Devastation In Haiti
On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale struck the country of Haiti leaving devastation in its wake. This is the first earthquake of this magnitude to hit the country in a century. I have, watched passively the news casts containing graphic photos of the pain and destruction. I spent a week in Haiti back in 1989. During this week I celebrated my 24th birthday. While I did not go to Haiti to celebrate my birthday, it was an added bonus while I was there. One of the shots shown on the news was the, now flattened, National Palace. I looked away fast as tears began to well up in my eyes. I remembered the day I took this photograph of that same National Palace. Now it is rubble.
There have been so many thoughts going through my mind the past week since the story first broke of the earthquake. I think about other natural disasters in recent history around the world. I think about the loss. And yes, I think about the time I spent there all those years ago. I fortify my thoughts by looking through my scrapbook and remembering as if it were last week I was there. As I look, listen and remember I find myself experiencing a wide range of emotions as well. Sadness and heartbreak for all those who are there or have loved ones there. I also feel relief as I know it could have been much worse.
The other emotion that seems to have taken over is anger. Not because this happened, but anger over the reactions of some Americans. I can understand they are grieving as their loved ones were there when the earthquake struck and have still not been found. My issue is with them thinking and crying out as if American lives are of more value than other lives around the world. There are still many Canadians, Europeans and especially Haitians unaccounted for. There are over 100 UN staffers missing as well. I hear the pleas of Americans begging the President of the United States to do everything possible to find the missing Americans. Why are their lives more valuable? From what I have seen in news reports the world around is sending aid in some form or fashion to try to find the missing and bring comfort and relief to the rest of the country. There is nothing more that can be done than is already being done.
Human life is human life. One life is not of more value than any other. Narrow mindedness breeds resentment. It is okay to grieve and want your loved ones back safely, but when you believe they are more important than another persons loved one, you make way for resentment. I hope they find all those who are missing no matter their skin color, religion or nationality. Hold good thoughts for all those who are missing, those who are injured, those who died and all their loved ones around the world. Remember Haiti in all her beauty and splendor. Like the grandeur found in this, the oldest church in Haiti.
Loading ...