The USA and the Haitian Earthquake

[texkit1]

For me it is the Christian thing to do to help others out whether they are here or live else where.

Jesus said " Whatever you did for the least of My brothers and sisters, you did for Me"

So for me it doesn't matter what country you live in or come from that we be there for each other. I believe we are to be like Jesus to others.

Pammi I know what hard times are like. I have been there many times. But to go into why we are not helping out more here in our own county would lead us into a political discussion and don't think that this is the place or the right time for it.

People are donating on their own and doctors are volunteering on their own. But donation from people on their own will still not be enough money. The main reason they are asking for money donation instead of goods is because it will be easier for like the Red Cross to buy supplies they know are needed and get it into the country.
The news reports were already in Haiti before they closed the airports in that country. There are so many people all over the world pulling together and helping out. I have seen England pledge money and send in rescure crews with their dogs. I heard China has sent a ship with supplies. If anything positive comes out of this, is that we all our coming together to help this poor country out.

I am sorry you are going through a rough time and I pray that you will get better and that life will be better for you.

Right now I am thankful that I am sitting in my warm house on my computer, can go to my kitchen and find food and that my children are safe. My heart breaks for the Mothers who have lost children and children who have lost their parents because of this earthquake. My prayers are with them.

[cristian_esza]

First off, I feel terrible for all of those who have been or are involved with anyone hurt or killed by the terrible earthquake. It was a terrible terrible ordeal.

I am a US citizen, have been my whole life. I have paid taxes to live here for a bit more than 40 years. The past 3 years, I have not been able to find work so I am not working. I had a bout with cancer and no insurance so I still owe like $10,000! Now my credit is bad because I cant afford to pay that bill.

Heres the kicker. The US just sent a bunch of doctors over to Haiti. FREE of charges!! I am really pissed.. What about our own citizens?? I want to cry!
I know they need the help..and I pray for them.. but How many other countries are sending their doctors over there to help??

Now, I just heard they dont want supplies.. they want money so they can buy the supplies in Haiti! Yeah.. that hits me right in my pocket...we give away our money when we are so terribly in debt And put it in the pockets of another country! If they have the supplies there..why dont they just use them? Give to their own rather than taking from another poor country!

Is your country contributing to Haiti??

Not a North American citizen here but a South American one.

You are certainly entitled to think that as a taxpayer, the money that the US spends on external help should be spent inside the country. Sometimes I too have the feeling that my own government is spending money on the wrong things.

But emergency-help is the kind of something that I usually approve of and I am particularly proud of those countries that decided to help. What you (and every taxpayer in the US) should be worried about is the vast amount of money the US is spending on helping Iraq and Afghanistan. Because believe me, these wars represent the largest piece of the US budget and the Haitian help is just a pocket change compared on what costs to maintain the armies in the middle east.

[tinhouse]

I agree with what you said 100% Susan, its about having compassion for whose lives are devastated.

I live in Africa, and my conception of povery is different to others, I understand that, at times I find it difficult to accept that I am so very, very blessed when there are so many without even their basics needs. We HAVE to reach out to those who have nothing, because sometimes having two loaves of bread is twice as much as the next man may have.

Cris, you said what was in my mind, but I never had the courage to say! LOL

[texkit1]

But emergency-help is the kind of something that I usually approve of and I am particularly proud of those countries that decided to help. What you (and every taxpayer in the US) should be worried about is the vast amount of money the US is spending on helping Iraq and Afghanistan. Because believe me, these wars represent the largest piece of the US budget and the Haitian help is just a pocket change compared on what costs to maintain the armies in the middle east.

You are so right Cris.....I just didn't say it because I was trying not to be to political. I could go on a whole rant on that one. Thanks for saying it for us.

Tinhouse I think many of us fail to see the true poverty in other countries and to understand how bad it is and how lucky we really are. I am even guilty of that...Haiti was not even in my thoughts until this earthquake happened. I am like you feeling blessed but finding it hard to accept all the blessing I do have. Wondering at times, why me.

[Beddog]

Unfortunately, a sizeable amount of donations and aid falls into the hands of the wrong people who in turn use it for the wrong reasons. This has happened countless times in Third World countries.

[tinhouse]

I know from living in Africa, that is a huge problem, Susi. Unfortunately there are greedy people in all govt's and they will take any opportunity to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor man who is in need. We can only hope that this is not going to happen with Haiti.

[Bea]

They had an earthquake. I'm sorry for your circumstances. I really am. I am ill often and was born with a genetic disease that can never be cured. Because of it, I must be on kidney dialysis. Without the treatment I will die. My bills are also quite high, and since I am young, I rely on my parents.

However, I understand them sending doctors to Haiti. Haiti is an extremely corrupt country who has just suffered a horrible tragedy. While I can see feeling hurt and confused and upset that they receive medical treatment for free... this is a country where otherwise, medical treatment would be impossible. Should thousands die because they cannot afford to pay or do not hold the political clout to have a doctor?

Also: the airports being closed, various news stories you are hearing ... some are examples of the corruption in Haiti. Where there is destruction, there are those people who will want to profit. It is a horrible, horrible thing. However, with awareness, perhaps it will be possible for the aid to get through to those who really need it.

[Gemz]

I understand what you're saying, and I agree to some degree however I'd rather send help out there, its about people helping people.. and I would hope if the UK was under attack that people from other countries would help us.. but I do sympathize with your situation.

[RingzTerritory]

For all the people crying, it's not like they are taking your paychecks and sending those over there. I don't see you crying whenever your 'hard earned' tax dollars are used on MORE worthless bullcrap in the US, lol.

Plus they aren't forcing the doctors over there, plenty of doctors go to countries like that and work all year round for FREE because they know people in countries like that have it alot worse. They are called *good people*.

[CaptainJaz]

For all the people crying, it's not like they are taking your paychecks and sending those over there. I don't see you crying whenever your 'hard earned' tax dollars are used on MORE worthless bullcrap in the US, lol.

Their not taking our paychecks? Really? Because I thought our tax dollers were our paychecks sliced inhalf by our goverment. They are sending our paychecks over there and for what? So the people in Haiti can turn us away and loot? Spare me the "Americans are crybabies" speach. We don't do anything but put our money into third world countries just so they can hop on the "I hate America" bandwagon. I've said it before and I'll say it again, we have to clean our own back yard before we start thinking about someone elses.

Plus they aren't forcing the doctors over there, plenty of doctors go to countries like that and work all year round for FREE because they know people in countries like that have it alot worse. They are called *good people*.

No kidding really? Doctors working all year round for free in third world countries? You might want to get your facts straight before you go into a debate room. I myself don't see how anyone could make ends meet ALL YEAR LONG WITH NO PAYCHECK! Cheese and crackers. Doctors working for free for an entire year...don't make me laugh.