Haitians see pride, hope and hero in Obama (more likely to treat kindly Haitian boat people)

Reuters ^ | Tue Jul 15, 2008 1:11pm EDT | Joseph Guyler Delva

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PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Scorned for decades after independence, invaded by U.S. Marines and subject frequently to the whims of Washington politicians, Haiti has endured a difficult history with the United States.

Now many Haitians believe Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, if he becomes the first black U.S. president, could open a new chapter and help their unstable and impoverished Caribbean homeland...

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Many Haitians say they view Obama as an inspiration and a source of pride for black people around the world, and many view him as a kindred spirit.

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More recently, powerful U.S. politicians have been blamed for destabilizing Haiti and blocking international aid because of their opposition to Haiti's first democratically elected president, former priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide, regarded by many in Washington as an authoritarian socialist…

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Obama also enjoys star status in parts of Africa, especially in his late father's native Kenya, where newborn babies are named after him and people sip "Senator" beer in his honor.

They literally sing his praise in some Caribbean islands. In Trinidad, the legendary Calypsonian known as the Mighty Sparrow hails Obama as a "man of splendid vision" in a song titled "Barack the Magnificent."

Part of the allure in Haiti is self-interest. Democrats are viewed as more likely to treat kindly Haitian boat people trying to make it into the United States than Republicans.

"If I were to vote, I would vote for Obama not for (John) McCain, because Haitians and other minorities are usually better off with Democrats in the White House," said Marcel Pierre-Louis, 47, who lived in the United States for 15 years.

[DustyMoment]

It’s Rooters . . . . . . what do you expect?

[Pearls Before Swine]

Not tribalism or racism here. Move along.

[james500]

I understand. If only there were more black leaders in the Caribbean and Africa, they would see some real prosperity.

[Puppage]

more likely to treat kindly Haitian boat people

Define : Treat kindly.

Where does it end, with the complete & utter destruction of our once great country?

[cla62]

Who cares, we’ll worry about the boat people when they get to start voting. If they were real Americans we may have something to worry about. I think all under advantaged people would love Nobama. He’ll give them all the free cheese they want, at us hard working Americans expense. Every single program he comes up with, just costs us more money, in tax credits, higher taxes, our time, you name it, more, more, more. Where does it stop Nobama, when do you start giving back to the Americans who pay for the free cheese programs!!

[HIDEK6]

Did Haiti just now join the union or were they part of the original 57?

[Mark319]

I’m really getting tired of hearing what the rest of the world thinks about OUR elections and Obama...Go fly a kite...

[Pearls Before Swine]

I think all under advantaged people would love Nobama. He’ll give them all the free cheese they want, at us hard working Americans expense. Every single program he comes up with, just costs us more money, in tax credits, higher taxes, our time, you name it, more, more, more.

You must have heard about Michelle's rant (today I think) that the $600 stimulus package wasn't helpful since it was a one shot deal and just about "enough to buy a pair of earrings."

[unkus]

You must have heard about Michelle’s rant (today I think) that the $600 stimulus package wasn’t helpful since it was a one shot deal and just about “enough to buy a pair of earrings.”

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As long as she doesn’t bring up “Necklaces”, as in Winnie Mandela.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I thought Clinton solved all their problems.

[SgtSki]

The only problem with Haiti is that it is full of Haitians.

[skeeter]

Define : Treat kindly

A red carpet from the shoreline to Miami's Office of Public Safety, Health and Welfare.

[xDGx]

Some consider Bill Clinton the ‘first Haitian President’

[Polybius]

The only problem with Haiti is that it is full of Haitians.

The Dominican side of the island seems to do relatively well by comparison.

Dominican Repbublic:
Population: 9,760,000
GDP: $89.87 billion

Haiti:
Population: 8,706,497
GDP: $16.51 billion

[Bob Buchholz]

Well, after an Obama administration Haiti (and most African nations) will be much closer to parity with the USA. Unfortunately for all, they won’t be improving.