Préfète Duffaut “États-Unis, France et le Canada supportent Haiti”
Forgive the radio silence, I’ve been brewing lots of
exciting notions + tidbits in the last week to be in
evidence soonly. More than that though, my mind has
been on Haiti, and it was hard to write about my relatively
extraordinary life and all the comforts I enjoy when
I can’t stop thinking about people trapped under
piles of rubble, people still alive and alone in the
dark, hungry and afraid for their loved ones.
That’s a reality occurring simultaneously with my
own, and I can’t help but be reminded of what is
was like during Katrina. I felt so frustrated then,
at the idea of so many people blithely going on
about their regular days with nary a thought for
the trouble we were having. It’s hard, because
what else can you do? At least then, lots of people
could volunteer and help more directly. Unless you
happen to be a doctor, or a search and rescue worker
you basically have no reason to be in Haiti, taking up
resources and space. Not to be harsh, but it’s a fact –
and so, what can we do? We do whatever it is
we do when we pray, or send money and hope it gets
where it needs to. We read about it, write about it,
and plan benefits. We focus our attention and our hearts
on the suffering of the people of Haiti, and send fervent
wishes for healing and help, but it doesn’t feel like near enough.

A sequined drapeau for the Guede. Something happens to the fabric of the
world when so many people leave it all at once. It creates a hole, a passage
leading somewhere else. Sometimes we can hear their voices calling.
More than anything almost, after the hurricane I just wanted to know
that the people I encountered were aware, and gave a shit about what
had happened in New Orleans and Mississippi (not to mention the rest
of the world!) New Orleans and Haiti have long had a link. I just learned
(through Poppy Z. Brite, natch) that “in spite of being the poorest nation
in the Caribbean, Haiti donated $40,000 to New Orleans after the federal
levees broke”. Think about that for a minute. This is money coming from
a country that gets the brunt of every hurricane that even glances in NOLA’s
direction. For additional (though non-sequitur) perspective, did you know
that New Orleans mayoral candidate Manny Chevrolet’s campaign slogan is:
“a troubled man for troubled times”? Indeed. (Thanks to K. Hersh for that gem.)
Okay, one more thing, from Mr. Jeff Shyman, owner and guide for Confederacy
of Cruisers bike tours: “If you decide to donate to help out the disaster in Haiti,
remember it was a Haitian immigrant, Antoine Peychaud,
who upon moving to New Orleans, concocted and served
America’s very first cocktail using cognac and his families bitters.
The Sazerac, which he sold in the gambling room behind his pharmacy
at 437 royal street. We all owe a little to Haiti for that alone.”
If you go out tonight, raise a glass to the ghost of Antoine Peychaud,
and all the people of Haiti and send them hope and good thoughts
(and money, if you haven’t already! I know we don’t really have it,
but really – we probably do. I vote for Doctors Without Borders as
being the best choice for doing the most good with it. Please.)

Another beautiful drapeau, artist unknown.
Certainly though, there are lots of worthy and helpful charities
doing good work. Make sure you do the research though, as
a lot of the money donated get tied up in administrative costs.
Here are some links to further reading and charity info:
Haiti in Ink and Tears: A Literary Sampler
New Orleans’ Heart is in Haiti
Why Haiti is not New Orleans
Haiti and American Colonialism : The Story Behind the Story
Molly Crabapple has been auctioning her drawings of tarsiers
and pangolins and is sending 100% of the proceeds to Haiti.
Christopher Porché West’s photographs of HAITI
Haitian Earthquake Relief
Haiti: Some Ways You Can Help
Prions pour Haïti!