The earthquake was one of the worst disasters seen by the world in years. Hundreds of people were killed and the recovery and clean up efforts reached into the million of dollars. After the disaster, many people began to send money to organizations like to Red Cross to help aid the recovery efforts. America did it’s best to help Haiti but still other people wondered if this was the right decision and whether or not we should continue to help them. Many people wondered why we were helping Haiti now instead of before the earthquake. If America does get involved with Haiti now and try to help its future the consequences could be devastating and make the US suffer. If the US helps now than we will feel the need to help every nation suffering from horrible conditions. If we do this we will then risk our economy and put us into more debt. It is not our obligation as a nation to help other nations. Not many other nations help because they see and understand this. We felt the need when it can to Iraq and Iran. We felt the need to spread democracy which ultimately plunged us into a war for almost 10 years without change to their government. We should not focus on Haiti with their future since our future in American is unknown. In American we are suffered a recession with millions of Americans out of work. Also many people live in poor housing projects and low income housing that are on the boarder line of being condemned. If we do not help Haiti, their way of life will continue the way that it has. Although it is nice to try to help Haiti, especially during the country’s time of need, we can help Haiti yet we should stay out of its uncertain future since our own future is unknown.
I understand where you are coming from when you say that it is not our duty to help other nations. Although, I disagree with this. I feel as though we can help other countries to a certain extent. It is important as a country to keep and help our allies. It is possible for many countries to help one another if they are in a disaster without going into debt or exceeding the limit. The United States saw Haiti suffering and saw what the horrible disaster had done to this piece of land. With seeing this, our country know it was our duty to lend a helping hand whether it include helping clean up the disaster or giving the country money. I am unaware of what America did exactly to help Haiti but I know that the Red Cross was sent over. With the Red Cross sent over, Haiti many people were rescued and given care. Many lives were saved. By sending the Red Cross over, the country would not loose a lot of money or go in debt as you said. Therefore, it all depends on what the country does. Even the littlest effort to restore another nation can make a big difference.
Posted by: Kayla Ferreira | 03/26/2011 at 03:17 PM
Katie, I agree with what you are saying. It is not in America’s best interest to help out long term with Haiti. However, it is good to help out now because of the conditions. I agree when you say that helping long term can make Americans suffer. It is true that if we help with Haiti, we will need to help with everyone, and it is not in America’s best interest to do that now. I agree that none of the other nations feel the need to rebuild Haiti or anything, but America does. Other nations understand that it could jeopardize themselves. You bring a good point about Iraq and Iran and how now we are in a tremendous amount of debt. Especially with the war going on, we cannot afford to be a long-term help to Haiti. Also, it is good to point out the fact that we are currently in a huge recession. With so many out of jobs it has been such a generous offer that so many Americans have donated out of their pockets. So many more donate their time to stay on the help hotlines, etc. It is good that the nation is coming together and helping with what they can. However, the government might be doing the wrong thing. If every nation helped short term to get Haiti back on its feet, then the problem will get better. However, we cannot be the only ones helping forever. We need to help with what we can afford and no more, and other nations should feel the need to help. We should not be the only ones struggling trying to help. It is sad that so many people will turn their backs on a nation in need.
Posted by: alexandria cruz | 04/05/2011 at 11:34 AM