Haiti $400. per year is the average income---we MUST help!

There are many privileges enjoyed as citizens of the United States of America. The political truth is that there are many privileges enjoyed by those that are not citizens but that conversation shall be held for another column not this one. When I consider all the privileges I have enjoyed a particular privilege that has taught and exposed me to life has been the privilege of the opportunity to travel outside of our country. The greatest teaching tool any of us has in life is the tool of experience. Counsel that comes from experience is always valuable and when we use our experiences from life to adjust our way of thinking that too is valuable.
The privilege of the opportunity to travel in others country’s and nation’s has impacted my life in many ways. To begin with, let me say it has changed the way I view other people, circumstances and even my “old ways of thinking.” Scripturally thinking it is more blessed to believe without seeing, but when you actually see things with your eyes in proper context you cannot help but be changed, especially when it comes to how you view America, our role in the world, and our blessings to call the United States home.
In my last visit to Haiti in January 2008 I was again reminded because of travels how blessed I am and how different our country is because of our practice of democracy, personal rights granted by a constitution, free enterprise and developments through an entrepreneurial spirit encouraged by our government. Here in America the two major political parties talk negative about the other but the Republican Party is not conducting secret meetings to over-throw the government. Yes, they want to win Congressional Elections but their efforts are legal and within the guidelines of our democracy. Haiti is a country filled with issues that has her citizens at a disadvantage for the most basic enjoyments of life that are take for granted here in the U.S. One trait that is evident among the people of Haiti is their smile. I am always amazed at the ability of people to smile, be positive, and seemly enjoying life, when they have so little. Of course the opinion that they have so little is based upon an American point of view that has so much.
Today, Haiti is in extreme need! The need for the basic essentials of life. The ability to find their lost loved ones who are crushed underneath a load of walls and destruction as a result of the earthquake. A basic essential of drinking water or clothing would speak a language of care during this crisis. Our government responding can help to further stabilize their government, which has been filled with corruption and practices that have kept the people down. Crisis is a perfect time to build and strength relationship that will make an impact on the citizens of Haiti, who were also created in the image of God and who too deserve to know He cares for them. Our actions will make a difference and as a Christian Nation and the Leader of the free world, we must respond.
My privilege of opportunity to travel, see and learn is now my privilege of opportunity to give financially, support and pray earnestly for a people that are at a total disadvantage. The average yearly income for a citizen is Haiti is $400.00. Anyone in the United States living on $400.00 a year? I think not. We provide at least $2,400.00 per year for families in food stamps alone. That is 6 times the total income in Haiti. I have not even mentioned all the other programs we have for those in the U.S. that gives money and support. Yes, there is a crisis in Haiti, and as a Christian I must respond, the opportunity to make a difference has arrived.

Until then