Berry's Blog
Jim Moran’s Comments on Haiti
In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the American people have once again shown their incredible generosity. Americans have already donated over $500 million to relief efforts, and it is projected that contributions will ultimately top $2 billion. $122 million in donations already have come from American companies, and over $30 million have been raised through contributions made by text messages.
But at this time when Americans have joined together to help the people of Haiti, Jim Moran has chosen to use this tragedy as an opportunity to blame the United States for Haiti’s ills. Specifically, Moran said that “much of that endemic poverty in Haiti is a direct result of racist attitudes in this country.”
Moran’s comments remind of me of Jeane Kirkpatrick’s speech at the 1984 Republican convention, where she spoke of those who “always blame America first.” The American people’s reaction to the tragedy that has unfolded in Haiti has not been not the reaction of a racist people. And while our nation’s policy towards Haiti over the years certainly has not been perfect, we are not the primary cause of the corruption and misgovernance that has plagued that nation nor can any mistakes in our policy towards Haiti neatly be blamed on racism.
In short, at this time we should be coming together to aid the Haitian people during their time of need and thanking the American people for their generous response to this disaster. Now is not the time to accuse the United States of being a racist nation or to blame our country for Haiti’s problems.
Unfortunately, Jim Moran doesn’t understand this, and that is yet another reason he should be replaced in November.
