By Javier Manjarres
January 12th, 2013 marked the three year anniversary of the massive 7.0 earthquake that struck the Caribbean island of Haiti. While there have been many politicians who have praised the island’s ongoing reconstruction efforts since that fateful day, no one has been more active with Haiti’s recovery efforts than one of the U.S. Congress’ most energetic and colorful members, South Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson.
In a recent op-ed penned by the congresswoman, Wilson said that she is “proud” to call the Haitian-American community her “friends, constituents and yes my family.”
“I use the term “we” because the Haitian people are my family. Miami-Dade County, parts of which I am fortunate to represent in Congress is home to the largest Haitian-American population in the United States, and I am proud to call these individual my friends, my constituents, and yes my family.” – Congresswoman Frederica Wilson - NBC
Rep. Wilson, whose congressional district consists of a large number of Haitian immigrants, has been one of the most outspoken supporters of relief efforts for the impoverished country since the earthquake. Wilson was interviewed by the Miami Herald’s Editorial Board last year and was asked thoughts regarding the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Haiti in the wake of earthquake that killed an estimated 316,000 people and injured countless others.
Wilson’s reply to the question posed to her about the reconstruction efforts raised some eyebrows but failed to get much scrutiny since, as she stated that the earthquake “was a blessing” and then lamented the unavoidable red tape hampering relief efforts, woeful conditions and ongoing corruption on the island.
I’ve been to Haiti prior to the earthquake, and I would consider the earthquake even it might sound strange, but the earthquake was a blessing, it eventually will be.-Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL)
The congresswoman added that the people inhabiting the numerous tents that have been erected as a result of the earthquake were “not necessarily people who are affected by the earthquake,” and were actually people who “moved into the tents after the earthquake because they can get free water, and food and everything.”
They moved from the countryside to the city, thousands and thousands moved because that was the place to be because that’s where you got the international aid, that’s where you got the international healthcare.” - Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL)
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12 Responses to “Congresswoman Says Deadly Haitian Earthquake “Was A Blessing””
How many billions of dollars in aide were poured into this tiny country in these last 3 years? Enough, one would think, to have demolished the affected areas to the ground and raised a whole new city and outlying areas.
SO, where is the money going Ms Flamboyant Congress woman? Who is getting rich while thousands remain in tents scrounging off what little help trickles down!
Japan’s devastating earthquake AND FOLLOWING TSUNAMI caused massice and widespead tragedy. THEY are not siting in tents with an alms cup in thier hands!
Their nation is a cesspool of corruption. Why else do you think so many Haitians emigrate here?
All that money and it went to the governments. The people that really jumped in and built houses, fed the people, gave medical help, schooling the children and teaching them to make a living for themselves was “Love a Child” and the Churches. Where did the millions that Clinton collected go? He built a hotel that he is probably getting a cut of.
If you look at “Love a Child” site they have built hundreds of homes for the people and the people are building them not depending on the government to take care of them not like Ms. Flamboyant.
I have supported a child for the last 15 yrs and now on my second. Love a Child is a wonderful organization and you can see their work not like our government throwing money at the corrupt governments.
http://www.loveachild.com/thankyouvideo
I am so sick and tired of supporting Haiti. Everything we send them must be confiscated by the government. Those people have always lived in filth and degradation and are used to it and expect us to continue to subsidize them. For all the movie people who beg us for money, and who travel down there for the publicity, you can have them. I have no respect for people who don’t try to help themselves. My husband was unemployed for over 2 years. Now that he finally got a job, we are not much better off because of Obama’s new taxes. So, send our money to other countries, I think not.
It is ludicrous to waste money in Haiti only the people like Frederica Wilson benefit. Haiti exists only on disasters the people are ignorant, lazy and don’t understand hard work and education can save them they would rather be indebted to Bill Clinton and Frederica Wilson than actually change their lives.
I am not Haitian, but I have been to Haiti 3 times in an attempt to help before the earthquake. The people are ignorant, but only because they can’t afford to pay for their education. They are, however, not lazy. I have never seen a people work so hard for so little. The problem with Haiti is rampant and widespread corruption. I assure you that the average Joe hasn’t seen a dime of any of the help that has ever been given to them. Blame their twisted government and thank God, with all it’s flaws, for the USA.
Ya gotta be kidding! A great case for redistricting? Eh? Elections have consequences. She could be around as long as Charlie Rangel and head an important committee
How much of the aid is being stolen by the Clinton Foundation and re-routed to his bank accounts?
What an idiotic post.
Do you have any type of proof that a rational person might believe or are you just being a rightwing blowhard?
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What she said was dumb enough, but hard to take anybody seriously who would wear a chicken-poop-green cowgirl outfit…
I must agree with R Harris after listening to the congresswoman.