[usacomm]

In this case, the douchebag troll would be a certain journalist with a penchant for snarkiness.

But I digress.

eldondre is right. Aid has a tendency to get misdirected by corrupt governments. It is no secret that so much aid to Africa gets misdirected.

In this case, I think aid to non-governmental groups, like the Red Cross, will help best. I'm having a hard time, however, finding an actual donation link on their website so I guess I'll have to call it in.


At any rate, here goes:
American Red Cross Pledges Initial $1 Million to Haiti Relief

[usacomm]

FYI:

Red Cross donations: text to 90999 the word HAITI, which will donate $10.
Wyclef's fund: text to 501501 the word YELE, which donates $5.

Both charges go automatically on your cell phone bill.

Thanks for that Brooke!

[betraaaus]

Speaking of people like the red cross, I'm worry about that Doctors without Borders are about to be overwhelmed:


Doctors Without Borders Report Dire Need for Care in Haiti - Infectious Disease - FOXNews.com


Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Donate $1M to Doctors Without Borders | NowPublic News Coverage

[babopeddy]

In this case, the douchebag troll would be a certain journalist with a penchant for snarkiness.

But I digress.

eldondre is right. Aid has a tendency to get misdirected by corrupt governments. It is no secret that so much aid to Africa gets misdirected.

In this case, I think aid to non-governmental groups, like the Red Cross, will help best. I'm having a hard time, however, finding an actual donation link on their website so I guess I'll have to call it in.


Red Cross Pledges Initial $1 Million to Haiti Relief

The way I see it, I don't need to donate any of my money. Obama has decided to give millions of my (tax) money to Haiti without my consent. No need for me (or anyone) to give any more.

No one answered my question: When Italy had their earthquake not long ago, Obama was only able to give a paltry 50K (not even enough to buy a house.) Why does Haiti get so much more? Anyone know?

[HugoSimon]

You're an awesome person. Congrats on being you.

[usacomm]

The way I see it, I don't need to donate any of my money. Obama has decided to give millions of my (tax) money to Haiti without my consent. No need for me (or anyone) to give any more.

No one answered my question: When Italy had their earthquake not long ago, Obama was only able to give a paltry 50K (not even enough to buy a house.) Why does Haiti get so much more? Anyone know?

Please, let's just leave the politics out of this. I promise we can have a debate or a b!tch-fest at a more appropriate time if you really, really want it.

[velichay]

Well Obama MUST hate the Italians! logical
Have you taken the time to actually compare the two disasters!

The way I see it, I don't need to donate any of my money. Obama has decided to give millions of my (tax) money to Haiti without my consent. No need for me (or anyone) to give any more.

No one answered my question: When Italy had their earthquake not long ago, Obama was only able to give a paltry 50K (not even enough to buy a house.) Why does Haiti get so much more? Anyone know?

[velichay]

That is VERY true! you must be very careful who you make the donations to. People would def take advantage of the situation.

In this case, the douchebag troll would be a certain journalist with a penchant for snarkiness.

But I digress.

eldondre is right. Aid has a tendency to get misdirected by corrupt governments. It is no secret that so much aid to Africa gets misdirected.

In this case, I think aid to non-governmental groups, like the Red Cross, will help best. I'm having a hard time, however, finding an actual donation link on their website so I guess I'll have to call it in.


At any rate, here goes:
American Red Cross Pledges Initial $1 Million to Haiti Relief

[babopeddy]

Well Obama MUST hate the Italians! logical
Have you taken the time to actually compare the two disasters!

Actually, yes, I have. An earthquake that takes lives is an earthquake that takes lives.

I donated $1,000.00 when the Italian earthquake happened, due to the loss of life and the fact that our president didn't seem to think Italian lives were worth much. I wanted the Italian people to know I did not share his obvious views.

[velichay]

Outstanding. Italy vs Haiti....hmmm nothing to compare.

Actually, yes, I have. An earthquake that takes lives is an earthquake that takes lives.

I donated $1,000.00 when the Italian earthquake happened, due to the loss of life and the fact that our president didn't seem to think Italian lives were worth much. I wanted the Italian people to know I did not share his obvious views.

