Originally Posted by Joethefordguy

i have to agree. Yes, we can make a difference "... to that one...", but the bottom line is that Haiti has been in the hands of criminals for generations. For the most part, they are the ones that will get the money, not the ones that need it.

as to half a million dead, that was local political grandstanding... Haiti's population is a llittle over 9 mill, i dont' think they lost almost 6% in one shot. Whatever it is, though, the dying has only begun. no hospitals, no responders, no local ability to help themselves. there is no infrastructure because crooks own the place, and they don't give a s**t.

Om Haiti, everything fell down. The dominican republic, next door on the same island, noticed a "strong shaking"... can you say corrupt construction industry? along with corrupt everything else.

you wanna help them? send food, water, medicine, ... and guns. then a backbone to use them. if they want to be dependent, they will always be dependent, and neither the earthquake nor our help will change that.

(s) cynical old fart

Originally Posted by Norm

If you donate to the Red Cross or other reputable charity the criminals are not going to get it. Why let innocent people suffer because of a few bad apples?

The Dominican Republic felt strong shaking but were also miles away from the epicienter. Just like Sacramento barely felt the earthquake that caused San Francisco to collapse.

Originally Posted by dlenkewich

Those 'bad apples' are causing most of the suffering. You can't solve the problem by throwing money at it.

Originally Posted by greencrew

Sorry for not taking sides, but I agree with most of the points made. Your $20 will do little, the problems will remain there until they realize they need to take responsibility for themselves, and those in charge become accountable for the suffering resulting from their corruption, and right now those people are in desperate need of help from anyone who can provide it. People are trapped, and they won't survive many days without water.

I believe I have done my part to made a real difference in the lives of two Haitian children. Last year my brother in law and his wife adopted two teen age children from Haiti. One girl and younger brother. Granted both my Brother in law and his wife are very special people and done most of the work deserving of most of the credit, but did my share of ensuring their being accepted into the family and their feeling accepted in the family. The boy is adapting fine. He is a fun loving kid who wants to learn how to play American basketball. The girl has been struggling to adapt socially, and has been somewhat disruptive. At family gatherings I address the many cousins proclaiming that the newly adopted Haitians are now their cousins.

One example. We had a large party at our house last summer with all of my family, my wife's family and many neighbors, with lots of food, drink and the front lawn full of cars. Recognizing a rare opportunity I walked over the the young Haitian girl and asked if I she would like to go on an international tour with me. Though she was confused and lacking interest she decided to honor my silly suggestion. First I introduced her to my Polish neighbor and his wife. I asked what age they were when they first came to the states, added a few more questions, and invited to share any interesting stories. Then we walked over to my friend from Romania with the same questions. Then we did the same with my wife's friend and her husband from China. After that we spoke to Tony from Vietnam. Tony's story is that his ship sank on the way over, but they were rescued by a pirate ship. He called it a pirate ship because these fishermen dropped off the people at a port, but left with all their belongings.

I wanted her to see beyond her own situation that others from other countries have struggled through what she is now experiencing, so she is not alone, and does not have to do it alone, and people do talk about it with others even if their English is heavy with accent and missing a few words, and some day she would look back on this experience, and it would be OK. It was fun, and I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, this young girl, or my international friends.

Originally Posted by Labnerd

MSNTV just showed a clip reporting that a Dominican Republic business man had brought a truck load of food to Haiti to help out. They shot the guy. Yep, the morons shot the guy trying to help feed them. They also shot one of his helpers. Personally, I think God is trying to tell the world something and maybe we oughta stay out of His way. Haiti has been nothing but a drain on the international community and I think now is a good time to let nature run it's course and sterilize it. Here's the clip:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540...99251#34899251

Originally Posted by Stealth

Making a donation to the Red Cross is not throwing money at it.

Originally Posted by dlenkewich

I'm afraid I have no rebutle, as I'd just be repeating myself again.

Originally Posted by dlenkewich

Those 'bad apples' are causing most of the suffering. You can't solve the problem by throwing money at it.

Originally Posted by Klitch

I have a question...

have we even finished cleaning up the hurricane mess in our own back yard?

Originally Posted by dlenkewich

I love this story. It goes back to the post made about helping your communties. In theory one could hope a good deed could be payed forward all the way down the line reaching the farthest human being while helping those near and dear all along. Now THAT could help, but alas may be a bit far fetched for our world.

Originally Posted by thetruck

Doubtful, I think American needs to worry about its own problems other than other countries problems. Economy still sucks and instead of spending money to help out itself, America sends it to another country.
I'm wonder how many countries will help up if a HUGE natural disaster hits home (America). I guarantee Haiti will NOT lift a finger or even think about it.
Way I see it, if a place is a known future disaster area, I don't pity people who live there. It's the risk they take.