One contributing factor to Haiti's long term reconstruction should involve the expatriates, a majority of whom are college education, many of whom are quite successful and few of whom are living in poverty. A creative program under which they would agree to return to their native land -- temporarily or for the long term could be a positive factor in rebuilding the country. Then too, the international community, acting together, must provide not just the tools, but the knowledge of how to use those tools -- of how to build and create, how to administer and oversee, how to govern with benevolence and humanity.
So what's in it for the rest of this big round world? Historically, countries have lent longterm support to other countries when their own economic interests are involved. In the case of Haiti, there are few -- if any -- economic interests involved. In the case of Haiti, helping them to help themselves; planting the seeds of leadership and governance through which a brighter future can be harvested will have to be motivated by something other than economic self interest.
And here we return to our story . . .
The poor frightened serf closed his eyes and tried to think. All he could come up with was the sound of his own voice yelling out "You are a simple-minded fool; there is no way you can answer his questions . . ."
Finally, swallowing hard, the serf uttered what he knew would be the last three sentences he would ever say before banishment:
"The biggest thing in the world is . . . the earth."
"The fastest thing in the world is . . . an idea."
"The best thing in the world is . . . a good night's sleep."
His answers may have not been profound, but they were definitely correct.
Let the idea of helping Haiti help itself grow quickly . . . and for no other reason than rewarding ourselves with a good night's sleep.
For that is the reward that comes from doing the right thing.
-2011 Kurt F. Stone
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