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As news traveled around the world that a major earthquake had struck Haiti, so many of us bowed our heads in sorrow. There is no appropriate way to measure its impact on that already-impoverished country. We can only watch in horror as emergency teams pull bodies from destroyed buildings and hope against hope that the rescued victims are alive. Our union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), has many members with family, friends and neighbors in Haiti who have lost everything. The loss of life and extent of damage is almost incomprehensible.
At this moment of urgent need, the Haitian government – and the people of Haiti – have asked for help from the world community. Those of us who can must heed this call in whatever way possible. AFSCME is donating an initial $25,000 in relief funds to the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center’s Earthquake Relief for Haitian Workers fund. In addition, we encourage people to go to the Solidarity Center’s website: solidaritycenter.org to make a donation.
Next Monday, January 18, our nation celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. AFSCME has a particular tie to Dr. King and his causes. For it was in Memphis, where he joined 1,300 AFSCME Local 1733 sanitation workers in their struggle for equality, that he was assassinated in 1968. This tragic bond has always strengthened our resolve to carry on his work.
Dr. King said, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
In that spirit, the AFSCME family is asking all of America to rally to the aid of those suffering in Haiti. Now is the time for Americans to help those desperately needing our help. Now is the time to take action and lend a helping hand to the people of Haiti.
MLK Day is a reminder of what this great man stood for, and of our on-going responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. That is why this day has become a day of service. I can think of no greater service than helping the survivors of the earthquake that hit Haiti this past Monday.
3 Comments
I cry for the people of Haiti, but cry harder for the American people who have just been given one more country to try and make something out of with our money.
Even after we have done all we can to save the people, we will be forced to pay and try to remake the country.
If we turn it into a megaopolis, we won’t be loved for doing it, and will be less better off for our efforts.
I hope that money of yours you clutch so tightly keeps you warm in the dark of the night.
Well Elliot it’s not my money it’s Your fuckin money.
I’m not saying don’t help the people, but how many Countries and people are You willing to pay for.
You already are paying for Iraq, Afghanistan, now Haiti and paying to defend other countries all over the world. We are going in debt daily, and our Country is one step above it’s own downfall.
Yet You get upset if people speek the truth.
As far as Haiti I would bet I could have got help in there faster and cheaper than our Government. By the time our help gets there many more will be dead, all because of people You probably voted for and support.