The Truth About Haiti

I've been avoiding this topic for some time now, because it is somewhat sensitive to me. I get easily frustrated when discussing it.

But I feel I would be remiss if I do not address the topic, so I will give you all some of my thoughts on the tragedy in Haiti.


Please know, the tragedy in Haiti is not about natural disaster.

It is about poverty.

And a country and people jilted and neglected.

One day in January, Barrack Obama told the people of Haiti, "You will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten."

But let's be honest.

They were.

And that is why Haiti faces its current situation.

Natural disasters happen. Earthquakes happen. And people survive them.

The natural disaster is not what caused Haiti to crumble and lives to be destroyed and ended. What caused the situation in Haiti today was poorly constructed buildings. Bad infrastructure. Terrible public services and virtually non-existent aid.



We are only now - after the terrible disaster - offering aid to Haiti. Had this financial aid been given BEFORE the disaster and we had invested in Haiti so that they could improve their infrastructure and construct buildings such as hospitals, government offices, homes, and schools that could better withstand an earthquake, it would have cost less so we could have saved a lot of money and, more importantly, it would have saved thousands of more lives.

So why do we wait until a country like Haiti falls to pieces and hearts are shattered before we intervene?

Political analysts' excuse is that America does not know how to use aid to reduce poverty.

Or does the United States simply choose not to use aid to reduce poverty?

Helping Haiti after this major earthquake gives more media coverage and attention, and makes the United States out to be the knight in shining armor that ran to the rescue. A saint. hero. demigod even.

Giving Haiti the help they needed before the earthquake, would've made the U.S. a mere altruist. A lot less glamorous and attention worthy for its taste.

A country with the ability to withstand adversity is not built on its own. Solid countries often need the help of other countries' resources in order to become affluent powerhouses. America, of all countries, knows this well.

So please, donate to Haiti. But don't stop when the commercials do.

Despite whether or not the system or the 'powers that be' care, we as individuals must.

Capitalism may not have room for humanitarianism or even sympathy. But don't get lost in the shuffle of All-Star games, fashion trends, weekend vacations and clubs. Remember individuals exist outside of our microcosm. And they need help. Not AFTER death and destruction.

But now.





donate this way:




or for LARGER donations, go here:

https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=30961



Peace in Haiti,
élice hennessee