Due to the recent events in Haiti, the American people have stepped up and showed a united front. Americans have work together and donate money and supplies for the survivors of the earthquake. American corporations have donated about 48 million dollars. According to the St. Joseph News from St. Joseph Missouri, the Red Cross by the end of Friday they have raised 37 million dollars in donations. Red Cross is hoping to raise 100 million dollars for the Haiti effort. The need for giving is very important for the ability Haiti and to show an united front in support.
Although the united front of support, there are people putting politics and prejudices in front of helping other people for the common good. One of the major people in this position is Rush Limbaugh. His comments help fuel hate and misdirection. Rush's most recent comment sparked a fire and is an insult to the American people who have done the right thing and helped people in need. Rush said,"“Everything this president sees is a political opportunity, including Haiti, and he will use it to burnish his credentials with minorities in this country and around the world, and to accuse Republicans of having no compassion."
This statement by Limbaugh is false. Americans are known to help people in need. People that do not believe that Haiti is not a justified cause for our support forget how how America became an influencial nation. Support the organizations that support the people in Haiti.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9D8FHBO0.htm
http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2010/jan/16/donations-haiti-pouring-red-cross/?local
http://commongoodpolitics.wordpress.com/
Good post! I do believe that America's traditional response to natural disasters provides us with a glimpse of what life might be like under a "common good" approach to our problems. The only problem is that in "normal" times, both sides tend to act out the mean spirit behind Limbaugh's comment. I am optimistic that as youth in this country get older and assert more control, we can change things.
ReplyDeleteThat would be the case under normal generational theory, but with the Baby Boomer generation still larger then the younger generations this will be more difficult. We as youth need to assert more control by actually getting involved in the trenches. If we are not down to their level we will be written off as idealistic and foolish.
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