For a few weeks now, the world has been watching to see how Haiti will survive after a devastating earthquake shook the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Almost immediatley, people from the United States and all across the world began planning recovery efforts. Thanks to technology, it is easier than ever to donate money to the cause. Did you or a family member donate $10 by sending a simple text message? That 10 bucks would be charged to your cell phone bill; convenient to pay, right?
It is amazing to see how the world bonds through disaster! I am watching The Grammy Awards right now, and all the presenters are wearing red crosses on their beautiful gowns and tuxedos. No one has pointed out that these crosses represent unity and support for the Hatian victims, but that is what I am assuming. Have you viewed similar displays of support? Have you seen former Presidents Clinton and Bush and also First Lady Obama appealing to television viewers for financial help?
This week, I'd like you to learn about the great people of Haiti and the recovery mission. Human kind has the power to open hearts and pour out a whole bunch of love when we are at our best. Have you ever stopped to think, why does it take a natural disaster for millions of people to be motivated to help? Could this be a blessing in disguise for Haiti? Will the nation's resources, government, education, and economy be stronger after this monumental disaster? What do you think?
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I have compassion for them but its wearing thin after we go over there to help them and they turn there backs on us and throw us in jail or where ever because we are doing something. i mean every time another country has a problem the United States comes to the rescue and they always turn there back on us and make us the "bad guy".
ReplyDeleteBefore I said anything, I wanted to try and learn more about Haiti. I went to http://www.mapsofworld.com/country-profile/haiti1.html
ReplyDeleteand learned that Haiti is a third world country meaning that it is very poor. 70% of their people depend on agriculture jobs for money while most of them are paid less then they should. 85% of the population is either unemployed or underemployed. Not only that, but Haiti hasn't received any financial aid up to this point from some countries because of political reasons.
Now knowing all of this and seeing the detestation in the streets I am full of mush compassion. There were children just lying dead in the streets or crying because there parents were. And yes Christina, they threw our people in jail; but because they were trying to take children out of the country without the proper paper work. I understand that these missionaries were trying to good, but you can't go around the law. Not matter what.
I also think that it is sad that countries have to come together to help a poor country in such devastating times but turn their backs any other. But, if you think about it, we are having our own crisis here in the US with more people losing their jobs every year. My English class had a discussion about this and i was surprised to see how many people felt the same way.
I read a very interesting forum posted on CNN about a supposed reason for which the earthquake happened in Haiti. http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/01/13/haiti.pat.robertson/index.html. Although, my opinions are slightly different. Brooke, I understand why you would have the opinions you have about the people of Haiti and countries helping out, but recall Hurricane Katrina almost five years ago. http://goneworleans.about.com/od/famouslandmarks/a/truth.htm. The total damage from Katrina was estimated at $81.2 billion nearly double the cost of the previously most expensive storm.
ReplyDelete1,500 people died; 134 were still missing two years after the storm. 204,000-plus homes severely damaged. Over 800,000-plus citizens were forced to live outside of their homes. And this was just one natural disaster in the United States. With America being in a recession, people living on the streets, how is it that we have enough money to pay to another country, but we do not have enough to help our own people. And like Christina mentioned, We get punished for trying to save the lives of children who no longer have homes, families, or any thing else left for them. Priorities need to be determined.