RE-EVALUATING HOW WE ASSIST OTHER PEOPLE AND NATIONS

THE METAMORPHOSIS
By
Ernie D. Delfin
Newport Irvine Rotary Club

RE-EVALUATING HOW AMERICANS ASSIST OTHER PEOPLE AND NATIONS

As I am writing this, CNN is reporting that almost 100,000 people have perished and hundreds of thousands more are still missing in Haiti due to a devastating 7.0 earthquake that hit this already poor island-nation. Amidst this tragedy, however, it is heart-warming to see that many nations from the wealthy nations to the not so-rich nations of the world sending their volunteer army of soldiers, doctors and nurses to help out in this horrific human tragedy. Much needed food, water, medicines and clothing are reaching the country everyday.

It is quite noteworthy to know that Rotarians are also involved in Haiti and have sent those Shelter Boxes right away. Many decent nations are instantaneously connected in their humanity in alleviating the inexplicable sufferings of the people of Haiti and in its rehabilitation. A true human being is pleased to witness that global help is freely and lovingly offered without regard to the one’s color, creed or politics. Indeed, the world instantly became one magical “Small Village After All” in this global humanitarian Service Above Self.

* **

Pondering why Haiti and many other countries in Latin America and Asia, remain poor and impoverished despite the millions if not billions of dollars being poured (doled out) by the United Nations, and other wealthy nations, like America, however, forced my inquisitive mind to ask a series of why, why, why? The answers that came out from my discernment made me sick and quite mad for the lack of social justice! Simply because, oftener than not, millions upon millions of dollars are siphoned by corrupt leaders of many recipient nations, including some unscrupulous independent contractors who are “hired” to help rehabilitate the country being helped. So much money has been lost due to graft and corruption worldwide! This phenomenon happened and still happening in Iraq, Afghanistan, Philippines, Pakistan, Malaysia, Haiti and in many more poor countries. Even the UN Food for Peace program was riddled with corruption in the recent past!

With the analogy of the “Tough Love” program for addicts and delinquent children in the USA, how about requiring or exacting a concrete system and policies be followed for every grant that is given to any nation? Another strategy is to just financially support with ample internal controls to enlarge the capacity and capability of many proven global organizations like the Rotary International, and those advocacies founded or headed by the CNN HEROES who were profiled and honored the last couple of years! For instance, the CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Penaflorida can do much more if given more money, resources and management to spread his literacy programs not only in the Philippines where he is now a national “hero” but the entire world!

Probably a long term investment in a ‘human development college” designed for future leaders of these poor countries might be good idea?

My innate fear is that despite the billions of dollars being poured unto Haiti, there will be no dramatic improvement of the peoples’ lives because the peoples’ paradigm, the political and economic structures, systems and policies did not change and the status quo remains the name of game.

A more radical approach, may be, is to just annex Haiti as our 5lst state, with the positive referendum of its citizens and approval of the USA. It will be cheaper and more beneficial for America in the long run as it can also profit by developing the country by just adopting our system of government, economic policies and infrastructures.

Comments, anyone?

---- 3 0 -----

Email writer: ernie.delfin@gmail.com or drbannatiran@yahoo.com