In an effort to sound non-confrontation perhaps or just trying to sound smarter than the pundits you condemn, you actually engage in exactly the same behavior.

Which is fine because we do need to know who's responsible. Not for the earthquake, but for the fact that an earthquake that size in Southern California would have minimal damage by comparison. I don't disagree with your assertion that we need to ask tough questions, but if, at the last minute, we walk away without laying the cards on the table and point those fingers and then work to solve the cause of the problem, then all our blankets and food and money donations were pointless. Because it will just happen again.

Stop the "shut their mouths", it's nobody's fault rhetoric. It's terribly illogical and can only lead to major cognitive dissonance since, based on the body of your post, you don't actually believe it yourself.

"Pat Robertson blames the earthquake on Haiti's "pact with the Devil." How 'bout we blame it on tectonic plates shifting under the earth? Why must natural phenomenon have a spiritual meaning?? Isn't the greater spiritual meaning found in the fact that rich western countries have exploited and oppressed countries like Haiti for centuries through slavery, colonization, and corporate injustice?"

One of the missionaries I met in Haiti in 2005 – Bruce – told me he'd been teaching seminary in Port Au Prince since 1982.

"You must like it here if you've been here this long," I remarked.

Bruce snorted a little and said, "Well, let's say that I'm still here because God's work isn't finished yet."

Regardless of one's religious persuasion, I think most would agree that Haiti needs more persons to share Bruce's level of commitment. Our church had planned to send a team next month (Feb) to work on a clinic in Duplan – but then the earthquake changed everything. We're still going, but not until it makes sense to do so.

If I were to name one thing (beyond urgent needs) that can fix Haiti, I'd have to say meaningful and gainful work. I spoke with several young Haitian adults who had good education from sponsored schools and all had dreams for their lives. Paul-Roc wanted to study medicine in Jamaica and practice in Haiti. Sherley wanted to be an embroiderer. Hubert wanted to do service work throughout the world. I taught Yvon, an aspiring musician, how to juggle and Asiline taught me to speak some Creole and asked me later, when I showed her a phone photo of my son, if he was married.

"No," I said. She and the other young women with her giggled.

None of them had work. Currently, no one can get into their neighborhood (Delmas 33) because of the rubble – so there's no news.

Only hope.

second, I've been thinking along the same lines. Our developmentalism needs more deconstructing, and there's historic precendent there too, going back to slavery. Nation founded on deep painful roots. Some blame Haiti for their own demise (why can't they fess up?) but if we're wise we'll look inward first.