The Haitian Mission

It says something about our country that, in spite of the fact that we are fighting two wars overseas, the U.S. has committed significant military forces to the security and rebuilding of Haiti. The Haitian mission will be costly for our country, but the right thing to do is never easy. At least 20,000 U.S. soldiers, with their requisite equipment and supplies, will be deployed by January 24th, according to the Department of Defense.

Naturally, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez sees our relief operation as an opportunistic "military occupation" (Lord knows that Haiti has so much to offer for the imperially inclined). He goes so far as to accuse the U.S. of causing the quake with a secret earthquake-inducing superweapon!

Anyone who sees our presence on the island as an "invasion" is certifiably moronic. The Haitian people are at the mercy of the worst elements within their society: armed gangs of looters and criminals have a habit of taking disaster relief supplies for themselves. The presence of our military will facilitate a more effective framework for international aid missions.

Prayers and Support for Haiti

Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the disastrous earthquake in Haiti, where unknown thousands of people are hurt or dead. This is truly a catastrophic event. As the world mobilizes to lend aid to the suffering, we should find reputable charities and venues through which we can donate relief funds.

We should remember that as much as we complain about recessions, stock market problems, and other fiscal woes, there are some who have it worse than we do. Haiti is a destitute country that has never had any real social or economic infrastructure, and the strife caused by this earthquake can be multiplied tenfold as a result. There were no building codes, no speedy 911 services, no reserves of supplies and money at hand just in case. We live like kings in comparison.