Haiti

Today is a simple blog.  I don't have a lot to say on the matter, but I want to say something.

Many people have died in Haiti this week.  The 7.0 earthquake centered just outside of Port-au-Prince has collapsed buildings, destroyed homes and devastated many of the 2 million people who live there.  It is now expected thousands, if not tens of thousands of people have died.  There are still people calling out for help under the rubble and they are being rescued as fast as possible.  Multiple countries have offered aid and supplies are beginning to arrive from around the world.

I have heard discussion revolving around if the United States should help the Haitian people while we can not even pay our own bills. I have heard people ask if it is really our problem to solve.

I hope other countries did not ask that question when Katrina hit.  I hope compassion is not measured by how much we have in our pockets.

While I agree we must take care of our own house before taking care of others, there is a time for which the needs of others outweigh our own.  For a few days, hopefully longer, I hope we can see beyond the problems in our own backyard and look to our neighbors.  There are people suffering and we have the ability to help.  While we can not and should not try to solve all of the problems in Haiti, I hope our humanity allows us to comfort those in need in comfort and mourn with those who mourn.

When the disasters of this world hit we are given a rare opprotunity to forget what divides us and remember what unites us. We are all children, siblings, parents and friends.  We understand loss, we understand pain.  Moments like this highlight our willingness and ability to be united in purpose. 

Here's hoping we can let our compassion shine through.