As I listened to some of the comments on the earthquake in Haiti, I could not help but reflect on how such a tiny nation in the Caribbean, that shares an Island with the nation of the Dominican Republic, could find itself in such dire straits. If you believe what the televangelist, Pat Robertson said, then you can understand why so many nations around the world are holding the United States in contempt of the very ideals that we relish.
This is one of the reasons why many of the founding fathers, especially those who helped craft the Declaration of Independence and the preamble of the Constitution and the basic rights of the Constitution were deitist. They believed in God, but weren't too crazy about religions. If you go back and check your early American history, you will see the first few tests for the new government had to do with separation of church and state. In fact, the first presidential veto had to do with Congress voting in favor of a bill to provide money to a particular church for charity work.
On the far spectrum of this were people like Patrick Henry, who believed America should be run as a theocratic government. Just think if he and Ben Franklin had gotten their way. (Ben Franklin felt that the National bird should be a turkey.)
Now I started with this dialogue so I can point out three tragic identities that have plagued Haiti for several centuries' far worst than any earthquake. The first one is religion; not the practice but the influence from a political, economical and sociological standpoint. Now I'm not trying to offend anyone -- here only stating facts.
When settlers converted indigenous people to Christianity often they would allow them to comingle their pagan beliefs with their own doctrines. That's how we ended up with the Easter egg and Peter Cottontail. As far as Voodoo is concerned, they were allowed to keep it, but it was more of a way of life than a pagan religion that through the ages has been misunderstood. It was part of a thriving agricultural society that the farmers depended on. I'm sure by now you've been made aware of the close ties historically this country should have with Haiti. What you probably don't know is that with this religious influence, agreements were signed that proved detrimental to the small nation even today.
The second thing that has plagued Haiti has been the power of European dominance. After defeating the Napoleon Army, dominant countries in Europe, with a little help from the U.S., forced Haiti into one of those misguided agreements in which they had to pay reparations to the French government. Now think about this; you happen to win your independence and defeat one of the worlds then greatest armies only to be forced to pay restitution to the country you sacked.
This payment continued on through the last part of the 21st century. That's worst than a revolving credit card. Because of this dominance, they have seen corruption; exploitation of resources and talents, dictators who were merely puppets of some country and a stereotyping that goes beyond the African American experience. Even now as relief efforts mobilize, money will go into hands of folks who are totally removed from the disaster.
Lastly, their African / slave origins have been a sore spot for most nations that practiced colonialism. Again, think of what was going on in the world toward the end of the 17th century and the start of the 18th century. Now a tiny band of slaves under the control of the French won their freedom. Seeing how not just more than 30 years prior, we won our independence and the next nation to do so was this band of slaves. I don't have to go on with this any further.
I will say they are the first country of African decent to win their freedom. It has been this fact that has left them ostracized in the process. They have leaders who were friendly with different governments, but like I said usually puppets due to the conditions they were forced to accept. There has always been aide and charity relief. But there has not been the type of respect and collaboration that's needed to ensure a small country with such a rich and identifiable history.
I even think it's funny that former presidents Bush and Clinton are doing personal fund drives for them. During both of their administrations, they turned around Haitians who were stranded trying to make it to the U.S., whereas the policy was different for Cuba.
To truly help this country, we need to focus on restoring their agricultural base, give full consideration to them as a legitimate country in the western hemisphere and learn and have more respect for them and their part in American history. You know Pat Robertson may be right. It's just that the Devil they made a pact with didn't look like the one that tricked Eve, but more like the person to whom Eve gave the fruit.
At no point does Pat Robertson blame the earthquake on a pact with the devil. He never stated the earthquake was God's wrath.
He gave his historical view of Haiti and wondered why Haiti has not prospered like the neighboring Dominican Republic.
He called for prayer for the Haitian people and his organization is sending millions of dollars in aid and medical supplies.
Liberal fabricators like Orman Knox are guilty of the very same thing they accuse Pat Robertson of doing; taking advantage of a human tragedy to further their own agenda.