2010 Haiti Earthquake
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12, causing widespread devastation in Haiti's capital and throughout the country.
Sometimes, the earth is cruel.
That is ultimately the fundamental lesson here, as children wail, families sleep out of doors, and the dead lie unclaimed in the rubble that once was Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Sometimes the rains fall and will not stop. Sometimes the skies turn barren and will not rain. Sometimes the seas rise and smack the shoreline like a fist. Sometimes the wind bullies the land. And sometimes, the land rattles and heaves and splits itself in two.
Sometimes, the earth is cruel.
And always, when it is, we do the same thing. We dig ourselves out. We weep and mourn, we recover and memorialize the dead, we rebuild our homes. And we go on. This is the price of being human. And also, arguably, the noblest expression.
Sometimes, the earth is cruel, and you have no choice but to accept that as part of the bargain called life. And when it is your turn to deal with it, you do.
But what if it’s always your turn?
Surely some homeless, dust-streaked Haitian can be forgiven for thinking it is always Haiti’s turn, just days after the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere saw its capital city smashed by the strongest earthquake it has ever known, a 7.0-magnitude monster. Surely, the rest of us watching from afar, experiencing tragedy and devastation from the comfort of desk chairs and living room couches, are tempted to believe the same thing.
Bad enough, Haiti is wretchedly poor. Bad enough it has a history of political instability and colonialism, of being ignored by the major powers when it is not being exploited by them. Bad enough, all that, yet at the end of the day, those are disasters authored by human hands, by human greed, human corruption, human economic predation.
Sometimes, though, you have to wonder if the planet itself is not conspiring against this humble little nation.
After 1994, when Tropical Storm Gordon killed several hundred people, after 1998, when Hurricane Georges swept away more than 500 lives, after 2004, when the rains of Tropical Storm Jeanne claimed more than 2,000 souls, after 2005, when Hurricane Dennis took 25 lives in July and Tropical Storm Alpha snatched 17 in October, followed by Hurricane Wilma, which stole 11 more, after the double whammy of Hurricanes Fay and Gustav in 2008 killed more than 130 people and destroyed 3,100 homes, after all that, comes this latest insult — and a death toll officials cannot begin to even imagine. Perhaps as many as 100,000, they were saying on Wednesday.
Sometimes, the earth is cruel. To crawl the planet’s skin, scanning for tornadoes in Oklahoma, charting storm tracks in Florida, running from wildfires in California, is to understand this in a primal, personal way. It is to breathe a prayer that begins, “There, but for the grace of God ...” It is to write relief checks, donate blood, volunteer material and time and to fear, even in the doing, that these gestures are small against the need, inconsequential against the ache of a people whose turn seems never to end.
But what else are you going to do? As the playwright put it, your arms too short to box with God. Even less have we the ability to answer the question that burns the moment: Why are the most vulnerable repeatedly assessed the highest price?
We are hamstrung by our own limitations, so we can only do what we always do, only send prayers and help. And watch, staggered by the courage it takes, as Haitians do what human beings always do, the thing at which they have become so terribly practiced.
Dig out. Weep and mourn. Memorialize the dead. Rebuild. Go on. And show the world once again a stubborn insistence on living, despite all the cruelties of the earth.
— Leonard Pitts Jr., winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, is a columnist for the Miami Herald. His e--mail address is lpitts@miamiherald.com and he chats with readers from noon to 1 p.m. CST each Wednesday on www.MiamiHerald.com.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
Kontum1972 (anonymous) says…
Gunga Lunga
meggers (anonymous) says…
Well said, Mr. Pitts. The earth is indeed cruel, as Marion might one day discover if an F5 tornado ever levels his house.
No place is completely safe from the earth's potential for destruction. Blaming the citizens of Haiti for not relocating before such a disaster is not only callous, but also grossly ignorant. Way to go, Marion.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…
These people did not choose to live on a geologic fault. They were born there as were generations before them. It is their home.
There is no place on this planet that can be guaranteed to be safe from some form of natural disaster.
This is a horrible, horrible thing. It is heartbreaking to watch what they are going though.
I cannot even imagine walking down streets piled with dead people. Others with major injuries and open wounds.
I am happy to see such a fast response to this catastrophe.
I am proud of American nurses for organizing and going to Haiti.
BrianR (anonymous) says…
Marion, you obviously did not consult with the inbred moron Pat Robertson before making your post. Clearly, Haiti's "pact with the Devil" brought about the earthquake.
Robertson is a boundless fountain of ignorance and stupidity. May he rot in Hell.
Liberty275 (anonymous) says…
anthropomorphism is a liberal disease. Haiti was struck by an earthquake because it sits on a fault line. Nothing more, nothing less.
tomatogrower (anonymous) says…
I didn't know Robertson was a liberal? He would be surprised.
jonas_opines (anonymous) says…
Good lord, sometimes the comments on here are just too idiotic for words.
blue73harley (anonymous) says…
I'm waiting to hear what Phred has to say before taking sides.
