The Haiti Tragedy is lesson of Humanity. Not a lesson of blame, but on how Humanity is joined at the proverbial hip. Tragedy often brings out the worst in humanity, but such pales in comparison to the best that it brings out in same. How unfortunate it is that Humanity often waits for tragedies before she allows positive rays of light to shine… Such rays of light should be an every day occurrence.
The earth may have come to an age of natural calamities. Some of these are unavoidable. Yet some are, and may be occasioned by, man-made challenges on the earth’s ecological balance. Even more numbing are the instances of man’s unprovoked destruction of human lives. Taking these as givens, Humanity must begin to prepare for worst-case scenarios. Today it is Haiti… Tomorrow, it will be some other place, with similar catastrophic results.
It is not a question of if, but when, and where.
The present tragedy is a further reminder as to the need for some kind of Global Comprehensive Health Care (see www.myspace.com/inbeathealth). It is also a reminder as to the need for a standing Hemispheric First Response Intervention Force(F.R.I.F. circa-2002) as to shorten reaction times in the event of catastrophic Calamities. The response of the Global Community relative to Haiti, led by U.S.A., has been swift and commendable… But such a response, and the constant need for same in the future, must not be lost to short-term memory over time. Rather, it should serve as an impetus to work constantly in the best interest of Humanity on a Global Scale, starting with Hunger Eradication, Comprehensive Health Care Initiatives, and setting up Hemispheric ‘FRIFs’. In the case of FRIF, and as it relates to USA that has the wherewithal, a good start might be to convert at least 3 decommissioned Naval Carrier Ships into Mobile Surgical Hospitals that could be deployed readily in times of natural calamities, similar to the Surgical “Comfort” Naval Vessel. Other decommissioned vessels could also be converted into residential quartering for displaced populations in times of crisis.
People should not forget that there are more Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Hurricanes that are yet to come… Not to talk of future Wars that may yield Refugees.
Our collective hearts go out to Haiti and her people. Our collective thanks go out to all those entities that are currently helping Haiti.
Stay strong!
E.N. … Jan. 14, 2010
