Image courtesy Reuters.

The elections in Haiti earlier this week have been deemed a gross failure. Not surprising, the elections were marred with voter intimidation, lack of election materials that were to be provided to voters, etc. According to The Economist, 12 of the 17 Presidential candidates cited illegal activity by Haiti's current governing party, Inite. However, one of the candidates that did not protest the election results was Jude Celestine. Backed by Haiti's current President, Preval, Celestine is from the political party Inite. Hmmm...well maybe it's just a coincidence.

Black channels, special for earthquake victims

Okay, so we all know that statements have been made on commercials and time slots have been given on various shows on both BET and TV One; both channels geared toward black America. However, I am expecting a special. Nothing fancy, a telethon will do. Even when news was breaking the days after the hurricane, both of these channels resumed regular programming. I am of the opinion that since this is affecting a majority black nation both of these channels which I watch to the point of being addicted would at least air something more than the token cameo given to BET news at 6:30 each evening. Maybe something is in the planning stages. However, for a humanitarian issue like the one in Haiti at the moment, time is of the essence!!

Calling all detectives...Where is the Hatian President?

Has anyone wondered about the Haitian President's absence the past few days. I saw him on Saturday but there has been little sightings of him at least consoling earthquake survivors, making statements about strategic plans for rebuilding. His behavior is characterized as strange by many, mainly because of his interview the night after the earthquake. Speaking to Sanjay Gupta at the airport he said, "I can not sleep in the palace, I can not sleep in my own house." He also said that he had plenty of time to find a bed. A bed? Really? So for one night, you can't live like everyone else in your country?
We all understand the emotional toll this must have taken on him, his family, and his staff. However, part of a country recovering is the visibility of and reassurance from its leader that things will improve and that (s)he is one of them. Nothing about his recent actions or his interview with Dr. Gupta say any of those things.

What's going on?!!

Did something happen to my moral compass? Or did i just see another air drop of relief supplies to Hatians? This time, the American military dropped supplies through a parachute, last time a helicopter from a source that wasn't confirmed dropped supplies. Why would they throw supplies to them from the air? Is it entertaining to them to see Hatians scattering and fighting for food? I hope it's not. If my memory serves me correctly, soldiers are trained to jump in parachutes. Soldiers are trained to climb ladders from helicopters. Why couldn't groups of People pass supplies to People? If this is done systematically and often, then maybe, just maybe people won't be so desperate for supplies that they're fighting eachother or aid workers. It's just a thought. What do you think?