a1102: US sanctions against Haiti increase their position of poverty (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: radtimes <resist@best.com>


Perpetual Hunger...For a better life

<http://www.poormagazine.org/index.cfm?L1=news&story=713&pg=1>

US sanctions against Haiti increase their position of poverty

by Connie Lu / PoorNewsNetwork
Tuesday, March 5, 2002

Laura Flynn begins speaking about the harsh political and financial
situations facing the people of Haiti, as her soft voice strains to compete
with the constant roaring of cars, buses, and blaring sirens rushing by
outside. I eagerly lean forward in my chair during Community Newsroom at
POOR Magazine, in an attempt to gain a clear view of her expressive face,
to read her lips, which enabled me to not only hear with my ears, but with
my eyes as well. As Laura's large articulate eyes continue to speak from
her heart, and filled with compassion for Haiti, seeds of curiosity begin
to firmly take root in my mind. What inspired her desire to completely
change her life by moving from San Francisco to Haiti, one of the world's
poorest countries? But after having the opportunity to talk to Laura
personally, I realized that her source of inspiration was truly compelled
by the people of Haiti themselves, who have so little and yet, still
possess this amazing amount of hope and strength that feeds their perpetual
hunger for a better life.
Before Jean-Bertrand Aristide became President of Haiti, the people
suffered greatly under the military because it had complete control and
power over them. Flynn explains that one of the many unreasonable demands
made by the military was forcing people to pay taxes for the simple act of
taking a goat into the city. As many as 5,000 Haitians were assassinated
for taking a stand against the military. However in 1995, Aristide, who was
the country's first democratic President, abolished the military and broke
the chains of suppression.
After hearing about the Haitians' fight for freedom, I am reminded of the
history of China, my homeland. The people of both Haiti and China
sacrificed their lives not for their own benefit, but for the benefit of
future generations. In 1989, students protested in Beijing's Tiananmen
Square against the communist teachings of Chairman Mao and demanded freedom
and democracy until the order was given to the military to end the student
protest, as well as their lives. The courageous students who
dedicated their lives were not able to witness the changes that have come
about. But if I were a student living in China today, then I would have the
freedom to apply to the job of my choice, instead of being assigned to one
by the state.
While in Haiti, Flynn developed a great respect and love for the people as
they warmly welcomed her into their country, which soon no longer felt
foreign to her. She feels a strong sense of community, unlike America which
imposes the individualistic way of being independent from your family and
having your own phone, car, and house. Haitian families and neighbors
depend upon each other with a sincere and genuine bond of trust within the
community.
I experienced this same sense of communal life when I volunteered as an
English teacher in China last summer. I was concerned about my shy and
quiet personality that normally surfaces when meeting unfamiliar
faces.  However, by the end of the summer the students I taught were not
only my close friends, but now also a part of my family. My whole mind-set
and way of interacting with them was entirely transformed into perceiving
them as my own younger brothers and sisters, even though I had just met
them a few weeks ago. The gifts that I received were deeply treasured,
knowing they were hand-crafted by the students because they could not
afford to spend extra money.
Today, the people of Haiti have freedom under a democratic government, but
continue to struggle with financial hardships. The United States has
cut-off crucial funding that was originally intended for healthcare,
education, and transportation services in Haiti, claiming that this action
was necessary because the elections of 2000 held in Haiti were miscounted
due to technical processing problems. Coincidentally, the U.S. was not in
favor of Aristide becoming president because it was believed that he would
gain control over the parliament. Flynn also explains that the underlying
reason for this political controversy is racism because Haiti inhabits the
descendants of the many slaves that were in America. But despite the
inadequacies of Haiti, its people remain optimistically strong in keeping
hope alive through their faith in God and unity within their communal
society and culture.
After talking to Laura Flynn I have gained a better understanding of
Haitians. Meanwhile, I was fortunate to experience haitian food because I
had the opportunity to eat at a Caribbean restaurant that night for the
first time with a couple of friends. I tried the Chicken Roti, which is
similar to a burrito filled with rich and hearty curry chicken. Every taste
bud danced as they tasted the flavorful spices that warmed my entire body.
I also realized that Haitian cuisine is truly a reflection of the powerful
flame of hope that continues to burn in their hearts as they strive to
improve the lives of their future families.

Contact Information:
Haiti Action Committee
510-483-7481
haitiaction@yahoo.com

            Donations:
            Haiti Action Committee
            P.O. Box 2218
            Berkeley, CA 94701