Another terrible tragedy has struck Haiti, the orphan society of the western hemisphere. The Jan. 12 earthquake is the latest in a string of tragedies for this poor island nation. At the time of this writing, more than a hundred thousand are feared dead, and the toll will likely rise with further aftershocks.

Haiti's buildings and infrastructure were not built to withstand a quake of this magnitude. That is why you see everything from the presidential palace to the poorest shanty lying in ruins. Decades of political corruption have robbed the country of any chance to provide a high quality of life and health for its citizens. Investment capital has fled the nation, along with many of its brightest citizens—gone to safer havens, like America and Europe, to build better lives.

Haiti has suffered almost from its beginning when it was a slave colony for France. After a 13-year uprising, the slaves threw off the French yoke and gained independence in 1804—just as America was expanding westward after the Louisiana Purchase.

Yet no major power recognized this fledgling nation, largely because other nations feared losing their own slave colonies in the Caribbean. The United States did not recognize the nation until the 1860s, after the Civil War; Brazil did not recognize it until 1888.

This isolation kept needed trade relations from developing that would have led to wealth, higher education and better health. Lacking the technological development of the modern world, Haiti has largely been left in the hands of corrupt leaders. With limited natural resources, Haiti falls prey to other forms of corruption. It is strategically placed between Latin America and the United States, making it a natural pipeline for international smuggling and drug trafficking.

On top of this, the country lies along two geologic fault lines, one of which caused this quake. Hurricanes storming through the Caribbean often make their way over the island, leaving destruction and misery in their wake. Deforestation has left the country with even fewer natural resources.

In the wake of this disaster a great deal of international aid is flowing into the country. U.S. President Barack Obama has asked two former presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, to direct America's governmental humanitarian response. But it will take years to recover. Beyond this tragedy await others, if only because of Haiti's geographic location. No doubt thousands of Haitians will immigrate to other nations seeking escape and a chance at a better life.

What disaster reveals

A disaster of this magnitude among the world's poorest reveals much about the social fabric of a nation. Experts warned officials that buildings needed to be reinforced to withstand earthquakes. But there was no money to accomplish the task. Even if it had been made available, government corruption likely would have siphoned off much of the money into the pockets of the powerful.

Since hospitals were also destroyed, in the aftermath there was no place to adequately treat the injured. This means doctors had no proper instruments with which to operate, no medication to ease the patients' pain or to treat injuries. Sanitation procedures are bypassed in the urgency of the moment.

It is likely that many Haitian health personnel were themselves victims of the quakes. Health workers flown in from other nations set up makeshift hospitals where they could, nearest the victims.

The piles of bodies in the streets being lifted by scoops into waiting dump trucks testify most poignantly to the collapse of norms. The dead cannot be identified and given a proper burial. Threat of disease mandates quick removal and mass burial. They are not mourned. There is no time. For many there is likely no one left to mourn their deaths.

Whatever level of community existed before the quake vanished in some areas in the aftermath. This is not uncommon with disasters; however, it is particularly acute in Haiti given its history of political and business corruption.

Whatever is rebuilt must change the basic nature of the system and its people. New leadership must be demanded if there is to be any future for this country and its people. Haiti needs leaders with a heart to serve the people—not themselves.

What will help Haiti?

As noted, massive amounts of foreign aid are being directed toward Haiti. Much will be needed to meet immediate needs. Much more will be needed to completely rebuild the nation. But is money the key to a solution?

Haiti has been the recipient of hundreds of millions of dollars of foreign aid. A 2006 report from the National Academy of Public Administration, titled "Why Foreign Aid to Haiti Failed," showed the outcome of financial assistance was unsatisfactory and the long-term institutional benefits were negligible (Bret Stephens, "To Help Haiti, End Foreign Aid," Wall Street Journal, Jan. 19, 2010).

The report faulted a high level of financial dysfunction and mismanagement in the government. The more foreign funds flowed in, the more corruption was fueled.

The Wall Street Journal article showed a key to building a sustainable future for the people of Haiti: "A better approach recognizes the real humanity of Haitians by treating them—once the immediate and essential tasks of rescue are over—as people capable of making responsible choices. Haiti has some of the weakest property protections in the world, as well as some of the most burdensome business regulation. In 2007, it received 10 times as much aid ($701 million) as it did in foreign investment."

Many Haitians who immigrate to developed nations create productive lives when given education and proper support. Given a good working government, one that serves the best and highest interests of every individual, Haiti could develop a much higher standard of living than it now has. They need good government with good people working to serve the people and create a just and productive society.

There is a well-known saying, "Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will always have food to eat." Haiti has been a neglected and forgotten nation. As the milk of human kindness pours into this devastated nation, let's pray wisdom prevails and finally a society is established where the Haitians can create a culture where everybody fishes and everybody eats!

We pray for the people of Haiti in their present suffering. We hope a better day will rise from the rubble of their present distress. If you have opportunity to help these good people in any way, by all means do so. May God speed the day of His intervention and the coming of the Kingdom of God. WNP