17574: (Hermantin) Miami-Herald-Letter to the Edutor (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

Posted on Mon, Dec. 29, 2003

Celebrate Haiti's independence and Haitians' great spirit

As the 200th anniversary of Haiti's independence nears, Haitians throughout
the world find themselves in a quagmire of ambivalence. They struggle with
the decision to be or not be part of the celebration of this significant
milestone in their history.

Some have chosen to retreat to apathy and nonparticipation. Others, in
shameful resignation, question what there is to celebrate. Many Haitians
shout out in resentful desperation: How can 200 years of marche-arriere,
i.e., regression, musical chairs by corrupt leaders, deception and misery,
be cause for celebration?

There is that sense of bewilderment. They wonder how Haiti -- whose sons
sacrificed their lives for U.S. independence in the battle of Savannah, the
country that armed Simon Bolivar with strategic ideas and finances to
liberate South America, the acclaimed ''Mother of Pan-Americanism'' -- has
turned into an object of pity.

It's true that Haiti's present fate is no match for her glorious past.
However, when Haitians fail to celebrate and honor the sacrifices of
ancestors who caused them to be born in freedom, they fail to celebrate
themselves.

Haitians at home and abroad should remember that Haiti's poverty is only in
material resources. Haiti is rich in human capital, and every Haitian
carries a piece of that richness within them. The celebration of the 200th
anniversary is a celebration of the Haitian spirit, of their endurance,
strong values, creativity, ability to seize and master opportunities and
meet challenges -- even if inherited from the now-depleted motherland.

MARIE-CLAUDE RIGAUD, Aurora, Ill.

_________________________________________________________________
Make your home warm and cozy this winter with tips from MSN House & Home.
http://special.msn.com/home/warmhome.armx