Dear Editor,

I write in reference to Chris Burns’ tear-inducing article, “Haiti – a nation misunderstood” in the January 18 Observer. I must commend him for a very timely and thoughtful article.

Burns did a good job of educating and reminding his readers of the plight of the Haitian people who have often been misunderstood since freeing themselves from the clutches of their European slave masters. Today, a country which was once considered one of the richest in the world stands in deep economic ruins all because its forefathers put a brake to the wheel of that country’s colonisers.

It is indeed sad to hear talk-show hosts hurling and adding insults at a time when Haitians are suffering even more. Sadder yet, is to hear venom-spewing self-righteous zealots attributing Haiti’s misfortune to the practice of voodoo. If that is not sad enough, in an effort to sell his poison, one televangelist declared the earthquake a direct punishment from God.

Chris, I know you hold no brief for God, like me. Truth be told, God is omnipotent and needs no one to defend Him. However, your article also depicts how God is often misunderstood. I do subscribe to the philosophy as proclaimed by King Solomon in the Bible: “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” I have reason to believe that you also subscribe to King Solomon’s philosophy.

That said, I also happen to share your belief that the people of Haiti are no less righteous or for that matter any more sinful than people from other countries here on planet Earth. An object lesson taught by Jesus in the early verses of Luke chapter 13 seems to support such belief.

I share your vision that the sun will one day shine for and upon the Haitian people. They may have lost their loved ones and houses of worship. However, they still have the ability to pray.

Ian Martin

New York, USA