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'In Times of Tragedy, the US Steps Forward'

In Newsweek, president makes case for Haiti earthquake relief

By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 17, 2010 4:16 PM CST

(Newser) – The United States is pouring money and personnel into earthquake-devastated Haiti not just to help its own citizens or bolster an ally, but because "that is who we are," President Obama writes in explaining why the relief effort is vital. In times of crisis, "when we are brought face to face with our own fragility, we rediscover our common humanity," he writes for Newsweek.

"For decades, America's leadership has been founded in part on the fact that we do not use our power to subjugate others, we use it to lift them up," Obama writes But "governments alone are not enough," he acknowledges, pointing to the UN and nongovernmental organizations already on the ground as essential actors in the relief effort. And he predicts that "every American can look at this relief effort with the pride of knowing that America is acting on behalf of our common humanity."

President Obama prays with congregation members at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, Washington, Jan. 17, 2010. Obama spoke to the congregation about helping the people of Haiti after the earthquake.
President Obama prays with congregation members at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, Washington, Jan. 17, 2010. Obama spoke to the congregation about helping the people of Haiti after the earthquake.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 46 comments
atomick
Jan 21, 2010 9:31 AM CST
I didn't say it. But now I agree with it.
YetAnotherCollegeKid
Jan 19, 2010 11:41 AM CST
Oh, that's cute. Because dropping in French terms makes anyone seem cooler. Especially when you use them as a substitution for 'do'. If you have a problem with what I am actually saying, that's fine. If not, shut the hell up.
alkaseltzersammich
Jan 19, 2010 2:22 AM CST
You do realize that there are more than just white people in the middle class right? I guess being white is what qualifies you for the middle class in America; at least according to WhatTha.

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