[poekfpojoibien]

You're an awesome person. Congrats on being you.

Best quote of the day.

I'm putting this on FB.

[AliceFromHouston]

Politics should not get in the way of helping the most destitute over something like this...

Agreed.

...even if they do choose to elect a-ssholes to govern themselves.

Like elsewhere, Haitian voters aren't always given great choices in candidates and Preval is hardly as bad as they come. Compared to the Duvaliers, he's Mother Theresa. Centuries of maldevelopment stemming from corrupt elites as well as foreign exploitation, interference, and occupations have conspired to leave Haiti in a sorry state.

Haiti is bereft of resources in every sense. Its infrastructure is all but nonexistent. Deforestation, erosion, desertification, and polluted drinking water are but a few of its environmental problems. It's one of the few places in the Caribbean where Malaria remains endemic. Grinding joblessness and food shortages contribute to crime and instability. The situation there has been so dire and desperate for so long that most people lucky enough to get an education try to find a way off the island. The citizens who cannot leave are left competing for scraps. How can you run an effective government when the best trained would-be civil servants have left the country or a judicial system when the same is true of potential judges?

It may be satisfying to say "throw the bums out" but good leadership alone will not solve Haiti's problems. I wish I had answers, but there is no magic wand. Solving these problems will take decades. In the meantime, people are suffering and donations to worthy NGO's will help alleviate misery.

[amehoubFomo]

It may be satisfying to say "throw the bums out" but good leadership alone will not solve Haiti's problems. I wish I had answers, but there is no magic wand. Solving these problems will take decades. In the meantime, people are suffering and donations to worthy NGO's will help alleviate misery.

Just looking at the news footage, it almost seems impossible knowing where to start to aleviate the situation. Not onlu the United States, but other countries in the Americas will have to play a role in forming a new society.
Most Haitians I've run into here are some of the hardest working people you'll ever meet. The system of a tiny elite ruling class while the masses live in severe poverty has to change. Yet the hard part if figuring out how the people can change this system..

[mv37afnr]

I didn't say the Haitians were better off under the French...but that is a reasonable assumption anyone could make if they took a good look at Haitian conditions before 1804, and Haitians conditions ever since.

Even the Africans in Zimbabwe are asking whites to return to help them run the country. Ditto for Desmond Tutu in South Africa.

People can make their own determinations based on that.

Oops, imagine me making a mistake like that. See, here I thought you actually might be advocating a really scummy and vicious small minded position when all the time you were just suggesting that position and letting people draw their own conclusions.

Gee, I'll be much more careful in analyzing the nuances of your position next time.

[Ndptbudd]

After watching TV for the last few hours I can see the people of Haiti need help. I wish I could be sure what I give to help ends up in the right hands. Only our own City Hall can rival the corruption of the Haitian government.

I think it will be the Red Cross for me too.

[AdvertisingPo]

I just donated to Doctor's Without Borders. I am a big fan of their work. They have been in Haiti for years providing basic health care for the people, as they do all over the Third World.

I am very sad to have seen some of the things said in this thread. A great tragedy has occurred, thousands have lost their lives and their homes. Let us remember that and try to help anyway we can and stay away from the vitriol tonight.

[Caunnysup]

For those worried about whom to give, whether your money would go where it's needed, what kind of overhead the charity has (some have as high as 50%...meaning, only 50-cents of every dollar you give goes to the cause, the rest goes to the charity's own needs such as administration), etc., check out this web site:

Charity Navigator - America's Largest Charity Evaluator | Home

There are many religion-based charities, but many others that don't mix proselytization with giving a helping hand (Red Cross would be one of those). Choose wisely.

[Caunnysup]

A PBS WorldFocus segment tonight showing Haiti's "mud cookies" being made for human consumption. This is so sad and shocking to see.

Dirt poor Haitians eat cookies made of mud | Worldfocus

Last year, Worldfocus reported on the devastating poverty in Haiti. This story was originally broadcast last February.

The small island nation of Haiti relies heavily on food imports, but with prices soaring, some Haitians are resorting to eating mud.

