Why Haiti Matters -- President Obama

From Newsweek:

In the tragic aftermath of Haiti's 7.0 earthquake, images of the disaster break our hearts and remind us of the fragility of life. What America must do now—and why.

In the last week, we have been deeply moved by the heartbreaking images of the devastation in Haiti: parents searching through rubble for sons and daughters; children, frightened and alone, looking for their mothers and fathers. At this moment, entire parts of Port-au-Prince are in ruins, as families seek shelter in makeshift camps. It is a horrific scene of shattered lives in a poor nation that has already suffered so much.

Read more ....

My Comment: Long time readers of this blog know that I have always had a special relationship with Haiti. A business associate of mine was born in Haiti, and I was in the country in 1994.

I know that President Obama's words will be appreciated by the Haitian people .... but it will be his future actions that people will remember. My suggestion .... he should take heart of the following editorial from Investors Business Daily .... U.S. Must Help Haiti Embrace Markets.

The aid will be appreciated, but it is establishing the conditions for economic growth and development that will make the difference in the long term .... and it will be that legacy that he should be remembered for.