Bill Clinton: What we can do to help Haiti

[cal04]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/13/AR2010011304604.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
By Bill Clinton


As I write, we don't know the extent of the damage wrought by the earthquake that rocked the coast of Haiti on Tuesday. But a tragic number of people have been killed or injured, and early estimates indicate that nearly 3 million people -- almost a third of Haiti's population-- may need aid, making this one of the great humanitarian emergencies in the history of the Americas.

I met with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday and with other key U.N. leaders to discuss Haiti's immediate and long-term needs. Those who are still alive under the rubble must be found. The bodies of those who have died must be taken away. Power must be restored and roadways cleared. But what Haiti needs most is money for water, food, shelter and basic medical supplies to bring immediate relief to those who are homeless, hungry and hurt.

The entire United Nations system is working hard to meet these needs and to regroup on the ground in Haiti after the collapse of our headquarters building and the loss of many of our colleagues. The U.S. government has pledged its full support to the recovery effort, as have the governments of many other nations. Nongovernmental organizations and ordinary citizens have offered to help. Even small contributions will make a big difference in the aftermath of such destruction.

(snip)
First we must care for the injured, take care of the dead, and sustain those who are homeless, jobless and hungry. As we clear the rubble, we will create better tomorrows by building Haiti back better: with stronger buildings, better schools and health care; with more manufacturing and less deforestation; with more sustainable agriculture and clean energy.

Establishing this foundation for a better Haitian future will require assistance from governments, businesses and private citizens. Those eager to help can donate through the U.N. effort, my own foundation
(https://re.clintonfoundation.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=3869) or by text message (text "HAITI" to 20222 to donate $10 to U.N. relief efforts).

[liberal N proud]

1. K&R

[IndianaGreen]

2. Any $5 or $10 will help!

K&R

[ChazII]

6. Agree with you 100%.

This is one project everyone can help with by giving what ever amount they can afford.

[MannyGoldstein]

3. Hey Bill - You Got Tens of Millions From Signing Glass-Steagall

How many millions are you sending?

[FSogol]

4. Classy

:eyes:

So anything is appropriate fodder for making a political point?

:thumbsdown: :thumbsdown:

[midnight]

5. Wow... I forgot about that.... Maybe he can build a hospital....

[Beacool]

7. Same old crap on this board.

:thumbsdown:

[Beacool]

8. Kudos to Bill for his efforts.

He has been going non-stop since Tuesday and not getting much sleep for what has been reported.

I heard on the radio this morning that Obama had asked Bush Jr. to team up with Bill to provide added help. It's all hands on deck for this one. Petty political differences should be left aside.

;)