- Oct 26, 2004
- 24,642
- 24,441
- 🏆 Honorable Mentions:
- 2
- Detector(s) used
- Minelab Explorer
- Primary Interest:
- Shipwrecks
It's so easy for outsiders to criticize; espeically comments from those who may have little idea of the realities the Haitian people are facing. Consider this:
1. Many nations and groups have arrived to assist--but they are not 'self sufficient' units; unable to retain a lasting presence without the necessity of leaning on some other source(s) for self-support. This only adds to the problem.
2. Many support vessels have arrived in the area, but the two main cranes and the pier have been destroyed; making it impossible to offload in the absence of these vessels having helicopters and/or 'shore' boats.
3. And where would they put these supplies? At the dock? Consider that the roads are not only loaded with road-blocking obstacles (cement chunck, DBs, etc.) but also many of the roads themselves have been destroyed; some having five foot tall 'buckles' in them.
4. IMO, I don't believe the Haitians are in a position to control the administration of this total relief effort; it's simple 'over their heads'. And who knows if enough Haitian bueaucrats are even alive (or free from the rubble) to create a quorum on any political, economic or military decision--except the President, himself.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your political viewpoint) the US is the only country capable and willing to put forth sufficient effort, money, material and manpower to make a sizable contribution to assist Haiti today. It would be nice to see the Haitian president make the recommendation that the US lead and control this effort. Then (if we accept--as we would) the efforts of all countries and other responding groups would be organized into a more effective and efficient team.
Don.......
1. Many nations and groups have arrived to assist--but they are not 'self sufficient' units; unable to retain a lasting presence without the necessity of leaning on some other source(s) for self-support. This only adds to the problem.
2. Many support vessels have arrived in the area, but the two main cranes and the pier have been destroyed; making it impossible to offload in the absence of these vessels having helicopters and/or 'shore' boats.
3. And where would they put these supplies? At the dock? Consider that the roads are not only loaded with road-blocking obstacles (cement chunck, DBs, etc.) but also many of the roads themselves have been destroyed; some having five foot tall 'buckles' in them.
4. IMO, I don't believe the Haitians are in a position to control the administration of this total relief effort; it's simple 'over their heads'. And who knows if enough Haitian bueaucrats are even alive (or free from the rubble) to create a quorum on any political, economic or military decision--except the President, himself.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your political viewpoint) the US is the only country capable and willing to put forth sufficient effort, money, material and manpower to make a sizable contribution to assist Haiti today. It would be nice to see the Haitian president make the recommendation that the US lead and control this effort. Then (if we accept--as we would) the efforts of all countries and other responding groups would be organized into a more effective and efficient team.
Don.......