[wagglebee]

Haiti's problem is corruption. Wealthy landowners farm the land with no regard to the long-term consequences. The government is totally "up for sale". The Dominican Republic had a Marxist regime until it was overthrown by a CIA backed coup under Nixon. They then adopted a free-market capitalist democracy and they are now one of the most prosperous nations in the region (I believe only the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and the USVI are better off). Haiti and the DR share the same island with similar terrain and natural resources. The Dominican Republic is proof that capitalism and democracy is the surest path to prosperity and peace and they accomplished it in a very short period of time.

[68skylark]

I think you're right. I'm wondering, what (if anything) should the U.S. do about this.

We occupied Haiti for 20 years or more in the 20th century, and other times also. Things go pretty well while we were there, but our "good government" policies don't remain after we depart. Should we try again? Should we just let the Haiti suffer? Should we hope the UN gets the job done?

[68skylark]

Here's an article with another argument about why some countries are wealthier than others.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1095370/posts

Although come to think of it, the example you cite about the success of the Dominican Republic may undermine some of the arguments in this article.