The cookies — made of dirt, butter and salt — hold little nutritional value, but manage to keep Haiti’s poor alive.

Worldfocus special correspondent Benno Schmidt and producer Ara Ayer report from Haiti, showing how far some people are going to fill their stomachs.

[seawolferr]

Even I agree.

Leave politics out of this.

It doesnt matter who they are....it doesnt matter where they are from....they need the help and they need it yesterday.

[economex]

From an email I received (these people are legit):

Greetings

It has been a difficult night. Many of us are in a state of shock or more fittingly in disbelief. As an business that prides itself in keeping the rich culture of Haiti alive, Nouveau Concepts (NC) & Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia (HPP) sends our deepest and most sincere condolences to our Haitian family in our area and around the world.

We have secured a private jumbo jet from Blue Star Jets to transport supplies to Haiti which is leaving in the next 24 - 48hours. We are in need of DOCTORS, NURSES and DONATIONS to go to Haiti in order to provide medical care. NC & HPP is currently coordinating with The Red Cross, UNICEF, The World Food Program, The Haitian Coalition of Philadelphia, the Haitian Clergy of Philadelphia, Beyond Borders, the Mayor's Office, Temple Haitian Student Association, University of Pennsylvania Haitian Student Association, Congressman Brady's office, Philadelphia Young Democrats, political officials and other Haitian organizations in the surrounding area to devise a plan to provide assistance to Haiti. Frequent updates will be made to the site Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia and Nouveau Concepts so please check back often. In the meantime, if you wish to provide assistance we urge you to do the following:

Supplies Needed

* Make a monetary donation to Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia to the Haitian Relief Fund via paypal. All funds will go towards purchasing of items that must be bought in Haiti to defray shipping cost as well as medical supplies.
* Purchase or bring cots and tents that will be instrumental in providing temporary shelter to those who have been displaced.
* Medical supplies such as band aids, alcohol, peroxide, etc.
* Water and non-perishable food items.
* Generators and Industrial supplies for building will be needed for rebuilding.
* Supplies for children such as diapers, baby clothes, wipes and bottles are of great need as well.
* Call elected officials in your area and ask them to partner with HPP.



View More of relief process NOW

Current Drop Off Sites
The Office of State Senator Leanna M.Washington
1555-A Wadsworth Ave.
Philadelphia PA 19150

Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust
5601 Vine Street Unit 9
Philadelphia Pa 19139

The Office of State Representative Dwight Evans
7174 Ogontz Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19138

The Office of State Representative Tony Payton, Jr.
4509 Frankford Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19124

Vivant Art Collections (Monetary donations & Medical Supplies Only)
60 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia PA 19106

FUNDRAISER AT VIVANT ART COLLECTION
IN CONJUNCTION WITH HPP, HCP, VIVANT
UNICEF & RED CROSS
MONDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2009
5PM - 8PM

DONATE NOW at hpphilly.org

National Drop Off Sites

Boston
V-World Enterprises is currently coordinating relief efforts and a benefit event.
Please visit V-World Enterprises or BostonFETE.com -- Tickets, Events, More for contact information.

Connecticut
Arm2Arm, Inc. (Arm2Arm.net) - is going to Haiti Jan 28th and are looking for doctors and nurses as well. Contact Maryse @ Arm2Arm.net

Miami
Please assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti: There is a Large truck that will be on the corner of 1st & Alton Rd. South Beach, FL 33139 --beginning at 6:00 pm today and will be there 24/7 until it is filled. Items most needed: blankets, tents, batteries, candles, clothing, medicine and canned food.

Washington D.C.
Haitian Embassy
2311 Massachusetts Avenue
Washington, DC

For further information on how to help, please call Yve-Car Momperousse, Board Chair at 973-280-2307 or Florcy Morisset, Community Development Chair at 310-612-4636. You can also send an email to florcy@hpphilly.org or yvecar@hpphilly.org

Press Contact: Please call Alain Joinville, Public Relations Chair at 215-287-7373 or via email at alain@hpphilly.com to coordinate interviews.