Aid to Haiti revives unity in Americans

By William Chamberlin
The Guardsman

The U.S. is wrapping its arms around the island of Haiti, which was devastated Jan. 12 by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake, offering the survivors the humanity that defines this country.

The U.S. has responded compassionately to the victims of the earthquake, which the Haitian government said could kill upward of 200,000 civilians.

The Bush Sr. and Clinton administrations tried to reduce the number of Haitians allowed into the U.S. because of the refugees’ poor education. In contrast, President Obama gives them food and shelter.

There was bad blood regarding George W. Bush’s response time to Hurricane Katrina, but Obama began providing aid to Haiti during the very first days after the earthquake. He announced on Jan. 14 that $100 million would be sent to the troubled country, and on Jan. 16 and 17, 10,000 troops were deployed to ravished Haiti to provide physical assistance. This is in addition to civilian volunteers.

These bold steps have been met with conflicting opinions from opposing political parties. Regardless of what people are disputing, it is evident that the overall message from the U.S. to Haiti is “we are here to help.”

With any type of horrific tragedy there are those who seem to use the incident to express their views of the government and the faults of the opposing political party. Rush Limbaugh, the right-wing radio personality, violated his listeners and the country by telling the rich to keep their money and that the left is stupid for giving aid to Haiti.

“We’ve already donated to Haiti. It’s called the U.S. income tax,” spewed Limbaugh to a caller to his show on Jan. 13.

Obama has even met with former Presidents Bush and Clinton to set them up as coordinators of the relief efforts for Haiti, the Washington Post reported. During a time when the U.S. economy is at a low, budget cuts are plenty and jobs are scarce, this country is stepping up to help a truly desolate, decimated nation.

All political agendas aside, there is nowhere in San Francisco lacking discussion of the Haitian matter. San Francisco is also prone to earthquakes, so even stronger sympathy emanates from residents’ voices.

Almost unanimously, support and aid is coming from all corners of the country and the spirit of help and generosity is strong.

The unity of the nation was in question because of the economy and ever fluctuating presidential approval, but lending physical aid and supplies to Haiti has revived that unity.

There will be various stages of rebuilding in Haiti, and a U.S. presence with physical and financial support offers that country much-needed assistance. The people of this country have stretched their arms once more, giving hope to the hopeless.