says Jay Smooth in a killer post at Ill Doctrine. Check out the video below to learn why our obligation to join with the Haitian people goes much deeper than pity:
This not only a nation of poverty and desolation…this is the nation that taught our hemisphere what it means to be a freedom fighter, and what it takes to break the chains of slavery. Its only when you see that full scope of Haiti’s history that you understand what our obligation is. That we need to act not because Haiti is some nation of perennial victims that we need to have pity on. We need to act because Haiti is a nation of heros. And we need to repay them for what they’ve given us. THAT is what our responsibility is.
Damn. That gave me chills. Looking at it in this way gives so much more meaning, not only to the suffering we see in pictures and on the news, but to our deep connection and responsibility to the people of Haiti.
Jay goes on to suggest four different ways to get involved, and stay involved, in the solidarity effort:
Volunteerism
Activism
Self-education
Donations
Like many folks, I’ve contributed what I can afford financially, but Jay’s post gave me a swift kick in the ass to step it up in other arenas. I’ve provided links to the categories above to help us get started.
Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the magnitude of suffering around the world, but thats no excuse for inaction. If you’re like me and need a reminder of both our responsibility and power to act, re-watch Jay Smooth’s video and kick it back into gear. There is much work to be done.
