Hot Topic (1/15): Is U.S. aid to Haiti too much or not enough?

[Cafe GroupAdmin]

Obama Pledges Aid to Haiti

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Thursday promised $100 million along with more American troops for the relief effort in Haiti, vowing that the United States would stand with the impoverished nation as it grappled with the devastation of its capital city.

The Pentagon sent 125 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, N.C., and said that by the end of the week their number would grow to 3,000. Military officials said their primary mission would be to provide security as aid began to arrive.

Those Army troops will be supplemented in the coming days by 2,000 Marines from Camp Lejeune, N.C., who are scheduled to arrive in Haiti by Monday.

Saying he wanted to “speak directly to the people of Haiti,” Mr. Obama gave a brief address from the White House that was one of the sharpest displays of emotion of his presidency.

“You will not be forsaken. You will not be forgotten,” he said, and stopped to compose himself. “In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you.”

He said the financial aid was only a first installment and would grow over the coming year. “Help is arriving,” he said. “Much, much more help is on the way.”

* * *

Is the pledged amount of $100 million to Haiti too much or not enough?

Does the United States have a responsibility to help other countries in need?

What is your opinion on the topic of United States aid to other countries in general?

[Gretchen2876]

Quoting Cafe GroupAdmin:

Is the pledged amount of $100 million to Haiti too much or not enough? It's too soon to say. However, if tax dollars are going to the relief effort, the Government has a responsibility to ensure that's exactly what it's used for.

Does the United States have a responsibility to help other countries in need? Yes and no. As people we should want to help.

What is your opinion on the topic of United States aid to other countries in general? If it's actually helping them, and not just throwing money at them, I'm all for it!

[texanmommy]

I struggle with this one, it seems too much when we are in such straits ourselves. But considering how devastated Haiti is right now, it seems too little.  

I do not think we have a responsibility to help them. They are not a part of the US, we do not 'owe' them. But I want to help them. It makes my heart ache to see all the death and pain. The children especially.

In general, I think we do a pretty good job of stepping up and delivering aid to other countries, in the way of supplies and manpower especially. 

[rjpetty605]

What I don't understand is if we are in such debt then how can we keep tossing money at everyone? Where the hell is this money coming from? between bailing out banks and Haiti....I just wonder?

It really just makes me angry how people talk about the US being selfish and all of that. Yet whenever an emergency arises in other countries we are first in line to help. I know that we didn't need the financial help after 9-11, Katrina, the fires in So. California, etc but the offer would have been nice...so where was the offer? Other countries have this 'f- the US' attitude yet want our help when they have the need.

 

[mistynights234]

Haiti is the poorest country in the world...........They have been for years and years and years.  Why does it take a tragedy for people to help?  Alot of those people have been going to bed hungry for probably most of there life.  Im glad that people are helping but what about a couple years from now?  We are saving a country that needed help before and will still need help after this tragedy is just a moment in time.  Can you imagine what 100million bucks could of done for this country before? I just dont get it...........

[partygal19dani]

Quoting mistynights234:

Haiti is the poorest country in the world...........They have been for years and years and years.  Why does it take a tragedy for people to help?  Alot of those people have been going to bed hungry for probably most of there life.  Im glad that people are helping but what about a couple years from now?  We are saving a country that needed help before and will still need help after this tragedy is just a moment in time.  Can you imagine what 100million bucks could of done for this country before? I just dont get it...........

I am scratching my head here too!!!  I guess the key word is "disaster" which brings people/countries to step up and reach out to help.  There is and always will be poverty, homelessness, lack of medical care, lack of shelter, etc. in many countries - including our own.  But it's the major natural disasters - earthquakes, tsunamis, mudslides, tornadoes, etc. that seem to really draw out the support and financial aid worldwide.  I think that the US always has wanted to do the right thing and help out where and when we are needed.  And that is very noble and altruistic of us to do that.  But I also agree that we need to get this country whipped into shape financially before we go extending and giving very large sums of money to others!!! Where is this 100million coming from I wonder!!!  Is it tacked onto our credit line from China?  lol  Sick, sad joke I know.  But it amazes me how we can keep coming up with this extra money, that we supposedly don't have!!!!  I am really clueless how this works.  Can someone enlighten me? 

