In the next few weeks and months, Haiti's poverty and lack of functional infrastructure will take the lives of many Haitians that could have been saved after the earthquake yesterday.
I saw a video clip on television last night of a man walking down a street in Port-au-Prince. I recognized the street and location. There were burning piles of garbage in the middle of the street. Frankly, I think this video was shot BEFORE the earthquake hit, but am unable to say for sure. Port-au-Prince, on a good day, looks semi-destroyed.
Haitians cannot get out of the way of natural disasters. Most people can't get out of the way of unpredictable natural disasters.
But the disasters created and exacerbated by man are avoidable. Man-made racism and injustice have put Haiti in a child-like, helpless position for the last 200 years.
This segment of Peoria's Channel 25 covered the local efforts of various aid groups in Haiti.
3 comments:
John, I do not know if you remember me. My name is Debbie(Novotny)Carter. I knew you in high school. I have followed the work that you have done. I was very concerned about the people of Haiti. I hope you and your loved ones are OK. Should you want to contact me. You can reach me at cartfam@mindspring.com. I have told my youngest daughter about your efforts with the people of Haiti and she was asking me this morning if you were safe. Prayers to you and all your love and know.
Debbie
Dear Debbie,
Thank you so much for your comment and for caring.
I am fine but many of my heart patients in Haiti are not accounted for at present.
I think this disaster will be the worst disaster in the recorded history of the Americas.
Port-au-Prince was a catastrophe waiting to happen and it did. There simply is no adequate infrastructure or social systems network to help bail out victims in times of trouble.
I think that the morbidity and mortality is just starting and that the aftermath of the quake will be much worse than the quake itself. Access to clean water is gone now which will cause many water borne diseases to occur.
Thank you again and give your youngest daughter a hug for me.
John
Debbie,
Haitian Hearts does have a new website. When you get the time please go to www.haitianhearts.org.
Thanks.
jc
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