The Haiti Crisis: A Time of Reciprocity?

Less than two weeks since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the United States is beginning to receive subtle criticism from outsiders. One NPR opinion editorial expressed concern about the presence of U.S. troops—and the necessity of the U.S. to function primarily through the United Nations, in close conjunction with the Haitian Préval-Bellerive Government. And yet, there is good cause to ask, "Should there be strings attached to the international help being extended in this hour of need?"

Ironically, nobody—save a dissident research fellow, Anthony Bradley—has asked, "Why is the world looking to the U.S. to rebuild Haiti? France, Spain, and the EU are solely responsible for what is 'Haiti'; not the U.S." Most journalists seem to be ignorant of (or deliberately ignoring) the fact that the Haitian situation today—political unrest, deep and perpetual corruption, and the totalitarian impoverishment of her people—is a direct consequence of the pattern of alternating French-Spanish occupation throughout the 19th Century. By contrast, U.S. occupation of Haiti during the early part of the 20th Century is credited for developing stability, dependable infrastructure, education, and economy.

Nobody thinks that help should be withheld...(click here to read full story).

Facts, Faces of the Farmers Market

On an early Thursday, to the sound of the morning rush hour, a plain-looking fellow sets up a tent in the parking lot of a strip mall. He is average build and height, but the texture of his skin and the raw size of his hands tell a story — for those interested in hearing.

"I'm a third generation farmer," says Thomas — who asks that his last name not be printed. "I'm dedicated to the work. Heck, it's all I know." Within a few moments, the tent is pegged and tethered. Thomas then pulls a folding chair out of the back of his flatbed, sits down in it, and smiles up at me. The twinkle in his eye says I should have remembered to bring my own seat. (click here to read more)