Can We Help Restore Haiti? 
by Elsa Crumpley, published in the Oakland Tribune, March 19, 2010 (Elsa is a long-time supporter of the San Jose Peace & Justice Center.)
HAITI'S STORY of sorrow and tears embodies the promise and hope of our species. Its people have achieved the only successful revolution against slavery in history, to become the first independent black-led republic in Latin America.
It is a classic example — in the extreme — of the best and the worst in the history of our existence on the planet: the urge to develop successful, free, creative societies, without controls by private interests, native or foreign, without wars, without colonial domination.
After Columbus claimed the island of Hispaniola for Spain in the 15th century, a mixed population of European plantation owners, African slaves and natives who survived the influx of European diseases evolved.
France took possession of one-third of the island in 1697, as Saint Domingue, which became a rich colony with sugar, coffee and indigo dominating the economy
Inspired by the revolutions in the U.S. (1776) and in France (1789), and the curse of slavery, the slave population, led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, drove out the British and French troops.
In 1804, independence was declared and Saint Domingue assumed its native Taino name, Haiti. In 1825, France recognized the independence of Haiti, but claimed a debt from Haiti of 150 million francs for profits lost from the slave trade.
After many years of violence and unstable governments (32 coups in 200 years), involving local and foreign interference, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in 1915 sent Marines to Haiti to "protect American and foreign interests."
Economic growth was frozen as 40 percent of national income was used for American and French debt repayment. The U.S. controlled the government and the economy, improving bridges and highways and canals, drinking water and hospitals and schools, but suppressing speech and opposition, forcing labor and allowing foreigners to buy land.
Armed resistance was common. Marine Maj. Smedley Butler later denounced his part of the occupation. In the '30s, President Franklin Roosevelt ended the occupation. Conflicts between various interests and classes resumed.
In 1991, the first independent election in Haiti brought ex-priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power with a two-thirds vote. Hope was renewed. But his regime was marked by unfinished terms, army coups, U.S. intervention, a U.N. trade embargo, strong political conflicts and violence. He replaced the army with civilian police, refused to privatize utilities. He called on France to pay $21 billion in restitution to Haiti as a colonizer.
News from Haiti is confusing and distorted. In 2004, Aristide was flown out of his country by the U.S. to Africa. He said he was kidnapped by the U.S. The U.S. says he resigned. The Caribbean community condemned his removal.
Many are now calling for his return. Meanwhile, Rene Preval remains as president, elected in 2006 for a five-year term.
The recent earthquake in Haiti brought incredible destruction to life and property. Aid has been pouring in from people around the world. France has renounced the debt it claimed. But political and private involvements suggest continuation and expansion of colonial investments and government controls to impede the rebirth of an independent nation.
Homelessness and hunger, accumulation of garbage and human waste all need immediate attention before disease sweeps through the population, and causes new problems.
Can we assume a necessary role in saving Haiti, without any colonial demands? Can we meet the needs without conditions or delay? Can we help restore the dream of the only successful revolution against slavery?
