If Not Bread, Then Circuses

Haiti continues to suffer. Hundreds of thousands of its people remain confined in abject poverty in refugee camps. The rubble from the devastating earthquake that levelled Port au Prince and other cities remain as indelible everyday reminders of the disaster that laid waste an already barely functioning nation.

Elections that took place within an unprepared community remain unresolved. Government inaction is legendary, but this stalemate helps no one. The international community which has continued its investment in aiding the country has advanced no large initiatives that would result in rescue of the situation.

Ruin is everywhere. Homeless quake victims see no future for themselves or their dependants. Women and girls continue to be victimized by sexual assaults in the camps during the night. There is no true order, security and safety anywhere. These deplorable conditions barely succeed in inspiring anyone to light-heartedness.

Haitians - some of them - have turned instead to partying. The traditional Carnival is set to kick off, and young women in coquettishly sensual brilliant garb are prepared to entertain the Carnival-goers. Everyone will applaud their saucy efforts and dance techniques. Everyone is invited to attend and to celebrate.

Those who do not believe that Haiti has anything to celebrate will absent themselves. But the festivities will proceed nonetheless. Not all of Haiti's many musical bands have signed on to performing for the big seasonal event.

I don't even feel like singing a carnival song", Joseph Zenny of the band Kreyol-la lamented. "Morally, I don't feel inspired. The people are tired; they are tired of the tire burnings, the crisis. Look at the country. It's better they take the money, remove the people from underneath the tents."

But nothing, nothing trumps Carnival.

Haiti's Salvation Revealed

Who might have begun to imagine that the solution to Haiti's dreadful history of instability along with its current collapse after the January 2010 earthquake followed by a complete break-down of government institutions, and a cholera epidemic topped off by a corrupt-plagued election, Haiti would receive such incredible news.

Baby Doc Duvalier has decided it is incumbent upon him as a loyal Haitian with a family tradition of service to his country, to return.

In their hour of need, Haitians can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Baby Doc Duvalier has returned to help them restore order and good government, the health and education system, the economy and opportunities for advancement in every sphere of public and private enterprise. He has pledged himself to do this, out of a sense of charity, honour and duty.

All of these beneficent qualities representing the sterling genetic gifts he inherited from his father, Papa Doc Duvalier.

He is no longer a callow youth of 19, famously recognized as a playboy; hardly material to present as president of an aspiring nation. "I was waiting for this moment for a long time. When I first set foot on the ground, I felt great joy", said Baby Doc, responding to the hundreds of enthusiastic supporters waiting outside Haiti's airport, chanting "long live Duvalier!"

He is now a mature man of 59 years, with a new, French wife. Quite prepared to take up where he left off when the interfering United States sparked a popular uprising that ended with his peremptorily leaving his island kingdom. He has not yet revealed much in the way of details.

Whether or not, for example, the corruption, human rights abuses and Tonton Macoutes he and his father became famous for, will mark his new reign.

He has assured Haitians, however, that their plight strikes at his heart. His return was prompted, he assured them, "because I know the people are suffering. I wanted to show them my solidarity, to tell them that I am here, I am well disposed and determined to participate in the rebirth of Haiti."

How utterly marvellous.

Haiti Crisis, please help

Dear Friends,

As you all know, Haiti's capital city of Port au Prince has been devastated by a catastrophic earthquake. Children's Hope, our humanitarian organization, has been serving the poorest of the poor in Port au Prince for several years. As I type this, Leisa and I are making arrangements to travel to Port au Prince to deliver medical supplies to a clinic we support in Cite Soleil, Haiti's largest and poorest slum. We hope to leave this Friday morning and arrive in Port au Prince Saturday.

If you would like to offer your solidarity as we support our Haitian sisters and brothers, please respond to this message with a monetary pledge for CHILDREN'S HOPE -- then drop a check in the mail to us at CHILDREN's HOPE, 3025A Cambridge Rd., Cameron Park, CA 95682. Any amount you can afford to contribute is very much appreciated. If you would prefer to donate online you can support our good friends at The Lamp for Haiti at their website: http://www.lampforhaiti.org/. We have worked closely with them for some time and know that every dollar you donate will go to those most in need.

From the botom of our hearts we thank you for your solidarity and generosity at this difficult time. As they say in Haiti, many hands make the burden lighter.

In Peace & Solidarity,
Paul & Leisa

PETTY TENSIONS IN AIDING HAITI

Rushing to self-glory:

There were growing tensions over which country's planes were allowed to land here first, with each nation insisting its aid flight was a priority, according to an official involved in the relief operation.

France, Brazil and Italy were said to be upset, and the Red Cross said one of its planes was diverted to Santo Domingo, the capital of neighboring Dominican Republic.

Digusting.

What about compassion for the suffering masses in Haiti?