By Ernie D. Delfin

Re-evaluating How We, Americans, Assist Other People and Nations

As I am writing this article, CNN is reporting that more-than 100,000 people have perished and hundreds of thousands 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 to the not so-rich countries of the world are 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.

It’s quite moving 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 just a magical “small village after all” in this humanitarian “Service above Self.”

Why People in the Third World Remain Poor

W hy do 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? The query forced my inquisitive mind to ask a series of  why, why, why? The answers that came out from my discernment made me sick and mad for the lack of social justice! Simply because millions upon millions of dollars—more often than not—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 happens in Iraq, Afghanistan, Philippines, Pakistan, 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 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, Fern Peñaflorida 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! 

A more-radical approach maybe is just to annex Haiti as the 5lst state if its citizens vote for it in a referendum, with the  approval of the American federal and state governments. 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. – Ernie D. Delfin

P robably a long-term investment in a ‘human development college” designed for future leaders of these poor countries might be a 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. Why? 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 maybe is just to annex Haiti as the 5lst state, with the positive votes of its citizens in a referendum and the approval of the United States federal and state governments. 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? # # #

E ditor’s Notes: Readers may e-mail directly the author at   ernie.delfin@gmail.com  or  drbannatiran@yahoo.com or they may post their remarks in the User’s Comments following this article.