The devastation in Haiti is horrific. Our country and many other nations have come to the rescue. My only question is who is coming to the rescue for our local poverty-stricken areas of Oceano, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, and other communities? We have corporate jets from our area sending nurses and supplies to areas of the world in need of help. They could also be driving to our local neighborhoods providing the same help.
Some Haitians are resorting to gang warfare to secure food and are looting and robbing their fellow neighbors. Guess what? Every night on the news we hear about gang warfare on our local streets. Is anyone worrying about the family that is being tormented and held hostage to the surrounding gang activity in their neighborhood? Do our children have better role models to look up to? All they see is all this money and aid going to someone else from their own community. Why do we as a community ignore our problems in favor of others?
We have service clubs in our area that send millions of dollars each year to nations they believe to be less fortunate than us. They send glasses for those who cannot see and money for food and housing. Sure, it’s a valiant effort and makes us all feel good.
Could we imagine the impact we could make on the world if we healed ourselves first? I’m not suggesting we forsake our neighbors around the world. I’m suggesting we take as much interest in our own community as we do in theirs. Will it take an earthquake in Santa Maria to gain the attention it deserves?
This article appears in Feb 11-18, 2010.