If you are like me, it is easy to get wrapped up in your daily life and forget that there are other people actually living outside of Abilene! As strange as it might sound, it is true. I hope each of you has at least heard something about the situation in Haiti. It has been mentioned in pretty much every TV show I have watched the last few weeks, and I have come across it numerous times on the Internet. For this blog assignment I want you to dig a little deeper. Search on the Internet and find an article that either covers the actual event or talks about the relief efforts that are going on. In your comment I want you to give me a paragraph summary of the article. In a second paragraph I want you to respond to article and tell me how you feel about the situation. At the end of your comment I want you to copy and past the link that will take me to the article you read. As always don’t forget your name if you want to receive credit.
Think of this assignment as your soapbox. This blog is a chance to give your opinion. This is your voice. Remember that your grade is based on if you are able to develop an opinion and express it. If you have any questions feel free to email me at yoteach10@gmail.com. Since I did not fill out the questionnaire that was assigned last week feel free to ask me a question and I will try to answer it on the next blog.
Let’s all hope for some snow on Thursday!
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The disaster in Haiti on January 12 has affected the entire world, but most importantly it has devastated this poor island nation. My heart goes out to every single soul in Haiti as this tragedy continues to destroy lives. But at the same time, I am so grateful for all the relief efforts! I am so happy that so many people have banded together to help.
ReplyDeleteArticle summary:
>> Haiti sought the help of foreign governments and charities to aid the many victims of the earthquake. Sixteen-year-old Darline was rescued from the rubble after about fifteen days of being trapped. So far, more than one hundred thirty victims have been rescued and about 200,000 have died. The Haitian president, Rene Preval, is postponing elections in Haiti until after the country has recovered and he does not plan to run for a second term. Haiti requires not only relief efforts but also a plan to put the country back on its feet so it can run again. Haiti needs to expand rather than populate in specific areas, as disaster could hit again and destroy large metropolitan areas. Despite the tragedy of the earthquake, some progress has been made in the last fifteen days, as some businesses are running again. Preval is upset that relief funds have not come to the government, but rather other organizations. The wounded cannot receive efficient medical attention as hospitals are either destroyed or rather unsafe from the quake. The International Money Fund in Washington plans to give the Haitian government $114 million by the end of the week.
My thoughts:
>> I think that Preval's desire to see some funds for the Haitian government are justified as the country desperately needs to get back on its feet both economically and socially. The earthquake completely broke the already underdeveloped country and economic progress will not be an easy feat to accomplish now. I think relief efforts should certainly continue but that the government's needs should also be acknowledged.
Article link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35055543/ns/business
Bryson Travieso
A church in Crawfordsville, Indiana has been packing hygiene kits to be sent to Haiti. Christ Lutheran Church started packing these when the Lutheran World Relief issued a urgent appeal for more kits or money donations. The church is accepting donations of supplies for the kits or monetary donations. Once they are done packing all of the kits, they will be taken to a distribution warehouse in Indiana, where they will be sent to Haiti. Pastor Doug Givan said that while the church has been helping it's own community for over 50 years, he is glad that they have the opportunity to help Haiti in a tangible way.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that this church has found their own way to help out. It is amazing to see how many people in many places have found different ways to help. I think our school should follow suit in finding a tangible way to send relief.
--Brantly H.
http://www.thepaper24-7.com/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=22&ArticleID=24180
Article Summary:
ReplyDeleteThe disaster that recently struck affected more than just the small country of Haiti. Just hours after the earthquake, relief began to pour in. The American Red Cross, just one of the relief organizations, has already spent $67 million dollars to help and offer support to Haiti's small nation. Red Cross continues to send numerous plans and boats to Haiti filled with all types of supplies. The organization is providing cloths, means for shelter, food, medical necessities, and much more. Red Cross is also recruiting, training and then sending off willing volunteers to actually go to Haiti. There, not only will they see the tragedy that has occurred, but will be able to assist the people of Haiti in a personal, hands-on experience. And finally, to American residents that do not wish to go overseas, but still want to help in some way, the American Red Cross has accepted thousands of donations that are being sent directly to Haitians by the purchasing of materials in need. The American Red Cross continues to do great things to support Haiti in this time of crisis.
My Opinion:
I believe that the American Red Cross is a great organization and is doing as much as they can with what they have to help the people in Haiti. The nation of Haiti is the poorest country in the world, also making it severely underdeveloped. The effects of the earthquake are only setting them even farther backwards. By spending the money that they have, the Red Cross has managed to provide three main needs to the people. Food, clean water, and shelter. The relief efforts from America should definitely continue to assist this nation in need.
