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Why is there so much criticism of the quake relief effort in Haiti, whether it is of the U.S., Japan, China or others?

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There's more info on the French objections here http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20100120/twl-us-accused-of-delaying-haiti-relief-3fd0ae9.html

including this

Medecins sans Frontieres' Francoise Saulnier said days had been lost because the main airport in capital city Port-au-Prince, now under American control, was blocked by military traffic. She said: "We lost three days. And these three days have created a massive problem with infection, with gangrene, with amputations that are needed now, while we could have really spared this to those people." The aid group alleged that five planes carrying 85 tonnes of drugs and surgical supplies have been turned away from the capital since Sunday night "The urgent and vital attention to the people has been delayed (for) military logistics

Not quite as unnecessary as many people would like to paint it when you have the reasons instead of just being told that msf moaned and letting all the Americans shout about it.

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Icewind007 at 03:01 AM JST - 21st January

They'd be better off... they've been there for so long surviving on handouts from other countries. they need some order and direction instead of freebees

Yes, you are right. Then we are the best to give orders and directions. Said who? We are too good and smart, so we help then now and we are not leaving till we make very sure they can walk by their own feet. That will be...never. We`ll cover that too.

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Human nature makes us criticize everyone but ourselves.

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Because of the "alleged" oil reserves Haiti is sitting on, everyone wants to be the hero that saves the day (and that means criticizing what everybody else is doing)....

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I thought the "take-over" has been going fairly well. It will only be a matter of days before the U.S. has complete control of Haiti. How long will it be before these people are appropriately taxed and enslaved?

You're exactly right, it's those Americans with their nefarious plans for world domination that used their secret ray gun to create the earthquake in the first place, just so they could exploit the Haitian country. Amazing how well they hide by inviting the rest of the world under the guise of helping Haiti - but that didn't fool you Badsey!!! Good job!!

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You're dammed if you do and dammed if you don't. So, just go with what feel's the right thing to do. There was even a Haitain saying look at those Americans already taking over the Hospital. All this would be necessary if they could handle their own mess i.e, looting and other crimes but it's obvious they cannot.

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People get mad at the U.S. no matter what they do, if we don't help, its, "Oh my god the rich American's aren't saving us because they are evil!" if we do help, "Oh my god! The American's are evil and are doing things to damage that innocent country, they are imperializing the world, ahhh! ahhh!" Personally, if that is the kind of response, all these people that are complaining ought to dig into their own pocket books and fly to Haiti for the rescue efforts.

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Sad to say but this disaster may be a blessing for the haitians These People were Trampled on in every way by the likes of "Poppa" Doc&"Baby Doc Duvalier Now is the time (With the help of people of Good Will)toRebuild their Nation and The time of hopelessness Must be Gone and the Time for these people is NOW!

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I thought the "take-over" has been going fairly well. It will only be a matter of days before the U.S. has complete control of Haiti. How long will it be before these people are appropriately taxed and enslaved? The party had to end sometime.

They'd be better off... they've been there for so long surviving on handouts from other countries. they need some order and direction instead of freebees

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I thought the "take-over" has been going fairly well. It will only be a matter of days before the U.S. has complete control of Haiti. How long will it be before these people are appropriately taxed and enslaved? The party had to end sometime.

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Simple answer they have never been involved in anything like it and it is easy to criticize when you don't have do the work!

When my team arrived in Mexico city after its quake we thought we knew want we were doing or going to do! But reality set in quickly, everything that can go wrong will go wrong! Something as simple as not having protective "booties" for the rescue dogs (trained primarily for avalanche rescue) so they don't cut their paws on all the glass and ruble! This is just one example of what can go wrong and there were many more!

People need to understand that there is no great conspiracy going on, every one of these disasters is different and the first few days are basically a fly by the seat of your pants situation!

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Who is criticizing the Americans or the relief effort? A few bitter, judgemental cranks whose opinions were formed long before the quake. A bunch of nobodies who hide behind the anonymity of the web.

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I think another problem is "Empire building". By that I mean some people wish to increase their influence on public opinion or within their own groups in order to increase their own power/influence base. These people love to have themselves viewed as experts on certain matters, hope to show others they have knowledge or experience on certain subjects etc and due to their lack of position/authority but still wishing to increase their own status within their group will criticise others whatever the occasion.

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Because the situation is so desperate and hopeless that people are reduced to sniping at each other out of sheer frustration. It's human nature to have to do something. Even if it's the wrong thing.

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sappquest. Excellent reading. Many thanks. Now I can understand why there might be some mutterings... the past is so messy that there are no innocents, except perhaps the majority of the Haiti population.

