Does America really need to support the relief effort in Haiti? Have we ever bee

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   VampKissesposted 15 years ago

   Does America really need to support the relief effort in Haiti? Have we ever been as generous to...
   
   other countries disasters?

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   Christopher Floydposted 15 years ago

   Whoa.  Yes, we have.  We have been overly generous to many failing economies and oppressive regimes for a very long time.  And yes we do need to support Haiti now.  What we should have done is pulled their aid years ago so they could develop on their own or used it ourselves to build roads and infrastructure over there.  The Dominican Republic is on the other side of the same island and it is thriving without our aid.  We don't prop up their government, they have their own exports, and enjoy a higher quality of life.  Haitians could be doing the exact same thing had it not been for the aid we made them dependent on.
   
   Regardless of all that, they need help now.  We help.

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   VampKissesposted 15 years ago

   I was talking more about the aide we supply during disasters, for example,although many celebs donated for the tusami(sp?), the government gave limited help & America itself is in economic ruins, is it smart to fork over billions of dollars when even companies such as Wal-Mart are starting to go under?

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   LetusPonderposted 15 years ago

   Christopher gave an interesting answer.  First, he stated that our aid is largely responsible for the problems in Haiti (to which I agree).  Then he said we should give more aid.  (Yes, I know.  Their problem this time was a natural disaster.  But still...)
   
   I think the bigger question here (and what I think VampKisses is sort of leading to) is:
   
   While we're seeing more pleas for help for Haiti, and more ways to donate money, than for any prior disaster, shouldn't we donate the same amount of effort, advertising space, and energy to solving OUR OWN problems?  What if Michelle Obama made commercials to help the soup kitchens across America?  What if we saw plastered over the entire football stadiums and during every third playoff commercial a plea with a simple "Text TEACHER" option to donate $10 to a teacher's salary fund?
   
   We spent millions upon millions to hopefully raise millions for Haiti.  I think we should spend millions upon millions to strengthen the United States, thus making it easier to for disaster relief in the future.

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   someonewhoknowsposted 15 years ago

   mintinfo -says -
   All aid is economic driven. In the past the banks gave aid in return for economic control of developing countries (IMF). It is a process that maybe beyond the understanding of the average person. Money is given out but in return American corporations are paid by that same money to aid in development.
   The aid being given now by ordinary citizens is mostly through peoples good will but it is filtered through aid organizations which means Americans are being put to work one way or another. Materials are bought with that money which boosts manufacturing, etc. Imagine the scale of re-development that will take place. The money will return right back into US banks The bottom line is any kind of war and disaster is good for the economy.
   
   My response --
   
   There is a book out written by a man from the east coast titled "The confessions of an economic hitman". He says he was part of a scheme to take control of third world countries through the lending of money from the I.M.F. to these contries to build infrastuctures such as dams to provide  power,and roads.However,they Inflated the numbers concerning those countries ability to be able to payback those loans on purpose,in order to use that as leverage in forcing those countries into giving up their countries natural resources,and land ,to The I.M.F.In fact the money that was lent to those countries was used to employ the services of the very people who had a vested interest in getting the money those loans provided.The company this economic hitman worked for claimed to be a construction company,when in fact they didn't even own any construction equipment.They simply outsourced the work to American construction companies,with whom they were working.He admits that he was instrumental in setting up these countries in conjuction with the full knowledge and consent of the I.M.F.in order to gain some economic control over them.The projects they worked on helped only a few of the wealthy rulers and their friends,and caused many poor native people to lose their homes due to dam construction and the like.They weren't trying to help these people ,they were only interested in helping themselves.They are just using money instead of bullets to subjugate these people.If,that doesn't work,then they use the bullets.On,their leader,who doesn't want to coperate.Like they tried to do with fidel Castro in Cuba.
   
   John Perkins confessions of an economic hitman
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAqG51uwzMI

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   commisionerposted 15 years ago

   if the relief is going to the needy yes. but it has been a consistant thing in countries like haiti where the dictator gets the money and lives well(better than ross perot) and the masses get the shaft.we should not send cash but hand deliver goods and equipment to those in need.

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   Springboardposted 15 years ago

   America is very generous throughout many parts of the world. If you'll look back into our recent history even, during the Clinton administration we basically used our military forces as humanitarian forces rather than military ones. I know you are speaking mainly in terms of disasters. I think our aid goes beyond that, but even in 2006 we spent over $3 billion helping out other countries. There was Sri Lanka of course as well.
   
   I think it is important to be compassionate as a people. I also think its good for the USA  brand, if you will. Too often we get noted for our military efforts and not our humanitarian ones.
   
   I think its worth every penny.

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   SOBFposted 15 years ago

   VampKisses you may want to check your sources. During the Tsunami America gave 950 million dollars (Government Money) The amount earmarked for Haiti has been 365 million dollars.
   
   A statement from your previous President
   
   "I will seek $950 million as part of the supplemental appropriations request to support the areas recovering from the tsunami and to cover the costs of relief efforts to date. This amount includes an additional $600 million above my initial commitment of $350 million. We will use these resources to provide assistance and to work with the affected nations on rebuilding vital infrastructure that re-energizes economies and strengthens societies."

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   briannacc22posted 15 years ago

   First of all, the quake in Haiti is one of the worst natural disasters in quite some time. Although i do agree that our government should come to the aide of other countries more. but at the same time, our government doesn't do a very good job meeting the needs of our own people, but that is due to poor resource management.

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    roddmaposted 15 years ago

    950 million could go along way here America need help getting homeless off the street and stoping foreclosure Helping fellow man is good but not when your own country suffers. You dont have to always send financial aid There are other ways to help

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