I wanted to share this story with my extreme weather tracking blog to show another side of donating and the use of relief funds that I found to be very interesting.
The Japanese government decided to give $29 million of their tsunami relief funds to the whaling industry, which the government explains as a long-standing Japanese tradition. While there is not much of a demand (if any) for whale meat in this day and age, Japan has been receiving permission from the International Whaling Commission for years now to continue their "research-based" whale hunt, claiming 1000 (accounted for) whales every winter. Recent polls in Japan even show that 95% of residents say they rarely eat whale meat, if ever.
While there are several thousands still awaiting relief from the tsunamis in March, Japan is backing their decision entirely, claiming several people are awaiting the whale meat. Many residents of Japan disagree, saying they could spend the money on helping suffering Japanese.
While several are left awaiting relief in the form of food, shelter, or medical attention, Japan will be using the money you donated to buy a new whaling fleet.
http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2011/12/12/blood-money-tsunami-recovery-funds-go-to-japans-whaling-industry/
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