My views on how to fix Haiti by Jay Wendt
(centrist)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Haiti has currently suffered a major natural disaster of biblical proportions. Now, people around the world want to give aid to this poverty stricken land in its time of need. Unfortunately, I am afraid to say, all this money and charity will truly amounts to nothing. Haiti is an unstable nation with a government that barely functioned before the earthquake, known for corruption. In addition, Haiti had not real infrastructure, further making any attempt to rebuild that near impossible. In essence, Somalia looks more prosperous and developed the Haiti. Haiti cannot, and most likely will not, recover from this tragedy in its current state. Drastic actions are necessary in order to fix Haiti, and I would like to simply explain what sorts of actions are indeed necessary.
First, a total change of Government is necessary. Since the fall of the Duvalier regime and institution of democracy, Haiti has gotten worse. Haiti's government is extremely corrupt, and the Haitian food supply is almost entirely dependent on food imports; which should be a reminder of why globalization is bad. I will admit democracy is a great system of government, however democracy isn't for everyone; in order for a democracy to work, you must have an educated population. In some instances you need a strong leader who can take hold of a country and mold it like clay; sadly, leaders in the mold of Franco, Pinochet, and Peron are what Haiti needs. Now, I am not saying anyone should support the return of "Baby Doc" Duvalier, but rather support for any strong leader with the charisma and abilities to rebuild Haiti. Such a dictator would be able to rebuild Haiti more effectively then a democracy due to the simple fact that he would not be accountable to an electorate or to a legislative body; in essence, there are no obstacles to any reconstruction or development efforts. Also, a dictator would be more able to deal with the usual instability associated with Haiti using more effective methods; one cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs, and the same logic should be applied with nation building.
Second, total economic reform is necessary. Much like Pinochet did in Chile, Haiti needs to adopt Libertarian economic thought in order to rebuild the country. Like it or not, profit is a great motivator, and allowing private companies to provide necessary services for a profit is a necessary evil in order to rebuild Haiti. Privatization of education, transportation, sanitation, and utilizes would allow the private sector to build Haiti's infrastructure. This would also create wealth in Haiti, by employing qualified Haitians, or by providing services to foreign workers.
Third, Haiti needs to focus on developing agriculture. Haiti needs to be able to feed itself. Haiti's reliance of imports to feed its population is a burden and counterproductive.
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create wealth in Haiti? What wealth? They probably don't even have farms in Haiti. It is like they are all doomed even before the quake. This place is so poor that people eat cookies made out of DIRT:
I hate to say this, but the earthquake might have actually been beneficial to the survivors because now they will get food and water from the rest of the world. I don't see too much hope for Haiti, but I hope I'm wrong.
I completely agree, I the earthquake was benefitial. In fact, it may have put many haitians out of their misery, I am afraid to say. Hopefully, there will be some form of capable Franco-esque leadership coming soon. The sooner they have a strong and absolute leader, the sooner the situation will improve.
You want to put up a "new" government where the old one had failed. What's so great about this "new" government? Well, you designed it so it must be the greatest thing since sliced bread! What Haitians really need is the drive all politicians and semblances of the state out of Haiti. Only when they are free can Haiti truly recover.
Well, Matt, I didn't design anything, so the point you ar trying to make with that is a bit puzzling.
Now a new government is needed (in my opinion), or aren'tyou unaware of the fact that there have been questions about the legitmacy of Pres. Preval's election, and his incompetance in effectively running the country before the earthquake.
An as for your free men statement, you clearly have no knowledge of the country's history. The people of Haiti are violent, disgruntled, and fiercely against a strong government. The only two instances when Haiti saw any any sort of peace and tranquility was when the US occupied Haiti and when the Duvalier regime was in power. So, unless you want a mini-Somalia off the US coastline, hope that a strong and capable government is installed.
Are you kidding me? The people of Haiti are against a strong government because that "strong" government hasn't shafted them time and time again. Duvalier was a despot. I can't figure out why they wouldn't want to go back to those days! Or being under the control of a foreign military like the US. I'm sure that was a golden age for Haiti.
You share this problem with most other people. You think that if only the right guys got into power, everything will be just dandy. Except history has shown, that never happens. And given your comments about being "put out of their misery", one can only wonder what sort of governmet you'd propose.
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