First we are not repairing this Nation we are going to have to build it and from the rubble of a major earthquake. On a good day Haiti had no infrastructure Governmental or societal to satisfy the basic human needs. We keep hearing we are not in the Nation building business. Afghanistan and Iraq aside we certainly are now! Secretary Clinton said we have a chance not to repair and patch up the destruction but to build a Nation, build a new Haiti.
Haiti is a 4th world Nation of to 10 million people 70% living on $1 per day. 3 million now injured and or homeless. Do you realize the monumental task of just trying to care for and feed 3 million people let alone clear the rubble and build a Nation to be proud of? I can not see it happening but I hope the world tries to make it a reality and not having fatigue set in and have it left to the US.
You know I just discussed the very real possibility of a Haitian boat lift as the situation worsens especially since Napolitano gave temporary immigration status supposedly only to those already in the US. The death rate will continue to climb as there are many areas yet visited everything else aside. Estimates are 150,000 now and violence is mounting. We can negate the possibility of a boat lift but it is going to take a concerted effort, sacrifice by legal Haitian Americans, and sacrifices from all Americans. I have to agree with General Honore!
I see riots breaking out and Government buildings being burned. I said from the beginning this will dwarf the Tsunami and it will. knowing that I would hope it would be a temporary arrangement but I agree with General Honore that we must begin a mass exodus of the sick injured and elderly to the US and set them up in camps. During the interim we can concentrate on logistical planning, getting food and care to those that need it, and security, security, security!
The solution for Haiti! There are said to be 530,897 Haitian Americans. I expect that number to be much higher and know there are currently 30,000 facing deportation who just got a temporary stay from Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. Anyway Haitian Americans that have the talents Haiti is going to need to build a better Haiti should return to Haiti to build the Government and societal infrastructure that has never existed. Now is their chance if they Love Haiti!
Every day can, will, and is getting better! However this is going to take an innovative and concerted effort. I have been hearing the fact that the USS Carl Vinson is in Haiti criticized. However, our military made the difference during Katrina and the Tsunami, and they are making the difference here. There is a new role for the military of the 21st century and we will discuss it again soon. The Carl Vinzon is is critical right now and recovery efforts are being coordinated from her decks. She also has the ability to make the much needed potable water.
There are so far 10,000 US troops slated to help in Haiti and thousands are already there. They are mission enablers in order to clear the way to supply and rebuild a better Haiti. I understand what some say in that you do not feed the hungry at gun point. However as people get desperate and attempts to feed the sick, elderly, children, and women, are sometimes blocked by desperate men sometimes wielding machetes so security is critical for a successful mission.
I agree with General Honore that despite criticism from some right wing radio hosts that Obama responded too quick because Haitians were black that the response was too slow. Also that the military experienced with rapid deployment should be in charge of the efforts in Haiti not the Agency for International Development "AID" as it is too slow and confused.
He is right! we should be paying Haitians to help distribute food and water to their compatriots. Get General Honore out of retirement! He was the white knight of New Orleans during Katrina. We need him once again to coordinate efforts in Haiti. With 37 years experience he is the man and an asset we can not waste and need now. Retired general: U.S. aid effort too slow - USATODAY.com
James Joiner
Gardner, Ma
www.anaveragepatriot.com
