Help for Haiti and Hidden Agendas

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It’s been one month to the day since mother earth’s voice vibrated through the capital of Haiti, and humanity banded together to muster support in the face of this boundary breaking natural disaster. As the chaos slowly settles, concerns are now arising about whether donations are reaching those for whom its intended. Cell phone companies have experienced backlash from costumers demanding that Haiti donation text message fees be waived. Financial institutions had a similar push back with online donation fees. The prominent aid site YELE HAITI came under scrutiny for their past handling of funds. E-mails circulated asking that donations not be made to the American Red Cross, citing previous glitches in Hurricane Katrina relief.
 
But one aspect that seems to have been overlooked is the intent of organizations on the ground. My discussions with individuals directly affected by the earthquake unveiled this: The prospect of organizations using this vulnerable time to mask their motives behind the act of service is a growing concern. Recent articles highlighting specific groups and their initiatives, show that this concern goes beyond my casual conversations.
 
After 10 missionaries were held by the Haitian government for reportedly trying to illegally bring Haitian children into the Dominican Republic, Kathryn Joyce penned a piece for the Dailybeast.com, entitled “ The Evangelical Adoption Campaign.” In it she highlights a new movement amongst the Christian evangelical denomination, which embraces "a new orphan theology that urges Christians to see adoption and “orphan-care” as an integral part of their faith—and a means of spreading the gospel." The article describes the adoption campaign as a holistic pro-life stance.
 
In other news, Scientologists are carrying out their own aid-driven crusades. An article from The Australian, titled “Scientologists Gain a Foothold in Shattered Haiti,” states "[Haiti] has Roman Catholics, voodoo spiritualists, Protestants, Rastafarians, Jews and Baha'is. Now Haiti, a nation brimming with piety, looks set to be endowed with another belief system: the Scientologists say they are here to stay." Pat Harney, spokeswoman for Scientology's Volunteer Ministry Disaster Relief for Haiti, told The Australian she has little doubt that there will be a Haitian Scientology church. This is most unsettling.
 
The article details how an advance party of Scientologists arrived soon after the earthquake hit, followed by John Travolta and his grand Boeing 707 to deliver military rations, medical supplies, baby items, doctors and, of course, volunteer ministers. Scientologists have also been practicing their “assist” method in Haitian relief hospitals. Spokeswoman Harney stated "a person can be hurting and medical assistance does not work…we help people to locate themselves."
 
This post is not intended to alienate any particular organization or practice. Rather it seeks to shine some light on instances where aid is not being administered to the people of Haiti solely out of good-will. Taking advantage of anyone while they are in desperate situations should be considered as much of a crime as profiting from, or embezzling donations.
 
If you found this piece informative, take a look at this post on how Twitter and Facebook are playing a role in rescue efforts.
 
(USMC photo taken by Cpl. Bobbie A. Curtis, USMC)