Monday, January 18, 2010

Aftermath in Haiti

I have been watching the devastation on television in Haiti, just many like many others. I just can't believe the level of death and destruction. The world's response has been terrific. Even here in the Dominican Republic, there was a telethon and many people who are pooling their resources to do whatever they can to help. Major telephone companies are allowing free calls from the D.R. to Haiti for a month. Other companies are collecting supplies, or donating a percentage of sales. And when you look at the photos and see it on television you understand just how immense the problem is. I just hope that in the next several weeks and months there is still a commitment to help Haiti. I also hope that the millions of dollars that are pouring in now go to actually making the situation in Haiti better, and not to the usual corruption and bullshit. The other thing I still can't get out of my mind is how incredibly lucky we are here in the Dominican Republic.

6 comments:

John K said...

I too have been stunned by the destruction Haiti suffered, and yet impressed by the response across the world. I was also thinking about the issue of aid and accountability. Pras (Prakazrel Michel), of the Fugees, who is Haitian-American, was on WNYC this morning, and he is really pushing hard to ensure that the US government carefully audits every dime that's being sent and spent in his Haiti. From what I could tell, he's in contact with Obama and is urging him to ensure transparency and hold the officials in Haiti to account so that there really is reconstruction, development and betterment for all rather than just a corrupt few elites. It's going to be very hard, but I think it's possible.

Anonymous said...

The news coming on CNN tonight, is not good, there is still many victums in need(some even critical)who are still not getting the proper medical attention, yet there is suppose/ly many medical teams(on the ground) along with supplies waiting there to assist these poor people and yet not much is being done. This I do not understand.Whats the hold up????Now there is pockets of riots breaking out with few police to keep matters under control,why can't the U.S. military take charge of policing?? until things are in better control by the Haiti goverment.It's going on a week now and still so many things are not in place yet nor being addressed in a timely manor.Many unanswered questions and what seems like no orginization is in control of much of anything there.While this confusion is still going on ,like Anderson(along with Dr.Gupta)said during the night many patients are dying from lack of proper medical care.From here this just not seem right nor acceptable after a week into this crisis,yet who am I??just on outsider looking in from a distance,but it remains a very sad situation for those poor people of Haiti.Many U.S. offical's,even to former President Clinton, have been there and yet where is the action??? This I do not understand,it should have to be this way.If for some reason the Haiti goverment are not in position nor able to take charge then someone should,PLEASE someone do something.We can see,at the airport,supplies are stacked up all over the place yet many are still in need of water and food,so dear God what will it take to move on this situaion,is beyond me.Jim from Houston, Tx.

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Anonymous said...

Anthony, have you or anyone noticed an influx of Haitians migrating to the Dominican Republic since the earthquake struck?..I guess it is inevitable.And if it happens, do you suppose the Dominican government would deport them back to Haiti?

Anonymous said...

oooh! the last poster is ruthless. Child, why are you worried about an influx of Haitians and deportation?

Anonymous said...

On the contrary..I'm not worried about the Haitians migrating to anywhere they can find a better life than what they suffer now..I only hope the Dominican Government is willing to open it's borders to it's neighbors.I'm sure that the Haitians would have done the same thing for the Dominicans if it were the other way around.