Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Hait and U.S. policy

The story of Americans taking Haitian children out of the country illegally struck me as a parallel to the worst aspects of U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean in general (and globally).  We are divinely guided to interfere in other countries, and their laws are irrelevant if we believe the cause is just.  If those in other countries do not understand, that is not our problem because we believe we meant well.

“I can’t at all question where they went and what they did because I’m really convinced it was at God’s direction,” he said. “They were acting in faith. That may sound trivial, but they were acting not only in faith but God’s faith.”

Self-reflection, analysis of consequences, long-term costs, and even the essential question of legality are thus rendered moot.

4 comments:

Anonymous,  11:46 AM  

I don't disagree with your comment but how is that different from every other country in the world? Everyone acts the same way. The only difference is that the US has the power to make (many, some?) of its decisions stick, while other countries don't.

mike a,  2:03 PM  

Greg, I totally agree. These people wrap themselves up in the flag of their church and expect that all will be forgiven since they are acting "in God's interest." How would they react if the tables were reversed? That's what they should be asking themselves as they sit in a Haitian cell.

Anonymous,  9:34 PM  

Discussing Haitian children being flown here even though they may have relatives who want them to stay someone (and Americanist) in my office said "but they're coming to a better life here." By that standard it's fine to adopt/abduct children from much of the developing world...

Anonymous,  9:40 PM  

THIS IS BIG BUSINESS.....HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THAT A GROUP OF PEOPLE WITH NO MONEY NO EXPERIENCE HAPPEN TO BE IN HAITI TO SAVE CHILDREN? THE PASTOR IN IDAHO SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIMSELF.

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