Ministry.

Material published in washingtonhotwire.com, unless specifically noted, may be used freely for non-commercial purposes.  Attribution, though not required, will be greatly appreciated.  “…..freely ye have received, freely give.”  [Matthew 10:8 KJV -- King James Version]