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The devastation of Haiti has shown a great deal about humanity in general and the United States in particular.
On the negative side, the destruction shows the terribly vulnerability of our cities to natural disasters. While we do know how to build structures that can stand up well to earthquakes, these structures tend to be rather expensive. While it is often claimed that human life is priceless, we are generally unwilling to do what it takes to make cities reasonably safe from natural disasters. Part of this is a matter of price. Of course, some it is also due to the human tendency to fail to properly assess potential threats from natural disasters and to prepare properly.
On the positive side, the disaster has shown the better side of humanity. People from around the world are sending aid and support to the country. Volunteers are, as they say, on the ground assisting as best they can. Leading the way, as so often is the case, is the United States.
While America is often cast in a negative light, as a country and as individuals we consistently step up and do what is right. Money from Americans pours into disaster areas. Our military arrives, not to take advantage of the disaster and conquer, but to render aid and conduct rescue efforts. What we do certainly says a great deal about us as a people.
While I was watching the coverage of the disaster in Haiti, I also saw coverage of various terrorist groups and terror issues. This made an interesting contrast. While groups like Al Qaeda claim to be driven by a moral and righteous purpose, what they offer the world is only destruction, oppression and murder. They add to the world’s pain. In contrast,the enemy of Al Qaeda (that is, the United States) is rushing to Haiti to render aid and save lives. I think this nicely shows the difference between the United States and groups like Al Qaeda.
If you want to help, here is a link to CNN’s Impact page. They have links to various aid groups. As always, be sure that you are giving to legitimate groups rather than con artists. It is a sad commentary that people use such disasters as opportunities for scams.
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Excellent post. The American Red Cross accepts Amazon payments. Two clicks and you’re done.
Al-Qaeda’s modus operandi has kinda queered the deal on them delivering aid to disaster areas, n’est pas? Who’d admit their “aid workers” or accept their packages?
All the Al-Qaeda operatives in Haiti were killed in the earthquake.
I doubt it. They were probably working as clerks and security guards in the US Embassy. US “Intelligence.” What a track record they’ve had for years. And just musing here I wonder whose butt you’d have to kiss to be US Ambassador to Haiti. The devil’s or Pat Robertson’s? If you’re giving via amazon and already have an account set up it’s two clicks, that quick. If not, I’d recommend going directly to the American Red Cross site. Takes a minute and a half tops.
http://pearl10ten.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/i-am-experiencing-my-own-haiti-in-america/
lifeline? Pretty much the way those in third world countries survive! They resort to crime, prostitution, they do not have lives; and those who do work are considered the working poor.
It is both fortunate and unfortunate that we all have different financial capacities. If I had more, most likely I would be prompted to give more to those in dire need of assistance. The economy has not improved, people are signing their goods over to pawnshops; payday loan stores are profiting painstakingly at the expense of those who are striving to stay afloat, and of course, the number of jobs ratio to the number of applicants available is disproportionate.
America needs a band-aid too! We are hurting! The banks got a bailout, but those who have lost their homes could not be bailed out by their banks.
When will America take care of itself first and then solicit their help to others? I know people who are scared to go to the doctor or who have put off seeing a doctor while their health further declines so that they can buy food for their families.
This too, is a day in America, some are without utilities. Some are blowing in smoke in their homes using outdoor grills from outside to keep themselves warm.
This is not a black or white thing…it is happening to those in all social classes. Some have gone back to college with hopes of having better life outcomes and there are no jobs, no opportunities, and how does one get a job with a bad credit rating if they cannot pay their bills? What is your answer or your thoughts about All of this?
I am experiencing my own Haiti right here in the heart of America. I am exhausted by the United States failing to respond to people in their own country living like third world civilians. So how do people in America survive when they are not provided with a lifeline? Pretty much the way those in third world countries survive! They resort to crime, prostitution, they do not have lives; and those who do work are considered the working poor.
It is both fortunate and unfortunate that we all have different financial capacities. If I had more, most likely I would be prompted to give more to those in dire need of assistance. The economy has not improved, people are signing their goods over to pawnshops; payday loan stores are profiting painstakingly at the expense of those who are striving to stay afloat, and of course, the number of jobs ratio to the number of applicants available is disproportionate.
America needs a band-aid too! We are hurting! The banks got a bailout, but those who have lost their homes could not be bailed out by their banks.
When will America take care of itself first and then solicit their help to others? I know people who are scared to go to the doctor or who have put off seeing a doctor while their health further declines so that they can buy food for their families.
This too, is a day in America, some are without utilities. Some are blowing in smoke in their homes using outdoor grills from outside to keep themselves warm.
This is not a black or white thing…it is happening to those in all social classes. Some have gone back to college with hopes of having better life outcomes and there are no jobs, no opportunities, and how does one get a job with a bad credit rating if they cannot pay their bills? What is your answer or your thoughts about All of this?
You’re right it’s not a black or white thing. There was a theory out there that unemployment exists because people choose not to work for very low wages. According to this book I’m reading Keynes basically shot that theory to hell.Current high unemployment among whites isn’t because they choose not to work. Giving up on looking for a job isn’t the same as choosing. Or because blacks choose not to work. And it’s a pretty good chance that the view that existed long before this recession that blacks are poor and don’t work because they don’t want to they’re just lazy n—s is a dumb view too. If anything this period we’re going through should bring that home to unemployed whites and blacks.
You’re right it’s not a black or white thing. There was a theory out there that unemployment exists because people choose not to work for very low wages. According to this book I’m reading Keynes basically shot that theory to hell.Current high unemployment among all Americans isn’t because they choose not to work. Giving up on looking for a job isn’t the same as choosing not to work. And it’s likely that the view that existed long before this recession that blacks are poor because they don’t want to work they’re just lazy n—s is a stupid view . Here’s hoping those whites who can’t find jobs now who used to sit back and made assumptions about blacks being lazy come out of this understanding that.
Thank you so much for such a well and defined response. I really do not think point of views will even begin to remedy this mess. I guess we will just all have to hope that those who have the powers that be will actually start to showcase their focuses collectively on getting to the roots of America’s real problems.