Boston_Corbett (anonymous) says…
Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
"As ususal, Pitts has written complete stuff and nonsense!. . ."
_______________________________
As usual, Marion is a horse's patoot.
chucklehead (anonymous) says…
Haitian "voodoo" is a blend of traditional belief and Roman Catholicism, also considered satanic by some in the mainstream :)
This ignorance and lack of organization that some speak of comes from centuries of oppression and thievery begun by the Spaniards and continued into the current century. They have had over 30 governmental coups, making it difficult to have much infrastructure and stability as a nation. Such a shame that so many power-hungry people have made so many lives unpleasant.
OK, now rip me up for caring and trying to open your eyes to the history of the situation.
finance (anonymous) says…
Marion (Marion Lynn) says: "As ususal, Pitts has written complete stuff and nonsense! The Earth is not cruel; it is only our perception of it and the way that it is which allows whiners such as Pitts to make absurd claims. If one choses to live on top of a geologic falut, one's homes and buildings, be they mud huts or scyscrapers are eventually going to fall down. If one lives near the coast line, one will eventually be flooded. Fcts of life, which “humanity”(sic) in it arrogance chooses to deny." What exceptional drivel from someone who likely is the last person who should cast stones. Consider the following short analysis.
Marion (either s/he) attacks in supposed smugness, even mis-using "sic" in the midst of one of the worst cases of spelling, punctuation, and grammar I've seen in this rabble forum, to wit:
Consider the sentence, "If one choses to live on top of a geologic falut, one's homes and buildings, be they mud huts or scyscrapers are eventually going to fall down." Rife with error, it should read: "If one chooses to live on top of a geologic fault, one's homes and buildings, be they mud huts or skyscrapers (insert comma too), are eventually going to fall down."
Consider the sentence, "Fcts of life, which “humanity”(sic) in it arrogance chooses to deny." Again rife with inarticulateness, it isn't even a complete sentence, and surely not a free-standing paragraph. I must presume the quoted "it" should be taken to mean the possessive "its"--but I don't find it in your impeccable English and must mentally correct for your omission. And please, get your facts straight and spell "facts" with all requisite letters.
Consider the sentence "As a species, we could live a whole lot more safely but we choose to not do so and suffer the consequences" as the epitome of insult. Containing yet again a punctuation error by not placing a comma after "safely," it is the sheer absurdity of the charge, implying that people in Haiti choose to live exactly where they do and choose to exist in the economic/social circumstance they find themselves, that is simply unconscionable. I am only left to wonder if "Marion" chose his/her circumstance/accident of birth; I'm quite certain s/he made that choice very deliberately.
Pitts, in whom I have no interest at all, apparently lives far away from "Marion" and his world-- Pitts should be grateful. I live much closer--too bad. I'm trying to be restrained and nice, but this is the best I can muster. Maybe I misinterpret, but--Marion--a little care with language would avoid misunderstanding.
I should probably proof my post one more time, but consider what I'm criticizing. Why should I bother, judging by what passes for relevant political/social comment these days? Just consider my lack of re-editing as one of my "falut[s]" as "Marion" would write.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
The Earth hates Black people and wants them to die!
jonas_opines (anonymous) says…
"My above comments are insensitive but also pointless."
Fixed that for you. No one says "I'm an illiterate so I'm moving to Haiti!" They're born there with no real way to get out, and they lack the reasonably-uncorrupted (Government) institutions that provide the order and security that allow people to better themselves.
If you were born in Haiti, you'd likely be illiterate and ignorant, too.
MyName (anonymous) says…
Well Marion, at least the Haitians have an excuse as to why they're ignorant.
You live in the richest country in the world, have one of the greatest stores of knowledge in history, literally at your fingertips, and yet you seem to think that because they lost the sperm race that means it's somehow their "choice" to live where and how they live.
Utter malarky.
finance (anonymous) says…
Hmmm....I wonder if anyone in Haiti today is "mooching healthcare?" Probably...the ingrates planned this disaster...countless thousands moved there ahead of time just for this event. Wish I had known: I would have raised hell with legislators about sending money to such a worthless bunch of moochers. I also wish I could keep up mentally with Healthcare_Moocher, but I find it impossible--we've matched "wits" before on topics where s/he is far better informed.
rcb187 (anonymous) says…
Ignorance!?!
Say the residents of the fattest and laziest country on the planet whose access to vast educational resources are brushed aside for the consumption of the latest electronic gadget built by poor, ignorant, South Asians.
Given the chance that Haitians, collectively or individually, have had from the beginning of the French-Spanish slave colony, the armchair critics on this website, myself included, would surely die from their inability to survive without being propped up by the industrial production of our very existence.
