With great interest, I have been following the lead story out of Haiti, the plight of the missionaries who, in their do-good way, have created a pile of trouble for themselves. An old Haitian man was interviewed. He practices voodoo, as do many others in the country. He said that he cannot understand what the Christians are trying to save him from. He has his voodoo religion and that is good enough for him.

All of this reminds us that there is a fine line between “helping” or “trying to change the status quo.” Some people in this world do not want help, and any missionary is at risk of imprisonment or worse, at any time, whether they are in Africa, South America, or elsewhere. Attempting to “save” the children, in order to brainwash them with a particular brand of religion, is odious to the natives. Now, the government officials are fighting back.

At the minimum, it looks like the “leader” of the group will spend some serious jail time in Haiti. I don’t even want to think about what that experience will be like. The nine others are in jail at the moment. The Secretary of State calls the whole situation, “unfortunate.”

When an American ventures into any other country, it is wise to play by the rules. I can think of a number of examples of when Americans have found themselves in deep trouble, or have even died because they were in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

As for helping, “charity begins at home.” Yet, Americans shall never be disabused of their good intentions. We all have big hearts and we open them, as well as our pocketbooks for many a worthy cause.

The latest cause is Haiti. It is the poorest country in this hemisphere. Trying to assist seems like helping old ladies to cross a street when they do not want to go. As has been pointed out many times, there is a fine line between helping anyone and overstepping unwritten boundaries.

The people of Haiti want to believe as they always have, and as their culture dictates. What is to say that the man who practices voodoo religion is not entitled to his lifelong practice? He feels that he is right when he says, “I don’t needbuy tramadol Jesus. I don’t need to be ‘saved’.” To him, that is a true statement.

As for me, I will keep my money and he can keep his religion. I will mind my business and let the meddlers do as God directs them. Meanwhile, Americans are cooling their heels in jail, a great “thank you” for trying to help. In the end, arrogance will get no one anywhere. Yes, I agree with Mrs. Clinton. This is a most unfortunate situation and you can bet that it will make a few people re-think their good intentions.

God bless the children.

Patricia Cummings

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