Article link:
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.94aae335470e233f6cf911df43181aa0/?vgnextoid=66c3f4aa95476210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD
Kristina Kiser
Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/world/americas/28haiti.html?ref=americas
ReplyDeleteWeeks ago, tragedy struck the island of Haiti. People from all over the globe have stepped up to the plate to help those who have been affected. Relief funds pour in by the millions. However, while the Haitians are devastated, they realize that they cannot give up hope. Stores are reopening and civilians are slowly returning to their daily routines. “The earthquake is over,” Mackenzie Bokaj, a computer technician said, “You cannot let yourself get all ratty like a grandpa. History marches on. You have to clean up.” Fortunately, the residents refuse to let this dreadful event ruin their lives. They choose to maintain hope. President René Préval has declared that he will be working to better the country and that he will not try to extend his term when his presidency ends. He believes that the only way to help his country is to work. The country continues to show its strength by taking matters into their own hands. Many civilians have brought brooms and buckets and have begun to clean up the area that they call home. The United Nations has come up with a cash-for-work program that has given more than 11,000 people the opportunity to clean up the city and earn money for it. The United Nations hope to have at least 100,000 Haitians in this program. Even though the factories have been reopening, citizens are afraid to enter the factories. The fear of the aftershocks has kept them from getting back to work. Many are trying to obtain a visa so that they can escape the turmoil of the country. Only time will tell how this nation will heal.
I think the people of Haiti show a strength that many of us could never achieve. To lose something of value is sad, but to lose everything can prove even more devastating. These people have lost everything: friends, family, pets, and most of their earthly possessions. Yet they still move forward and try to live everyday to fullest.
Amy Heath
The American Red Cross has dispatched numerous relief teams to the county of Haiti. The organization is putting more manpower into this effort than any previous “single-country disaster” and they have also spent over 67 million dollars. The Red Cross has sent massive amounts of food, clean water, and light shelter materials to this desperate country. “To date, 79 percent of the funds have been committed or spent on food and water; 18 percent on shelter items; and the remainder on health and family services.” A new, giant warehouse has been built for supplies. The Red Cross is using there knowledge gained from the Indian tsunami to make relief progress faster and more smoothly. Trucks, boats, and planes are constantly bringing in more supplies. The Red Cross is accepting donations and would love to have the help of anyone who is willing.
ReplyDeleteUp to this point I have not paid much attention to what was happening in Haiti. Yes, I realized it was bad and I also knew that people were helping but I did not know to what extent. The amount of people who are willing to help the nation of Haiti, is staggering. It’s good to know that the people of America still care about the outside world and are willing to be uncomfortable and do hard and tedious labor to help others. I hope that the Red Cross is able to pull Haiti out of the hole it has been thrown into. Also for Haiti’s sake I’m glad that the Red Cross had the previous experience with cleaning up after the Indian tsunami (not glad it happened, just glad that the Red Cross has experience in cleaning up after such disasters).
(i chose this article before i looked at anyone else's article
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.94aae335470e233f6cf911df43181aa0/?vgnextoid=66c3f4aa95476210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD
Jonathan
It's been over two weeks since the earthquake struck Haiti. Pop sensation Lady GaGa had a special charity even this past Sunday, which she called "Gaga for Haiti Day." She pledged that all the money she made through her concert, tickets, and internet merchandise would all go %100 to Haiti. Through this event she was able to raise $573,000 for Haiti relief.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is amazing she did this because I am a huge Lady GaGa fan. Half a million dollars will seriously help in the relief for Haiti. Its also not very often you see someone famous donate all the moey they make to something. Maybe Half of it or a fraction, but never %100. I guess it really shows how giving and caring some people really are.
Katelyn Kincaid
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1630614/20100127/lady_gaga.jhtml
Recently, iTunes released the soundtrack "Hope for Haiti" in efforts to raise money for Haiti. It has been confirmed that the album has raised $3 million for Haiti. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart 171,000 copies sold. Many of the tracks were performed on the "Hope for Haiti" telethon. The song, "Hallelujah," performed by Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris featuring Charlie Sexton has sold 64,000 downloads.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's great that iTunes released this album. I believe that it is a great way to get people who normally wouldn't get involved to get involved. Many people don't get involved because they feel that it's too complicated, or that someone else will help. ITunes gives everyone the oppurtunity to help Haiti. Also, iTunes has millions and millions of users. People love music. Music is a very influential way in getting people to contribute to helping the people in Haiti.
http://www.billboard.com/news/itunes-sales-drive-3-million-to-haiti-relief-1004063399.story#/news/itunes-sales-drive-3-million-to-haiti-relief-1004063399.story
Rachel Baisden
An estimated over 200,000 deaths have occured in relation to the earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12. Out of these deaths, an estimated 150,000 have not been found. Many people were trapped in rubble from the falling buildings and were never found. One sixteen year old girl was found in the rubble of a building, in very critical condition. The French search team that found her was not supposed to be looking for anymore people, but they refused to give up looking for people that could possibly still be alive. This 16 year old girl had just recently left her hometown to attend school, and was a considerable distance from where her family lived. Overall, the people in Haiti are going through a terrible time.
