The 24-hour news cycle, has been dominated by reports from Haiti, in the wake of the earthquake which struck the Caribbean Island Nation 3 days ago. And while the coverage certainly feels comprehensive, I can't help but suspect that something big is missing. Namely, what on earth happened to the Haitian government? Apart from occasional statements attributed to the country's president, I have seen nothing that would indicate that a functioning national government even exists. News commentators talk about UN armored personnel carriers roaming the streets and there is plenty of mention of NGO's, but what about Haiti's domestic agencies that would normally be tasked with responding to something like this?
Well, I did a little digging on the internet and found some answers, albeit ones that will not fit comfortably into the narrative that is being spun for public consumption. According to that feel-good interpretation of events, the United States has long played the part of benevolent "big brother", and the current massive outpouring of relief efforts is simply the latest example of the US wanting only to help the people of the long-suffering nation. We are told over and over again that Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, yet are provided with few clues to enlighten us as to why that is.
For some insight, click here and here. After reading both of these essays, I can only conclude that the very selective outrage displayed by the media is nothing, but a useful diversion. I am talking of course about the ire reserved for the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson. Unfortunately for the American public, it is much easier to flog two already unpopular blowhards then it is to do some real reporting. That would cost money and might upset someone important.
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