Compassion, sympathy not found in everyone

Over the last week and a half, we've all heard a lot about the tragedy in Haiti. From heart-wrenching stories of children trapped in the rubble to striking visuals of homes and buildings that have been destroyed. I was amazed, but not altogether surprised at the outpouring of support that came from all over the country. From local church mission groups that have flown to the island to give aid and comfort to those suffering, to celebrities who have donated thousands and millions of dollars to organizations like Doctors Without Borders or Partners in Health. Everyone seems to have found a way to donate their time, talent, and treasure to the people of Haiti.

What makes me sad though, was hearing the remarks of individuals like Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson who seem to have no serious bearing on the severity of the situation. Limbaugh was quoted as saying that President Obama was only requesting donations for Haiti to improve his standing among "light-skinned and dark-skinned blacks" and espoused the idea that the donations given through a link on the White House webpage were not going to the Red Cross, but to the government. What Limbaugh didn't feel necessary to tell his listeners was that the link on the White House site was a direct link to the Red Cross's site, and would have helped people make sure their money was going directly to help solve the problem.

Robertson, on the other hand, stated on his television show that he believed the earthquake was God's punishment for Haiti for "making a deal with the devil" to free themselves from the French over 200 years ago. Coming from a man who claims to be a compassionate Christian, Robertson's statements seem not only ridiculous and somewhat cruel, but hypocritical and ignorant of the reality of the issue. Granted, Robertson went on in his show to pray for the people of Haiti, but it still hurts my heart to think that someone who claims to be such a good Christian would jump to say something so hurtful and ridiculous.

I understand political criticism and as much as I don't like Rush Limbaugh, I respect his exercise of the first amendment rights. However, his criticism of Obama in this case seems completely unfounded and ill-places, given the context of Obama's actions. Clearly, the President had no subversive intent in his placing a link to the Red Cross on his page and asking the American people for donations to help their fellow man.

I suppose I would just like to see individuals with dissenting voices express themselves appropriately and respectfully when discussing an issue such as a great instance of human tragedy and suffering. I myself struggle with always being respectful in my criticism, but I am trying to improve, and I would like to see these individuals do that as well. We need to stand together in times like these to help better others and in turn perhaps ourselves.