The Devastation Of Haiti

I more or less believe that we, America, should stay out of other people’s business. I’m probably about as Libertarian as they come and believe for the most part, people should be left to their own devices. I don’t believe we should be forcing our beliefs on other countries anymore than I want the government to force me to live my life a certain way. We are, all of us, born free, regardless of what country you were born in. As Jefferson wrote, there are rights, not just those of Americans, but of all man, that are, in in his words, inalienable.

However, there are a few instances in which I think that a people, as a whole, need to work together for a common goal; for example the Hoover Dam, liberating Europe and the Moon landings.

America is more than just a nation; it is an idea, that there is hope and a better life for all. I think as a people, the instinct to do ‘good’ is ingrained in our very consciousness. The 20th century saw what a determined people we can be, through our achievements and sacrifices. The world looked to use for hope and when things looked their darkest, for help.

America and Haiti have had a long, if not always friendly, relationship and since the Monroe Doctrine, we have exercised enormous influence in the Americas. With the addition of the Roosevelt Corollary, this extended to military intervention.

But what if we were to turn our influence, our might as a nation, and the very meaning of the Monroe Doctrine and Roosevelt Corollary, towards a great humanitarian mission? Can you imagine the sight of hundreds of ships streaming from the very horizon, crowding the harbor of Port-Au-Prince, the beaches stormed, not by soldiers, but by doctors, nurses and rescue workers? Imagine the tears in the eyes of those suffering to see the skies suddenly swarming with helicopters,a scene straight straight from Apocalypse Now, but rather than delivering bombs and rockets, instead they drop food, medicine and supplies. Thousands of boots marching towards not conquest, but to the rescue of their fellow man. The skills and abilities of a nation who through sheer determination and will, was capable of leaving the footprints of Man upon the Moon, now brought to bear on reversing disaster and alleviating suffering.

America could do in a few weeks what it would take the rest of the world years to accomplish. Any U.N. humanitarian action illustrates this perfectly. Yet, we need the will to do it. We could help Haiti transform itself from a nation of poverty, hunger and political instability into one of freedom, Democracy and wealth. And then we should leave. All help should be freely given, without strings and with out need for thanks.

Perhaps, the world would see us then, not as a global policeman, but as their brother, their friend, and someone on whom, in their darkest hour they could always depend.

America was a bright and shining beacon to those whose world was dark and without hope. It meant freedom and a chance for a better life. It meant generosity, knowledge, fairness, and hope that humanity was indeed more than just a violent and vicious animal. Much has been done, either out of necessity or hubris to dispel this once heartfelt image of America.

It would let the people of the world again see the good will of American people. We are a great and mighty people, but might and greatness are not measured solely on the power to defeat your enemies or the wealth you can amass. It is measured by the responsibility you take for making the world a better place. It is measured by your willingness to lift the least among you up and help them stand as equals, not out of pity or out of a misguided sense of guilty, but because all mankind is indeed meant for better things.

Like the Phoenix of legend, hope can arise from the ashes of pain and suffering. Fear can be replaced with optimism and confidence in the future….we need only the will to act…and to remember what America really stands for.