It doesn't seem like a day passes where you hear about some "celebrity" and/or entity raising half a billion dollars in 35 seconds for Haiti Relief. With Org after Org corralling your heartstrings into giving to the new red ribbon boutique cause of the moment, Haiti is in fact, the first cause to embrace the digital era (where donations were collected over multiple platforms) Forgive my cynicism, I am very glad that the spotlight has shone on the impoverished country. For Haiti has problems that go far beyond the earthquake in terms of civility, human rights, and ethics. But it would seem the tides have turned and through tragedy the world unites for a singular cause that couldn't be more well deserved or received. What troubles me is that when we look back on this cause 5 years from now....will we see the same demolished landmarks, shanti town, oppression, and poverty.
Its no doubt that the cause for Haiti is raising a lot of money....a lot of money that the people desperately need. My main concern is really, how much of this money is benefiting the people if any. This is not to discourage from giving, but rather question where the money is going and investigate the organizations you are sponsoring so that your donation can do what it was intended to do.....lift up a people who have been through the worst experience they have experienced in the past 200 years. Disaster capitalism is an economy all on its own and Haiti seems like the "Jersey Shore" raitings boost that the construct needed. I just hope that Hope for Haiti doesn't turn into the new stimulus plan for greedy fat cats and their board members hoping to subsidize their country club memberships.
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