I should have said

Someone said:

If I were going to get involved in any cause, it would be for cancer. It’s disgusting that our country can’t cure that disease yet.

What I should have said was

We already have a cure for malaria, measles, diarrhea and tuberculosis, but people are still dieing from them because they can’t afford the meds. Imagine knowing the only thing preventing your child's cure is a few dollars. And by the way, what are you doing to help find the cure for cancer? I’d like to help.


Someone said:

I believe in helping American kids first. I’m sick of America taking care of the world.

What I should have said was:

Great, tell me what you’re doing to help American kids? I’d like to help. I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive. And by the way, America gives less than 1% of its GNP in foreign aid and we are way down on the list of donor countries for developing and third world nations. One more thing: It doesn’t really matter what nationality a child is if he is suffering and we can help. He is a child of God, not a nation.


Someone said:

I know your daughter is in global health and that’s what got you involved, but truthfully, it’s not my thing.


What I should have said is:

Yes, I’ve learned a lot from my children. It’s sort of how I keep up with the world. I feel bad that we’ve given it to them in such a mess so I want to help as long as I can. BTW, what exactly is “your thing?”