28223: Hermantin(News)Priority's the problem with helping Haiti (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>


Haiti



South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board

April 2, 2006



Priority's the problem with helping Haiti



It began with such promise: Imagine using the resources of Florida to help 
Haiti, which at least technically is the closest democracy in the Caribbean.

Granted, Gov. Jeb Bush's 2004 Haiti Advisory Group produced a plan that even 
stretched his parameters of big, audacious ideas. Improving security and 
hosting reconciliation talks for the troubled nation aren't your typical state 
government fare. But this is Florida, which may explain why the plan is 
collecting dust on the proverbial shelf.

Bush hasn't yet persuaded the Florida Legislature to jump-start the initiative 
with a $1 million appropriation. That's not very impressive for a governor 
whose party controls both legislative chambers.

Bush still has time, and he'd better make it a priority, something close to the 
zeal he normally saves for school choice or tax cuts. Or else Florida's 
expatriate Haitian community might feel used -- again.
Copyright © 2006, South Florida Sun-Sentinel