Haiti,lets discuss it civilly
- Thread starter Kakato
- Start date
I have enough on other strings to know some people are misinformed about the level of US charity. I don't care for many things the US does internationally, but they are the world leader in humanitarian aid and disaster relief for Haiti. Not just now, but for years...
In comparison, the Canadian government has only pledged $5M so far. That would make the US government about twice as generous per capita as the Canadian government, as they have about 10x's our population.
US foreign policy can be legitimately criticized in areas, but not when it comes to their level of aid to Haiti.
In comparison, the Canadian government has only pledged $5M so far. That would make the US government about twice as generous per capita as the Canadian government, as they have about 10x's our population.
US foreign policy can be legitimately criticized in areas, but not when it comes to their level of aid to Haiti.
UN has been around for 60 years and I think 2010 would be a good time for them to do something useful. I think a universal building code should be established. NOw I understand there would have to be some flexibility to account for local conditions. All building world wide from now on should meet certain codes. A possible exception would be igloos.
When it comes to charity, it's in bad form to be criticising the amount donated. Charity is a personal thing and as long as everyone does the best they can that's what matters. Does the $5 million contributed so far preclude us from making further donations? Didn't Harper say he'd match personal contributions up to $50 million? These are early days. Money is not the only contribution being made. No need to stir up trouble on a matter like this.
When most people consider this situation for more than about 2 seconds they realize it's a situation that is beyond their control.
Perhaps they were hoping the ones with the trucks and loaders could drop off food and water and pick up the rotting flesh for proper disposal (at sea) while they went back to carry more out for pick-up. Did you consider this ?
Canada has on-going aid to Haiti that is substantial. We've added aircraft and ships and another 5 million dollars.
Reuters AlertNet - Canada pledges $555 million in aid to Haiti
Reuters AlertNet - Canada pledges $555 million in aid to Haiti
'Mr Robertson and Mr Limbaugh...you serve no good, you serve no God. You inspire only stupidity and hatred, and I would wish you to Hell, but knowing how empty your souls must be, for you to be able to say such things in a time of such pain, I suspect the vacant, purposeless lives you both live now are Hell enough already.'
Keith Olbermann
Canada pledged 555 million dollars to Haiti in '08.... before there was even ever a catastrophe.... to be doled out over a 5 year span... 111 million dollars a year.
Canada pledges $555 million to Haiti
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I also believe that the people of Haiti are overwhelmed with everything and the streets are probably the only place clear enough to line up bodies. I doubt it is intentional.
I've heard that most port facilities have been pretty much destroyed...if true, is that going to mess up the unloading of relief ships? Just asking...not quite up to date on the details.
Yes, it must be an organizational nightmare. I think you're likely quite right, ES - the streets might be the only open spaces to line up the bodies. Bloody awful situation. I saw the aftermath of the Kobe earthquake in Japan in '95 and it wasn't pretty...and I do remember the streets did have some open areas, where the buildings hadn't fallen into them.
It may slow things down if they cannot dock. I am not sure what sort of ships the Navy is sending but if they send the Amphibious ships they can get tons of supplies ashore on any beach rather quickly. The key will be getting them off the beach and to affected areas in the country.
Logistics...that is the key.