Unpleasant Inheritance

In the 2008 elections here in the US, many bemoaned the sorry condition of the United States and feared for the new President’s ability to address any of the grand challenges which faced the nation.  Beginning a term in office in the middle of two wars and the greatest economic collapse since the Great Depression was certainly a challenge, yet the task facing Haiti’s new president Michel Martelly seems at least equally daunting.  Though relief efforts in the wake of Haiti’s quake held international attention for some time, the nation is still in sore shape even compared to its starting point as the poorest nation in the western hemisphere.
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What to expect when you’re expecting…an election in Haiti

Today is the much-anticipated Presidential election in Haiti. Previously postponed immediately after January’s earthquake, this election is fraught with expectations, anticipation, and pressure to deliver a leader who will arguably make or break Haiti’s recovery.

I have a piece up at The Will and the Wallet on the election’s significance and relevance to U.S. foreign aid, but I just want to take second to make a few totally obvious predictions:

• the lack of comprehensive reissuing of Haiti’s national ID cards (required to vote) will creative countless problems and reports of identity fraud
• reports of fraud, vote-rigging, and general corruption will inevitably run rampant
• violence is likely to erupt in crowded, urban areas such as the capitol city of Port-au-Prince
• between overall voter apathy, limited voter education, and the recent cholera outbreak, total voter turnout will be extremely low Continue reading »

Bureacracy

The solution to too much bureaucracy is less bureaucracy, not more bureaucracy.

Complaining is easier than doing stuff

It is a bit ironic for the branch of government that makes the bureaucracy to criticize its own creation. If Congress doesn’t like the excessive bureaucracy in the executive branch, it could, you know, do something about it. I guess its just easier (and more fun!) to complain.

PS: It’s not all our fault.

Remember that earthquake in Haiti?

Apparently not:

Haiti has made little progress in rebuilding in the five months since its earthquake, because of an absence of leadership, disagreements among donors and general disorganization…

[The] picture is grim: Millions displaced from their homes, rubble and collapsed buildings still dominating the landscape. Three weeks into hurricane season, with tropical rains lashing the capital daily, construction is being held up by land disputes and customs delays while plans for moving people out of tent-and-tarp settlements [have stalled]…

In all, just 2 percent of the $5.3 billion in near-term aid pledges have actually been delivered…

Yeah, but Haiti was like five crises ago. I am sure donors meant it at the time and its the thought that counts, isn’t it?