Haiti

I've had several cups of tea over the past five days. There has been little time to write. My girlfriends are coming by or calling me some in tears from the TV images. After 20 years of listening to me advocating for the Haitian people, finally the world is paying attention. Praise to Mother Earth and the Almighty duo-combination. I'm so grateful for the outpouring of your hearts and your comfort. Now the world will see and hear about the amazing fortitude and perseverance of these courageous, faithful people.

The TV is on Mute and I catch glimpses of the aftermath destruction. I wonder about the people in the rural and unreachable areas. When will the cameras reach the remote regions surrounding PAP. This morning, I heard the current Haitian president, obviously out of touch with reality, speak of "his" palace being destroyed. His palace? This is how democracy has been crushed over the centuries but not the spirit of the people.

The palace in all its splendor stood as a symbol and in sharp contrast of what was wrong in Haiti. I do not mourn its collapse. I feel the collapse is statement enough. I pray for the families who have lost loved ones during this catastrophic earthquake.

When I visited Haiti 5 years ago, I was surprised to learn I was going to have my picture taken with the palace in the background. With its green manicured lawns, glistening white stone it was breathtaking structure. However, standing there alone was discomforting. The architectural vision that had been carried through was exceptionally executed. It was a beautiful palace but it failed to mask the extreme wealth of a few and the extreme poverty of 98% of the people. The grinding poverty was noticeable even on Port au Prince's fashionable streets.

President Obama spoke eloquently of and clearly to the Haitian people this morning. Quality attention has been a long time coming. I read the Montana collapsed, too. The luxury hotel where the media and diplomats usually stay was frequently used as a backdrop overlooking the former Port au Prince. Where is the media staying these days?

I recall dining at the Montana as a group one lovely evening. The ambiance and food were delicious. Here I had my first glass of clarin, a potent, clear Haitian liquor. I shocked everyone when I announced I'd like another. What can I say? I liked it.

Ah, the places you'll go indeed. Now we have cameras on the ground, a bunch of shocked 'broadcasters' and a pile-up in the skies over PAP. Google maps, medical and wireless 21st Century technology are facing massive casualties and destruction. Every little last thing will need to be brought in. This is a moral story of epic proportions. Stay tuned.

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Yes the trip to the DR is still on. No, I have no intention of going to Haiti. I'd only be in the way.