It is impossible for me to comprehend the amount of human suffering in Haiti today. There are early estimates that as many as 100,000 people were killed as a result of the earthquake that hit Haiti earlier this week. Thousands of other people are trapped beneath the wreckage and are dying because rescue workers are unable to reach them. Those who survived don’t have water, food, shelter, or medical care. The pictures on television are gut wrenching.
As I observe what is going on in Haiti, I feel sad, depressed, and overwhelmed. At the same time, however, I feel great pride in the United States of America. Once again, the United States, more than any other country, has taken the lead in trying to alleviate human suffering. Before it is all over, the United States Government will probably have provided billions of dollars in assistance to Haiti. On top of that, millions of American citizens will have given hundreds of millions of dollars to various relief organizations that are not affiliated with the government.
Our country is despised throughout the world. We are despised because of our freedom and our prosperity. We have a President of the United States who has felt compelled during his first year in office to travel the world apologizing for our country. We have a First Lady who never felt proud of our country until her husband was running for President.
The United States is not a perfect country. We have many problems. It is easy to find examples of injustice. Nevertheless, I remain convinced we are living in the greatest country in the history of mankind. We have done more than any other country in history to help others in need. The latest proof of our greatness is the help we are now providing to the Haitian people.
Within hours after the earthquake devastated Haiti, President Obama, to his credit, mobilized a massive relief effort on the part of the United States Government. He offered millions of dollars in financial assistance as well as search-and-rescue teams, food, water, and medical supplies. In addition, individual Americans began making donations, some large and some small, to various relief organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Doctors Without Borders. Within a few days, thousands of Americas had pledged over $10 million in $10 increments simply by punching a code and sending a text message on their cell phones.
Compare what other countries are doing to help Haiti to what our country is doing. More than any other country, China is lending the United States the money we need to finance our staggering budget deficits. In effect, China is lending us the money we will be spending to provide relief to Haiti. According to today’s edition of The Wall Street Journal, China has pledged only $4.4 million to provide relief to Haiti. Hopefully, China will do more in the future, but don’t be surprised if China provides only a small fraction of the financial assistance the United States will provide with funds borrowed from China.
The assistance provided by other countries, although welcome, pales in comparison to the assistance being provided by the United States. According to The Wall Street Journal, Russia, for example, has provided $700,000 in assistance. Venezuela has offered food and water but no funds. I heard on television that Saudi Arabia, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, has not offered any assistance so far.
There are already complaints the United States is not doing enough and is not moving fast enough. The task ahead is massive. Although the United States is doing more than any other country to help, we will be criticized by those who are doing far less. We will also face criticism from the Haitian people who will need to find someone to blame for their misery. The criticism comes with the territory and should not prevent us from doing the right thing. As for me, I salute President Obama for his leadership in this situation, and I salute the American people for their support to the people of Haiti. I am proud of our country.
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