How Can We Help Haiti?

Last week Port-au-Prince was devastated by a 7.0 earthquake that both literally and figuratively ripped apart they ground they stoop upon. Early estimates place the death toll in the hundreds of thousands while bodies are still being recovered. Haiti, the most fiscally impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere, is now left with thousands of citizens without homes, a demolished infrastructure, and a need for outside assistance. However, therein lies another problem – what is the best way to aid Haiti in their time of crisis?

The president of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, has taken a step to assist those affected by the earthquake.

"The president is offering voluntary repatriation to any Haitian that wants to return to their origin ... Senegal is ready to offer them parcels of land - even an entire region. It all depends on how many Haitians come," said Wade's spokesman, Mr Bemba Ndiaye, to BBC News."If it's just a few individuals, then we will likely offer them housing or small pieces of land. If they come en masse we are ready to give them a region."

This offer is great – in theory. In reality – not so much. Senegal is a developing nation that struggles to provide for its population of nearly 14 million. That along with the general public's distaste for Wade has caused quite the stir here. Many believe that Wade cannot follow through on his promise while others fear that he will do so but at the expense of Senegal. The general consensus that I've received is that people here are willing to aid, willing to sacrifice even but bringing evacuees to Senegal will result in a lose-lose situation for all parties.

It's my belief that this was simply a political gesture. This was his way to play the role of a caring humanitarian on the world's stage while neglecting that same role domestically.

Perhaps other nations (nations with more land, resources, and finances) will take this as a charge and offer similar aid to the people of Haiti. The simple fact that he made this declaration before others could do so should be seen as an embarrassment to the conscience of the developed world.

What do you think? What's the best way to help Haiti?

Stand Tall Togo

Just a few days ago a bus carrying the national team from Togo was met with gunfire from a separatist movement in the host nation Angola. The attack resulted in the deaths of three associates of the club and many injuries including some of the players.

The team wished to stay and compete in honor of the fallen but, against their wishes, top authorities called them home. Team captain Emmanuel Adebayor had this to say to RMC (French radio), "We had a meeting between players yesterday (Saturday) and we told ourselves we were football players and decided to do something nice for our country by playing to pay tribute to those who died ... Unfortunately, the head of state and the country's authorities have made a different decision, so we will pack and go home."

Unfortunately, this incident may put the international view of soccer in Africa in jeopardy in a time that was representative of positive progression. Currently, Africa is getting long-past due recognition in the realm of soccer. The continent hosted the under 20 World Cup in Egypt this past September (which Ghana won, making them the first African team to capture the championship), the under 17 World Cup in October and the 2010 World Cup this summer will be held in South Africa marking the first time that the international competition will be hosted in Africa.

One can't help but to think that this could have negative effects on the upcoming World Cup in South Africa. An act of terror in Angola says little if anything about security in South Africa but the world has a tendency to lump all of Africa together as if it was one singular nation, one singular culture, one singular entity. Africa is a vast continent made up of 53 nations spread out over nearly 12 million square miles yet people are so quick to connect the entire land. I fear this isolated incident, which occurred hundreds of miles away from the World Cup sites, could dampen the upcoming historical event.

Do you think this will affect the 2010 World Cup? If so, will those actions be justified? Please comment below with your responses – I'm interested to hear what you all have to say.

Flashing Lights (Welcome 2010!)

There was no elaborate countdown. No ball dropped. In fact I only realized that the new year had begun when I noticed that I was alone in the room. I followed the voices in the distance to the balcony where everyone had gathered and immediately I saw what had drawn them all there.

Brilliant and vibrant lights exploded all over the city of Dakar. Colorful bursts lit up the night sky in all directions. It appeared as if a competition of sorts was taking place. Fireworks from the east would be met with a showing from the west and then outdone by an amazing display from the north. The stunning light show blazed into the sky all around me, a sure positive omen of the year to come.