The impoverished nation of Haiti recently suffered a devastating earthquake. The damage and death toll mark this as one of the biggest natural disasters in the last century. In a real show of humanity and brotherhood, the world has come forward, offering prayers and monetary support to Haiti. There are a few, however, who have sunk lower than most of us can imagine, making insensitive and inappropriate comments about Haiti at a time when the country needs and deserves our compassion.
Right wing conservative leader Pat Robertson remarked that the earthquake was a result of Haiti’s “pact with the devil” and suggested the nation was “cursed”. Rush Limbaugh, a conservative radio and television personality, encouraged his listeners not to donate funds to Haitian relief efforts because it will make President Obama “look good” if funds and supplies were sent to Haiti.
Politics and religious inclinations aside, it is unthinkable that these two individuals, and others, would, in effect, kick the earthquake victims while they are down. Remarks like these go against everything that is humane and just.
Haiti is the world’s oldest black republic and the second-oldest republic, after the United States, in this hemisphere. It is also the only nation whose independence was gained as part of a successful slave rebellion. The US occupied Haiti from 1915 to 1934, and many argue that this created an unstable foundation and a financial system that drained the country’s wealth, taking it outside the nation instead of reinvesting it in the local economy.
We keep hearing how poor Haiti is and how crime ridden it’s streets are. Indeed, it is a poor nation. And there is violence there. But America is partly responsible for the societal issues in Haiti, from the past occupation that left the country on unstable financial ground to our current lack of interest in providing real support to the country.
The victims of the Haiti earthquake need your support. Take action and make a donation today. Your contribution, large or small, will serve as a slap in the face to these insensitive critics who choose to pour salt into the wounds of an already devastated nation. Contact your local Red Cross for information on you may help or visit the organization online at www.redcross.org.
Thank you for the historical insight and compassionate perspective; many folks do not know these facts.
Honestly, I’ve never given Rush Limbaugh the pleasure of poisoning my ears, but I’ve heard numerous horror stories of him insighting hatred of minorities based on inuendo and prejudice. I’m not sure about Pat Robertson, I think he’s on the 700 Club. Conservative or not, this is basic humanity and compassion of which neither of them apparently have. I would hope that Republicans in general can see beyond their hatefullness and blatent racism and help our brothers and sisters in need. God does not judge us by the color of our skin, but by the sin we have in our heart. I’m not a violent person, but I hope the two of them burn in hell. They obviously have nothing but hate in their hearts.
I donated money to the Red Cross, and I support you in your many efforts to help mankind. If only there were more people like you.
Thank you for speaking out Judge Mathis. It seems to be very popular in America to be openly bigoted. I am 59 years old and was born Alabama during segregation . . . I have witnessed many, many changes in America, but this blatant hatefulness in America today is chilling.
it seems like a small thing, but I’m so glad i purchased the ‘hope for Haiti’ album on I-tunes. I selfishly got a lot of good music I was looking for, and hopefully added a drop to the proverbial bucket towards the amount needed for the Haitians right now.
and it just hurts the ability of some to feel nothing and kick those who are down like you said…makes me want to buy the album again.