I am hard pressed to not be moved by the catastrophe that occurred in Haiti on January 12th. My compassion is stirred. Images are permanently etched in my memory. Immortalized right next to those of my fellow human beings choosing to take leave of their standing surely spreading wings lifted on whatever faith they held dear, choosing their death from the Towers. I scarcely watch the news, local or otherwise. Accordingly, I have kept my viewing of Haitian coverage to a bearable minimum. Not from uncaring, rather because I know how easily I see myself in the skin of others. How easily my eyes well from the sight of a two month old baby with multiple wounds and broken bones that could easily be mine, from a mother pleading with rescue works who've been at work for seven hours to try one more time to pull her ten-year-old daughter from the rubble because she is sure that she is alive.
Through tears I am incensed that there remains a "bottom-line" for certain aid organizations in the midst of this tragedy. I have been reminded that some don't know the history between the U.S. and Haiti. I countered with the fact that some choose to forget entirely or employ selective memory. I am increasingly malcontent with the idea that I am constrained to the borders within which I was born. If, in fact, I am a human being I am of the opinion that membership to this species is not limited to hemispehere, continent, nation or even timezone. Am I not a citizen of the world? Thusly, am I not obliged my global compatriots respect, compassion, civil rights and just plain courtesy. Rather than preach to you I will pass along the information I have availed myself to.
Namaste.
http://www.theroot.com/views/haiti-historical-timeline
http://www.uptownnotes.com/haiti-in-context-voices/
http://www.uptownnotes.com/haiti-in-context-history/
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