IF IF. Please consider this hypothetical question re Haiti.

[peacetalksforall]

Could Aristede come back?

If the people said they wanted to be listened to .... that they wanted Aristede to walk next to them, to talk them through the obstacles, to represent them in protecting their future, to be their envoy and representative - is it possible?

We know that there are wealthy people who object to leftist ideology and who are not involved with giving the people a real voice, i.e., hit man successes. At the same time .....

..... we know that there are probably predators who are already forming plans to make a bundle of money in amounts that would have never beenn considered before the disaster. Aren't the people at a greater risk? For example, there might be plans to rebuild essential buildings, docks, roads that could be charged back to the people in ways that would put more monetary stress and strain than before.

It's possible that there may be jobs for Haitians that weren't possible before. But, it is also possible that foreign contractors would be given the jobs if it meant giving a contract to friends.

I heard the words of the current President thanking Obama and the American people and it was eloquent. It is the first I've heard about him other than the initial news that he and his family were safe. Has anyone heard what successes he has had or what he is saying to the people?

Is it possible that Aristede could do this and that he would be allowed to do it?

How generous are we, France, Canada, the IMF, and the World Bank?

Since they took Aristede out, could they bring him back to inspire the people to cooperate - especially in stopping the violence.

Just how generous are we? Who is protecting the people at the next stages of recovery and normalcy?

If U.S. leaders are determined to be generous with aid, why not inspirational aid? Who do they have, if not Aristede? Are there any names?

What can be done to prevent any possibility of more massacres and prisons full of able bodied people who are needed to rebuild the country, the neighborhoods. the families?

The violence seems to be building. Will it subside and stop once there is food, water, and medical aid?

If you're thinking about dismissing the question with a negative one liner, please reconsider - let's hear from Haitian experts, political experts, people experts who can speak for the people - not just the wealthy who have pre-arrangements with the predator class -- this is a question about what is best for the people - not just arrests, beatings, prison. I wish we could have a serious discussion.

If they end up with buildings that hold up in earthquakes, is that better than rights?

I fear for them. I would like to see things change for the better.

I am afraid of us and others.

[sharesunited]

1. Senegal has offered land to any Haitians who can get a bus ticket over to Africa.

It is a French speaking nation which apparently still needs settlers.

That is an amazing offer.

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sharesunited]

7. Here's a link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/16/AR2010011602048.html

[FarCenter]

2. The United States took control of the airport -- Aristide is not coming back

[Historic NY]

3. Lets just forget the politics and save those we can...people can talk later..

[peacetalksforall]

4. Someone of their own country needs to appeal to them and talk to them - now.

There is no time for Monday morning quarterbacking.

It has been politics and it is living politics, it is now politics.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. Disastesr of this magnitude change the nature of the society

...

You may not see it NOW... and it MIGHT not involve Aristide, but keep your eyes on this country for the next generation.

Mexico's PRI lost elections to the PAN because of the Quake... took 12 years (and the PRI will be back next presidential, and this changed the PRI)

And that is just one example

I cannot predict what direction the change will go, or if it will be peaceful or not, but as they say... stay tuned.

Hell, if you think about it, one reason the GOP lost elections was Katrina. There is another precedent for that, the Great Flood of 1928...