ReplyDeleteI think that the whole world has put in a tremendous effort to help the people of Haiti in their time of need. People of all backgrounds, beliefs, ages, social statuses have come together to contribute to the relief and rebuilding of this broken nation. The fact that the French rescue team continued their search when they weren't told to really shows the determination and sincerity of the people helping the citizens of Haiti during this time.
www.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/cb_haiti_earthquake
Article Summary:
ReplyDeleteThe people of Haiti were struck by a terrible earthquake recently January 12,2010. This was the worst earthquake in more than 200 years with casualties counted as 150,000 dead by the government on January 23. This island that is roughly the size of Maryland lay in ruins. The capital,Port-au-Prince was the worst hit. All important buildings, including the presidents, lay in shambles.
My thoughts: I feel so bad for this small country that has an incredibly tough history already. Haiti is by far the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Four out of five people in Haiti live below the poverty line. A 7.0 earthquake destroyed everything and left many dead. The good thing is many countries are reaching out and helping Haiti get back on its feet!
Web Link: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/haiti/index.html
-Drew Martinez-
Many people and organizations have been donating to relief funds for Haiti. It is surprising how much money Americans have donated during a recession. Some agencies said that more people donated money to Haiti than to Hurricane Katrina, but the gifts have not been as big. This, perhaps, is due to the state of the economy, or maybe because many charities have allowed small gifts, such as $5. Donations have been given in many different forms. Much of the donation money has been donated by way of text-messaging. People can text various phone numbers code words to donate money that will be charged to their phone bills. Many celebrities, including Ashton Kutcher, have endorsed giving to the cause by way of social networking sites. However, one problem that comes with donating by way of texting is that false codes and numbers abound. Many relief agencies have worried that texts and tweets will slow after the hype has died down. Haiti needs much help, but will Americans donate long term?
ReplyDeleteI think advancements in technology have really boosted overall donating to the Haiti cause. Many Americans are feeling the crack of the economic whip, and so being able to donate a few spare dollars here and there makes the difference on if they will donate at all. Not everyone can write out large checks during these times. Another benefiting factor of texting money to organizations is that many feel more comfortable donating money within the privacy of a simple text. I believe that using the advancements of technology to donate to those in need is a very noble act.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/14/AR2010011404663.html
Katie May Hardegree
Gabe...
ReplyDeletehaiti's government is very corrupt and the people of haiti want to rebuild everything including the government and the infrastructure. The people dont know how because of the government is so corrupt and it has been for so long. there are many political parties who say things that never happen in the country of haiti.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/haitis-impossible-dream-good-governance/article1450079/
i think its good the issues of creating a new haiti could be good for the country. maybe the corruption could come to a stop even though it seems to be the impossible. A lot of people seem to be donating money by text messaging to haiti.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRESPONSE:
ReplyDeleteAlthough many individual people and groups of people are striving to help Haiti in their time of chaos, many people in Haiti and other places are taking advantage of people that are at the lowest place of their lives right now. The people of Haiti had little to begin with and now what very little they had, has been ripped away from them. The death toll for the destruction that has taken place in Haiti is about 1,50,000 people. Organizations like the United Nations and American Red Cross are attempting to acquire more doctors and orthopedic surgeons to help people that have been injured due to the earthquake. Troops have also been stationed there to try and help the citizens of Haiti return to their daily lives.
OPINION:
I think that it is great that people are trying to organize a help system for the people of Haiti. It sickens me that people would take advantage of one another in a time when a certain group of people are clamoring for any kind of help what so ever just so that they can return to their day to day lives. It's great that the United Nations are intervening, I really believe that they can help; there is strength in numbers. I also think that sending troops over is a good idea so that the people of Haiti won't turn into an Iraq/Iran situation where they people love you, but others are angry that you are upsetting their plans. I really believe that we (the world and fellow Abileneians) should join together to try and help the people of Haiti as much as possible.
SOURCE:
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world/haiti-earthquake-relief-work-needs-more-medical-aid-amp-tent_100311790.html
--mallory jean