 

[margroc]

Quoting rjpetty605:

What I don't understand is if we are in such debt then how can we keep tossing money at everyone? Where the hell is this money coming from? between bailing out banks and Haiti....I just wonder?

It really just makes me angry how people talk about the US being selfish and all of that. Yet whenever an emergency arises in other countries we are first in line to help. I know that we didn't need the financial help after 9-11, Katrina, the fires in So. California, etc but the offer would have been nice...so where was the offer? Other countries have this 'f- the US' attitude yet want our help when they have the need.

 

You know what - read a little.  This attitude pisses me right the f*ck off.  Nearly every country in the world rallied round after Katrina - Canada donated services and was the largest financial donor - not including all the personal donations sent by Canadians.

You are really ignorant when you say that countries have this "'f- the US' attitude yet want our help when they have the need."  Do you realize that after 9/11 the world rallied round you and sent their young men and women to die in your "war on terror". I suppose that doesn't count????  How many people from around the world sent in donations to support the US after 9/11.

Do you realize that the US gives the least in aid of all the wealthy countries?  You are not the frickin centre of the universe.  Read a newspaper sometime and quit the f*cking whining.

Sheesh!

[eaglemama2]

Quoting Gretchen2876:

Quoting Cafe GroupAdmin:

Is the pledged amount of $100 million to Haiti too much or not enough? It's too soon to say. However, if tax dollars are going to the relief effort, the Government has a responsibility to ensure that's exactly what it's used for.

Does the United States have a responsibility to help other countries in need? Yes and no. As people we should want to help.

What is your opinion on the topic of United States aid to other countries in general? If it's actually helping them, and not just throwing money at them, I'm all for it!

this.......

[waldorfmom]

Some overall statistics: 9 million people in Haiti. The U.S. has been sending money there for a decade - $3 billion.

Before the earthquake, Haiti was in horrible shape - where did that $3 billion go?

I don't think $100 million is too much ... but I support the decisions on the part of several gov'ts and agencies to go in with personnel AND troops (it is reportedly NOT safe at night - the ghoulish criminal population is out in full force; they even move dead bodies into the streets to slow down supply trucks).

[Serenity7]

 Everything America is doing to help Haiti is wonderful

[survivorinohio]

Quoting Cafe GroupAdmin:

Obama Pledges Aid to Haiti

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Thursday promised $100 million along with more American troops for the relief effort in Haiti, vowing that the United States would stand with the impoverished nation as it grappled with the devastation of its capital city.

The Pentagon sent 125 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, N.C., and said that by the end of the week their number would grow to 3,000. Military officials said their primary mission would be to provide security as aid began to arrive.

Those Army troops will be supplemented in the coming days by 2,000 Marines from Camp Lejeune, N.C., who are scheduled to arrive in Haiti by Monday.

Saying he wanted to “speak directly to the people of Haiti,” Mr. Obama gave a brief address from the White House that was one of the sharpest displays of emotion of his presidency.

“You will not be forsaken. You will not be forgotten,” he said, and stopped to compose himself. “In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you.”

He said the financial aid was only a first installment and would grow over the coming year. “Help is arriving,” he said. “Much, much more help is on the way.”

* * *

Is the pledged amount of $100 million to Haiti too much or not enough? 

I wouldnt pretend to know the needs in dollars nor am I privvy to the donations from other countries.  It could be too much or not enough.

Does the United States have a responsibility to help other countries in need?

Definitely.  Other countries have certainly helped us.

What is your opinion on the topic of United States aid to other countries in general?

There are times when I fully support it such as when there is a disaster, those are the times when all people should help each other. 

Ongoing support is another issue.  I do not support a lot of the funds that are given in these cases.

Promises of financial support can mean buying allegiance and I dont like that.