Need I remind you (or clue you in for the first time) that Haiti was the first black republic to gain independence from Europe, and was only second in all countries in this hemisphere to gain independence. Unfortunately, the first "free" republic did not recognize this fact for over 30 years as they were blinded by their racism.
In any case, Although it really is not my place, you will undoubtedly rot in hell for anything less than sympathy.
rcb187 (anonymous) says…
I do have to agree though that the anthropomorphizing of the Earth obscures the social processes that have created Haiti's poverty. Liberals are quite good at this type of trickery, often being fooled by it themselves.
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
I LOL when the beast with nine fingers puts on his Ms. Manners hat.
temperance (anonymous) says…
"I wish it was San Fran instead."
First of all, while this Haitian earthquake is a big goldmine for comedians like yourself, I can understand your choice of a safe San Francisco reference opening. We all know what "San Francisco" means! LOL!
But seriously, it's *so* hilarious that you want over 100,000 Americans killed in a devastating earthquake. I assume 9/11 was an awesome day for you. Such a good American . . . .
temperance (anonymous) says…
@ jonas_opines@1:31 -- Yes, this thread is especially vicious and dumb. I think some people can't process the scope and hideousness of the tragedy so their brain immediately goes to a selfish/childish place and they do all sorts of mental gymnastics to justify not caring ("they're illiterate!" "it's vodoo" "wish it were 'Frisco! Ha!").
That's the charitable interpretation anyhow. I think a lot of them are simply racist.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
porch_person (Anonymous) says…
I don't have to say anything on this thread. Just let the usual suspects speak.
---------------------------------
Well put.
If this same column had been written but had instead been about God's cruelty and been signed by Cal Thomas, the comments would be exactly the same. The only difference would be they would be the Bizarro version of the comments on this Pitts column.
anon1958 (anonymous) says…
Dear Tom and Marion,
GTFO of our species, as demonstrated by your own words you are inhuman.
leedavid (anonymous) says…
Obama better not take this over....it will be his Katrina. This is a disorganized mess at this point. Looting has already started. Supplies are having a hard time getting to the people....the effort between countries is disorganized. Volunteers don't know what to do and where to go..
Somebody needs to take charge.
EXks (anonymous) says…
Regressive evolution, Glen Beck tin foil hat syndrome and Palintology live unprecedented!
Darlene McBride bless you all
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqZaQK...
anon1958 (anonymous) says…
Well for sure, Tom and leedavid, truther and a few others certainly are not Christians nor do they hold the idea of Christian charity in anything but contempt. I am sure glad they are not my neighbors since they dont have sympathy for people that live near them.
The ignorant remarks made about people that live in Haiti and criticism of Obama on this topic is a display of provincial ignorance that I would have found astounding even as a 12 year old.
What are you people so angry about that you lash out against people concerned for and trying to help? Have none of you ever ventured beyond the 5th grade or outside what ever rural hell hole you live in?
It is not an ad hominem attack for me to conclude from some of the the things written here that a few of you are worse than ignorant and indeed need psychological counseling. Whether you learned to be a hate filled reactionary or are suffering from a psychotic disease makes no difference, your need for counseling is the same.
I hope you get better, some of you have children and I shudder to think what your example has done to their emotional and intellectual development.
riverdrifter (anonymous) says…
Marioni sez:
"I have personally seen not one but “TWO” F5s "
What two???
BS alarm is going off. Please cite.
808Drive (anonymous) says…
How about placing some of the blame on the Haitian government who has continously screwed over the people of Haiti. They rape the people of every dime that comes through that country so they can have their lavish palaces around the world! Where was the current president when all this happened? In his the South of France in his vacation home? Believe me, most of that money that is sent to that country will go to the governments greedy hands and the people will not get a dime! That presidential palace will be the first thing to get rebuilt!
jonas_opines (anonymous) says…
"Hate? Care to go back a few years?"
I agree. Your hate was just as visible a few years ago.
anon1958 (anonymous) says…
Barrypenders (Anonymous) says…
"Did you really know what “provincial” meant when you knee high to a grasshopper? At 12? If so, you are waaaay more Articulate than I. "
Why do you ask? I will be a good sport and answer you though since you went to the trouble to post in English rather than your usual incomprehensible gibberish.
Well no one can remember their dictionary of known words at a young age with any precision. Based on what I can remember and from reading your posts here in recent weeks I am very certain that I was substantially more articulate at age 12 than you are are at this time. I am very confident that my knowledge of science, history and literature at age 12 far surpasses what one may reasonably infer of your present mastery of these subjects, based on what you write here.
As far as your military education, at age 18 I do not understand why the military would be instructing you in remedial English unless English is your second language. If your vocabulary was limited then, it is due to the failure of whatever middle and high schools you attended and the army seems quite irrelevant to your attempt at sarcasm.
