A rant about the Haiti relief operations....

[madmom]

I have seen several ops on this board and else where about how the US military are doing everything wrong in Haiti. I have just seen all this, this morning. Why? Because I have been out working my ass off trying to help these poor people get the supplies they may need. This is one of the few moments I have had to actually set down and read DU because I along with about 6 other people in my local community started a relief effort for Haiti. It started out small, but we now have a local radio station, a local mall, a bank (with 4 branches) 2 schools, a trucking company, a grocery store,and several mom & pop companies helping us. Why? Because we didn't sit around bitching about what others should be doing. We were out doing what WE could. We've had one donation day at the local mall with 2 more scheduled, we have 12 drop off locations. At the beginning of Feb. we have a local trucking company donated a truck and driver to take our donations to a warehouse about 50 miles away who already have the details of transport worked out(because they have done this before). This is an on-going crisis and Haiti is going to need help/supplies for months to come, where are these things going to come from? How are they going to get there? The military is doing what it has to do in order to get supplies through. So why don't people get off their high horse and go out and do something.

Oh BTW.. EVERYTHING was donated we haven't spent a penny!

The most important thing we found out is that there are people out there who want to help but don't know how. Help them help! You'll feel good, they'll feel good and Haiti wins!

[C_Lawyer09]

1. Great job and way to sacrifice!

I'm including a link, about what I think to be a great summary of military efforts so far. From my experience, this govt. and the military have set an awesome example thus far, as compared to previous efforts. Here is the link: http://blog.psaonline.org/2010/01/19/the-u-s-really-is-doing-a-heck-of-a-job-thus-far/

Though the last sentence bears remembering, and harkens to what you and your buddies/neighborhood are doing. "In a real emergency, the govt. won't save you, you are on your own."

[flyarm]

2. a big push on my Local Fla TV THIS MORNING ..near the hdqtrs of Centcom

begged people NOT TO COLLECT ITEMS..TO SEND TO HAITI.. they want $$$$$$$$$$ only..because they can not use items that need ti be shipped from all over..they need it centralized..because the airport in Haiti can not ACCOMODATE extra aircraft for stuff not packed as is done by major charitible groups.

[madmom]

3. We know and understand that. We did NOT want to be involved with money and all

the "risks" there in. The relief items we are collecting are for after the initial crisis. These are things like diapers, personal hygiene, things they will need in the coming months once the paths are open. Not everyone is comfortable with sending money.

[flyarm]

4. its not my "opinion" it is what was said very affirmatively on my Fla news stations.

with "so called experts" on the help and recovery of Haiti.

They said any donations other than money would sit on tarmacs and get nowhere...and would be a total waste..they would not get to Haiti..because of the demographics there now..no ports and little landing space for aircraft.

I am simply repeating what was said here in Fla..with a huge Haitian population!

[madmom]

5. Excuse me but I didn't say anything about it being your "opinion" ,also said

we know this is going to be stuff they need at a later date after the initial crisis.

I don't know why you are getting all bent out of shape, I made no mention of anything personal in my post, about you, your opinion or that of the "so called experts". It helps if you read what was posted.