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I think this article explains it pretty well:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/Maxwell-Jan-17

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Perhaps because news sources have been critical?

No smoke without fire, though.

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For all of you who still think the only help Haitians are getting is the feeble efforts of the US-led crowd of foreigners, please read this; http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20100120/twl-there-will-be-food-riots-in-haiti-by-3fd0ae9.html

People who have nothing to do with the US but who've been feeding hundreds of thousands of people since the quake, and with the notable absence of western assistance.

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Haiti is not US territory (well, not since the 1915-1934 occupation). The US does not make contingency plans about Haiti (unlike New Orleans) - these plans are made on the fly. And Haiti does not have US-grade infrastructure.

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America's relief efforts in Haiti are a direct contrast to Katrina. Hats off to Obama for acting with authority. No need for French bashing here. A superpower which lectures others should be secure enough to take a little criticism.

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The criticism aimed at the us is typically of the "sour grapes" variety- nothing new. However, the complaints landed on japan and China are somewhat new. Japan for obvious reasons- it's response has been timid and extremely limited. China ? Sorry, I haven't heard squat about China, but France- well there's a completely different story. france is getting an earful for letting it's national pride get in the way of relief efforts and for also making false and ridiculous claims against the Americans. France has picked a very poor arena to challenge Americas competence and standing in the world. Frenchy best back down or face some serious humiliation.

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It's the ugly, competitive side of human nature. Nationalism compels one-upsmanship to elevate pride.

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I don't think anyone needs to criticize any country in there giving aid. Why? Because they are giving. Giving food, supplies, water, medicine, shelter, time, and people. Yeah, perhaps certain things could have been handled better...learning process for next time...God willing there won't be a next time quite like this.

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When did Haiti become the 51st US state? We are doing plenty, more than any other country so stop the criticism.

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Because people these days feel they deserve or are entitled to everything.

"Get your money for nothing and your chicks for free! I want my MTV!"

I have a right to be saved!!

Nope. You don`t really so be grateful and count your blessings.

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Amazing imaginations... Thanks Punanydoc for some common sense.

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For those of you making criticisms from afar : The ONE and ONLY airport that can accommodate large jets was closed by the Haitian authorities. The Conning Tower crumbled and there was no one to direct traffic. Transport by road from the Dominican Republic was delayed because of security issues, and no authorization from the Haitian Government

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Because it is easy for us to sit here on our comfortable butts and think that we know everything and how to do it. And of course, what posters sitting in front of their computers know is much more valid than what people who actually are doing something, know.

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I think it's pretty clear there were inexplicable delays. When you realize that Haiti is 2 hrs from the US by plane - it's hard to understand why there wasn't immediate mobilization.

But I suppose you've got to worry about logistics of moving mass amounts of stuff, and stepping on any Haitian sovereignty issues (e.g., Need permission to fly into their airspace, etc.)

The French were P.O.'d because the US military mobilized there as if it were a military operation to take over the country. At least that's what their impression was. Unfortunately, you need something coordinated and that's going to look like a military operation. And unfortunately, security has to be provided as the poverty and level of desperation there is extraordinary.

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It's because the reason Haiti is in such a poor state anyway is down to one country...the USA. After strangling Haiti with sanctions and sponsored coups, it's a bit rich that they are now taking the glory as the benevolent, kind peacekeepers!

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USA are once again heroes

Short term memory loss. Also big egos.

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Because in the age of opinion everyone feels like they should speak up and complaining is easier than complementing. Opinion coupled with other socialized biases, nationalism, religion, sex, class etc., equals a non-stop criticism.

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Because people are petty and just love to complain. People complain about the US no matter what it does, or doesn't, do. Now other countries are getting a taste.

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Obviously, it's because not enough help was getting to the people of Haiti, despite plenty of supplies and equipment, not to mention workers, being available and in the airport buildings twiddling their thumbs.

What use is an aid effort that does nothing for days?

Now America has started aid drops to various places. Why not immediately? Surely it could have been started a bit sooner? Normally aid drops are the first thing they do in hard to reach areas, here it was practically the last thing they did.

That's why people criticise it. Even the people doing the work over there are critical because they were unable to do what they went there for at first.

Things are getting somewhat better now, but it's too late for many of the Haitians.

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France's occupation and embargo of Haiti made them debtors for life. Now, with France forever unwelcome in Haiti, the USA are once again heroes and drawing awareness to France's selfishness and cruelty.

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From the news threads here on JT i just know 'little' misunderstanding between France and USA...shrug off...and pls continue to help Haitai.

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Is there?

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