I may not like some of the missions that politicians require our armed forces to undertake but I have great respect for the military and count not a few enlisted men and officers as close personal friends. During college I rented a room from a Vietnam era marine and he was extremely articulate as well as a successful producer of many public television shows.
Like every other marine I have met he was polite, reserved and bragging about killing the enemy was about the last thing one would ever expect him to say.
riverdrifter (anonymous) says…
Marion,
From NOAA, baloney on both accounts. 2003 was an EF-2 at worst. Nevermind.
You have never seen an F-5.
BS alarm has been reset.
Next.
corduroypants (anonymous) says…
Truther (Anonymous) says…
I wish it was San Fran instead.
Welcome to Kansas. America's a**hole.
anon1958 (anonymous) says…
08Drive (Anonymous) says…
"How about placing some of the blame on the Haitian government who has continously screwed over the people of Haiti. "
This is very true. One bizzare transfer of wealth was a very large amount of cash given by Baby Doc Duvallier to Mother Teresa. The money of course was supposed to help the poor, but the scheming bitch and concubine of Satan, otherwise soon to be known as Saint Mother Teresa spent the money establishing convents around the world named after her.
She actually scammed a lot of money this way.
Boston_Corbett (anonymous) says…
Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
“I have personally seen not one but “TWO” F5s ”
________________
I believe you Marion. David Irving vouched for your honesty and accuracy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ir...
bkgarner (Brent Garner) says…
OK. The facts are that Haiti is 1) the single most densely populated nation in the Carribean if not the western hemisphere, 2) it is probably the poorest nation in either of the above geographical designations. However, I am puzzled by another fact. The island on which Haiti sits is shared by another nation--the Dominican Republic. While Haiti has suffered, and there is no other way to describe it, we hardly ever here such stories from the Dominican Republic who share the exact same island. Anyone care to explain why one nation on that island is doing so much better than the other nation?
georgiahawk (anonymous) says…
anon1958, you are my new hero! Articulate and to the point, good job!
snap_pop_no_crackle (anonymous) says…
http://wizbangblog.com/content/2010/0...
jumpin_catfish (anonymous) says…
the earth is not cruel but it may seem that way when we humans get in its way. Pitts is well known for over dramatizing things. Haiti has long been a sad sad place and will continue to be that for the forseeable future.
MyName (anonymous) says…
@Marion:
Maybe the reason why people have read so many "unsaid things" into your comments has more to do with your writing skill than with anything else.
You said: "If one choses to live on top of a geologic falut, one's homes and buildings, be they mud huts or scyscrapers are eventually going to fall down." This was in your first comment to an article about a major earthquake in Haiti.
Now you may have been trying to pull some kind of Solomonic comment about the works of man being vanity, but the fact is that it's a pretty dumb comment when you consider that: 1) The Haitians are dirt poor, have no real building codes and even their tougher buildings like the presidential palace, major military buildings and the control tower at the airport were leveled; and 2) They haven't had a major earthquake on Haiti's side of that fault since 1860.
Both of these facts could be gleaned from news reports or from 5 mins of searching on the internet. So please don't tell me you're being "misunderstood". Your comments were just ignorant. The bottom line is if this was in San Francisco, or LA, or Tokyo, there would not have been this much death and destruction. Which makes it even worse in terms of the human scale as the Haitians weren't doing very well before this happened.
acornwebworks (Kendall Simmons) says…
Actually, contrary to Marion's assertion, there is no 'intent' required to be cruel.
One of the primary definitions of cruelty is "pitiless". And 'pitiless' means 'devoid of pity'.
You know what? I bet most people would agree that earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes...heck, the the earth itself... are 'devoid of pity'. So "cruelty" can be a perfectly appropriate word to use when referring to something that isn't human, or even animate.
This isn't anthropomorphizing. This is remembering that most words have multiple meanings...often one for humans and another for 'other stuff'...and we ought to make sure we understand what definition the (in this case) writer is using before proclaiming *he's* wrong when it's actually *you* using the wrong definition. (As evidenced by Marion's later comment: “Cruel” within the meaning one might apply to another human being?")
Oh...and, yes, as a number of posters have already pointed out, the use of "sic" as originally used in this thread *IS* in error.
Marion argues that it was used appropriately as "the term may be used to indicate an error in usage".
However, there's one essential requirement that wasn't met.
Sic is only to be used when errors are found within a quote that is being reproduced as it originally appeared. And even then sic is to be used only to indicate that it wasn't the current author who made the error. So 'finger-quoting' your own words as you're writing them doesn't qualify.
Plus sic is not a tool to express disagreement with the quote itself.
Think "George Eliot was a great writer. He [sic] wrote 'Silas Marner'" as opposed to "George Eliot was a great writer [sic]. She wrote 'Silas Marner'.
Sic is used appropriately only in the first example. So, no, Marion didn't use it correctly.