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28223: Hermantin(News)Priority's the problem with helping Haiti (fwd)
From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>
Haiti
South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board
April 2, 2006
Priority's the problem with helping Haiti
It began with such promise: Imagine using the resources of Florida to help
Haiti, which at least technically is the closest democracy in the Caribbean.
Granted, Gov. Jeb Bush's 2004 Haiti Advisory Group produced a plan that even
stretched his parameters of big, audacious ideas. Improving security and
hosting reconciliation talks for the troubled nation aren't your typical state
government fare. But this is Florida, which may explain why the plan is
collecting dust on the proverbial shelf.
Bush hasn't yet persuaded the Florida Legislature to jump-start the initiative
with a $1 million appropriation. That's not very impressive for a governor
whose party controls both legislative chambers.
Bush still has time, and he'd better make it a priority, something close to the
zeal he normally saves for school choice or tax cuts. Or else Florida's
expatriate Haitian community might feel used -- again.
Copyright © 2006, South Florida Sun-Sentinel