Extremely Sad But True - American People vs. Rebuilding Haiti

[curious3069]

I wasn't judging you, nor did I say anything about your background. I was pointing out, that regardless of what you say, there are areas in the US that are just as bad as Haiti was before the earthquake.

And there are the key words..."before the earthquake"

 

[Art 1]

When Katrina hit about 60% of the residents were renters. They have not home because the landlord chose not to rebuild. They could move back but that would mean they would have to buy the land from the landlord and then build their own home or they can wait for the landlord to rebuild. They chose the later because they either can't afford any home or they don't want to do the work.

That's the thing, adults who are renting with no money and don't want to work.

 

[wdwfan16]

That's the thing, adults who are renting with no money and don't want to work.

I was agreeing with you.

 

[Colleen27]

In all honestly, Americans don't like to help each other (long term). We will help each other in a pinch (9/11 or Katrina) but beyond that...not really. Those who still don't have a home from the Katrina disaster are officially homeless. Look at all the homeless people in the US. We give money to shelters and try to help soup kitchens but that's where the help stops. Its like healthcare...you are on your own and that's the way Americans want it. Those that don't want it that way try to change the system. I wouldn't hold my breath for Detroit.

I agree. The mythology of our culture is such that we believe anyone can make their fortune here, and no matter how much factual evidence contradicts that belief, it persists and is reflected in our overall unwillingness to truly help our own people.

What bothers me about the relief for Haiti is that what we're doing is akin to a family in foreclosure using a credit card to donate to charity. Helping others is great, but it is irresponsible to rack up additional debt (even if 150mil is only a drop in the bucket) to do so.

 

[cheermom1]

I agree. The mythology of our culture is such that we believe anyone can make their fortune here, and no matter how much factual evidence contradicts that belief, it persists and is reflected in our overall unwillingness to truly help our own people.

What bothers me about the relief for Haiti is that what we're doing is akin to a family in foreclosure using a credit card to donate to charity. Helping others is great, but it is irresponsible to rack up additional debt (even if 150mil is only a drop in the bucket) to do so.

That is what I was trying to say ..you said so much better than me

 

[Colleen27]

LOL. that's an easy question. It's a poor country that has no oil.

Here are the aid given by the U.S. according to country. Only now is it a problem. very interesting.

Israel recieved over 200 million bucks in 2007 3/4 for military aid
Egypt recieved 1,795 million 3/4 for military aid
Columbia 558 million for supposed drug abatement
Jordan 461 million to keep the peace in the middle east.

http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/foreign_commerce_aid/foreign_aid.html

I can't even imagine the outcry if we even thought about cutting foreign aid to Israel.

I think a lot of people look at Haiti as similar to our inner cities, plagued by crime, gangs, and corruption and probably beyond saving. It is the Detroit of the Caribbean - no one cares how poor they are because of the perception that they're not willing to help themselves. From 1990 to 2005, the US gave 1.5 BILLION in aid to Haiti, and what has it accomplished? Is it any wonder that in our current economy, people are more concerned about where our dollars are spent?

FWIW I'm generally opposed to foreign aid, period. I have no issue with our govt stepping up with needed resources in times of crisis, and don't have a problem with our search & rescue teams, military, construction, and medical resources being used in these circumstances. I don't think we should be giving money to foreign govts, however, especially in nations like Haiti where history has shown time and again that monetary assistance likely won't be put to effective use.

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

I will be happy if I never hear the phrase "our own" ever again.

 

[PebblesMK]

I think a lot of people look at Haiti as similar to our inner cities, plagued by crime, gangs, and corruption and probably beyond saving. It is the Detroit of the Caribbean - no one cares how poor they are because of the perception that they're not willing to help themselves. From 1990 to 2005, the US gave 1.5 BILLION in aid to Haiti, and what has it accomplished? Is it any wonder that in our current economy, people are more concerned about where our dollars are spent?

FWIW I'm generally opposed to foreign aid, period. I have no issue with our govt stepping up with needed resources in times of crisis, and don't have a problem with our search & rescue teams, military, construction, and medical resources being used in these circumstances. I don't think we should be giving money to foreign govts, however, especially in nations like Haiti where history has shown time and again that monetary assistance likely won't be put to effective use.

I'm guessing that the average Joe in Haiti would like to help themselves but have absolutely no way to. The US did give lots of money...to a corrupt government who didn't put it where it was needed. Some people have to get by on what they can.

With that said, I don't think help should be withheld from Haitians. If devastation were to hit our inner cities, would you look at them and say "Nah, they had opportunities to help themselves", OR would you see a little toddler stuck under a bunch of concrete, crying for help and have an overwhelming feeling in your heart that you will move mountains to save that sweet little child?

So many of those people have nothing and while I agree that the US shouldn't pour millions upon millions of dollars in helping them rebuild what they lost, the US does need to step up and be the compassionate country we've always been known as. It's not hurting us to take some food, water and a few helping hands over there right now. I can't even begin to explain how many people would be willing to go above and beyond right now. In my town this past week, approximately 30 Haitian children have come over because they have nowhere to go. Many families have opened their hearts, homes and wallets for these kids. There are still more children to come. I know a lot of people who immediately tried to find a way over to Haiti to lend a hand in whatever way they possibly can. Compassion shouldn't be hard to come by. Heck, if every person in the US were to give even a dollar, Haiti would have 305,316,543 dollars.

As I said, Haiti has a corrupt government so I can honestly understand not wanting our tax dollars to go to something empty, but to give to a local church or organization will insure your money actually goes to help the people of Haiti. When all is said and done, someday I may be in a position that these people are in and I sure hope and pray that there are enough people to stop thinking about their wallets, their ego or whatever it is that halts compassion, and lend a helping hand in whatever way they're able.

 

[Colleen27]

This summed it up far better than I could: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/01/25/haiti-is-not-our-long-term-responsibility-detroit-is/

 

[DancingBear]

This summed it up far better than I could: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/01/25/haiti-is-not-our-long-term-responsibility-detroit-is/

Uhhhh, yeah. That's the link in the OP.