We Are Leaderless

I recently read a short story by Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811) entitled, "The Earthquake in Chile". German writers of that time wrote with the intention of making a grand, universal statement, rather than (what has become fashionable of late) presenting simply a 'slice of life'. Kleist's intent was to buttress the theme that the effects of any sudden and unexpected act of God, resulting in cataclysmic death and destruction, will be overcome in relatively short order and the affected population continues exactly as before.

This is quite opposed to the notion that the temporary leveling of cities and the social order will result in a fresh and optimistic start for the survivors. No, Kleist clearly maintains by example that what was bad before, remains bad; and what was good, remains good. We have seen in our own recent history as Germany has emerged as a world power even after having been bombed into the Stone Age. The same is true of Japan. Both countries had advanced and resourceful populations that refused to give up hope. It must be said that both nations accepted material aid (primarily from us) and knew to use it to their advantage rather than waste it on kleptocrats that know nothing but beggary.

Haiti was a failed state to begin with. It will resume as a failed state. Only now it will have an excuse to blame any number of (preferably) foreign actors, history and, of course, God. As such it will collapse even deeper into need. There is no viable government in Haiti. The people have existed in abject poverty despite the good graces of self-loathing charities and NGO's. A while back, I watched a program on the BBC showing a ‘slice of life’ in which a Haitian woman made her meager living on the streets of the capital making and selling mud pies for people to eat. What Haiti needs is a strong benevolent hand.

America could fit the bill but is reluctant to take the reigns. Already we have been accused of trying to take over the country. We are unsure of ourselves and thus are sensitive to the accusation. It is as though we are moved to help by the grace of God even with our hands cut off.

I've heard it said that the best solution for Haiti would be to evacuate the country and bring the people here. In the meantime we could rebuild the nation. Sounds plausible; even practical. But already there is a vocal political opposition in place that would balk at the mass influx of potential Democrat voters. "Spend the money now and keep them there," they say, "because in the long run it will cost us more to have them on our welfare rolls."

What is necessary now is decisive leadership that is capable of assigning priorities and cutting red tape. Additionally, this leadership must have the support and trust of the people both here and in Haiti. Currently we have neither. We don't have leadership as to what to do with the people of Haiti specifically, and we don't trust our own leadership to do the right thing in any case. The election of Barack Hussein Obama has rendered us leaderless. We, as they, are entirely on our own. If the result of the election tonight in Massachusetts does not confirm this fact, nothing will.