(The following article is from the February 1-28, 2010 issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading communist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to: People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 133 Herkimer St., Unit 502, Hamilton, ON, L8P 2H3.)

People's Voice Editorial

The terrible suffering of the people of Haiti - and their astonishing solidarity and resilience - have moved the entire world since the January 12 earthquake. The catastrophe has led to an outpouring of assistance from people everywhere.

     Several observations stand out in the midst of this crisis. Perhaps most important is to note the contrast between the needs of ordinary people, and the shocking burden imposed on our planet by the arms race. Aid to Haiti is measured in a few billions, while the United States alone pours a trillion dollars a year into its pursuit of global military domination. Never has there been a more powerful argument for slashing military waste and investing in the future of humanity.

     We also point out the predictable and outrageous refusal of the North American corporate media to report on the enormous contributions of the Cuban people to their sisters and brothers in Haiti. Not only was the isle of socialism the first country to render effective aid after January 12, but Cuba has trained - free of charge! - literally hundreds of Haitian doctors and other medical personnel. The story of Cuban internationalism will be remembered long after U.S. imperialism has suffered its final defeat.

     Finally (for now), it must never be forgotten that Canada joined with the U.S. and France to help overthrow the democratically elected president of Haiti, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, in the coup of Feb. 29, 2004. This shameful act placed Canada in the ranks of the neo-colonial thugs who have kept Haitians under the heel of oppression for decades. Apologies and reparations from Canada should be on the agenda, not self-serving praise from politicians.