A Perspective on Haiti

The earthquake in Haiti was truly a tragedy. So many lives lost, entire communities vanished, little to nothing left for the survivors. The world has mobilized to assist. In this time of war, Americans have turned their attention to aid, help, assistance, monetary donations and prayer for a land on which the vast majority of us will never set foot.

That is the power of America. The world’s favorite whipping boy is also its favorite savior. The American military is the first to arrive. America’s doctors are the first to close private practice and travel to foreign lands. The American dollar is the currency everyone requests.

Lately, however, I have started to feel that the American dollar is the currency that everyone demands. At the United Nations, America seems to receive the vast amount of criticism from other nations because we have not given enough. Should we give more than others simply because we have more? The Bible tells us that “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded”. Not asked, mind you. Demanded.

So we should not be surprised or indignant when the world looks to the United States to provide the majority of aid. It is the natural inclination for us to say, “But it’s mine; I worked for it.” Why should we give to people who may just squander it, spending on things of which we don’t approve? Because that is what giving is. Open-handed, good-willed and no strings attached. It is saying, “Here, take this from me and use it as you see fit. I have much and I am sharing with you.”

Readers do me a favor and read about The Marshall Plan. I say Europe is what it is today because of George C. Marshall’s vision and American’s generosity.

Americans have huge hearts and deep pockets. I am always amazed at our ability to rise above differences and promote peace and love though acts as opposed to oration. We, as they say, put our money where our mouth is.

With that said, I’d like to switch gears a bit and talk about celebrity involvement in aiding others. I have very strong opinions about celebrities using their fame as a pulpit to further their personal agendas. I don’t think it is accurate to say that I will vote, donate, boycott because an actor tells me to.

There was a telethon for the people of Haiti, with lots of big name celebrities telling us to donate. I want to know how much they donated. I know that Sandra Bullock, Pitt/Jolie, Ted Turner and model Gisele Bundchen donated at least $1M. Okay, I will listen to you.

Magician David Blaine is going to raise money by performing his street magic for 72 hours non-stop in Times Square. Really? Seriously? How in the world is that going to help Haitians, and how much is that impacting Blaine’s bank account? I am not listening to you.

I disagree with the notion that only the rich should give because they have more than the rest of us. As stated above, they should give more than me, but not instead of me. Going back to the bible, remember what Jesus said about the widow who gave two very small copper coins, while the rich people threw in large amounts? "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

We don’t need George Clooney to tell us to help others. We don’t need to hear some sad song from The Boss to encourage us to reach out to someone in need whom we’ll never meet. The desire to help our fellow man is innate in all of us. Compassion is a common thread through the fabric of humanity. Thank you all for who you are and what you have done, are doing, and continue to do. We are Americans, the world’s cavalry.

God Bless America.