Haitian "orphans"

Start with this classic song released in 1979. Reunited by Peaches and Herb

Check out this story about the Haitian orphans who were recently reunited with their families.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/03/17/haiti.baptists.children/index.html?hpt=T2

There is a massive earthquake and thousands killed leaving many thousands of children orphaned. Let's rush in and help out. Well, of course we want to help out, but is rushing in always the best answer. Is it ever possible that some of those so called do gooders may have other not so wonderful purposes for doing what they do? I argue that this is not just possible, but likely in almost every situation in life. There are always some who are out to take advantage of a situation under the auspices of doing the better good. These are teachers or administrators who claim when requesting more funds that they are doing so for the good of the children. This may be true, but their motives must not cloud the analysis of the results produced.

What happened in Haiti? A massive earthquake hit a country that was ill prepared for the disaster let alone any disaster. Many people were killed and clearly with the large amount of deaths there are many orphaned children. Does this mean that every child is an orphan? Of course not and also there may be some children who think they are orphans, but in actuality have parents looking for them.

Part of the problem here is the instant satisfaction society that we have become. Voters in California were warned that if we tried to recall then Governor Davis, we were at risk for a long recount that would mean we might have to wait to know who are new governor would be for over a month like during the 2000 presidential recount. I believe that as long as we get the count eventually then however long it takes it is worth it. This is true for the "orphans" as well. As long as the "orphans" are getting enough food, shelter, and clothing while we determine if they have families then they should stay in their home country. When it is determined that they are actually orphans then they can be processed correctly. If it is determined they aren't orphans then we haven't done the tragic move of removing them from their families.

Our country has done a lot of wonderful things for this world. We have also made the mistake many times of pushing our values and desires on people rather than offering them support in strengthening their countries. There are no simple answers when we try to help another country out, but we need to keep in mind that we are there to help and not to take over. This is true for countries and families as well.