Preside Obama, Bush And Clinton's Meeting: A Lesson To Some African Nations

By maureen Submitted on 17 January, 2010 - 12:59
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Following the recent earthquake that claimed thousands of people in Haiti, humanitarian organizations are seeking aid from several nations, organizations and individuals to save the victims of the earthquake.

The earthquake caused major damage to Port-au-Prince. Most major landmarks were significantly damaged or destroyed, including the Presidential Palace  and the National Assembly building mong others. The United Nations (UN) reported that the headquarters of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), located in the capital, had collapsed and that the Mission's Chief, Hédi Annabi, and his deputy were confirmed dead.

Elisabeth Byrs of the UN called it the worst disaster the United Nations has experienced because the organizational structures of the UN in Haiti and the Haitian government were destroyed. Though relief supplies started arriving in the local airport soon after the disaster, slow distribution and the large number of affected people created concerns of civil unrest.

The meeting between former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton was a very good gesture of unity in times of need and catastrophy.  According to Politico.com, when Obama called the former two Ameircan presidents after the earthquake, they both asked “How can I help?”  This showed their willingness and solidarity in addition to their love for America.

As I follow what is going on in Haiti, I do not forget to look at our own African nations. What if a similar catastorphy had occurred in Africa? Would former presidents ever come together to find a solution to the problem or would they use it as a way of undermining the current president/s?

With the exception of South Africa and maybe Tanzania, I think most governments in Africa lack the sense of unity and the positive impact it has. President Obama’s gesture should be a lesson to most nations. They should learn that one cannot achieve something in isolation.

Donations can be sent through the website set up by the former presidents.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/31575.html#ixzz0csAezcZT