Why Haiti Should Release Those Missionaries
Posted: Friday, February 05, 2010
by Terry Mitchell
http://commenterry.blogs.com
The Ten American missionaries who were recently arrested and charged with child trafficking in Haiti should be released as soon as possible. Why, you ask? Well, what was the purpose of these missionaries and other Americans being in Haiti in the first place? Was it to rape, pillage, and plunder?
This is not like Iraq, Afghanistan, or other places we've invaded to make war. We are in Haiti strictly to help a country that cannot help itself. If some of our people happen to go a little overboard in the process, Haitian authorities should feel obligated to quickly forgive them and move on and not make such a big stink about it.
They should do it as a gesture of gratitude for all of the help they are receiving from the rest of the world. There are times when the need for mercy and graciousness outweigh the requirement for justice. I believe that this in one of those times. Besides, the beleaguered nation of Haiti has more pressing issues to be concerned with right now than the potential complications involved in attempting to determine the guilt or innocence of ten foreigners. But my point is that, since the U.S. and other countries were there to help them, Haiti should cut them a little slack when they screw up. Why not just take the kids back and send those missionaries back home with a slap on the wrist? I know I would. I would not be so determined to throw the book at them. I would not be seeking a pound of flesh here. Now, if the roles were reversed and the Haitians were lending a hand to helpless Americans and a similar thing happened over here, would I feel the same way about it? Absolutely, I would.
Here's an illustration. If someone breaks into my house, and destroys some of my belongings in the process, I'm going make sure they pay for all of it. I would demand that they be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, if I invite someone into my home to help me with something that I need done and can't do for myself, and they end up breaking some of my stuff, I'm going to be a lot more forgiving.
Let me provide another illustration. Let's talk about a hypothetical relationship between Person A and Person B. Let's suppose Person A needs Person B, but Person B doesn't really need Person A. I think any sane person would agree that this is an unbalanced relationship. Now, if I were Person A, I would do my best to avoid nitpicking all of Person B's personal peccadilloes, lest Person B become overly frustrated and walk away, leaving me twisting in the wind.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Great article. Well done.I'll have to disagree. I agree that Hati should be grateful but not to criminals. I think that Hati should transfer them to an American prison but no let them off.Connor, I'm glad you can compliment my article, even though you disagree. A lot of people can't do that. :-)
Terry, I have to agree. These were not criminals, and as it turns out only the leader, Laura Silsby, had knowledge that she didn't possess all the paperwork. Calling these missionaries "criminals" is more irresponsible and knee-jerk than the missionaries' actions. As the facts emerge, this group was obviously interested in the welfare of the children, even getting parents' permission where possible.Criminality is a different thing from merely breaking the law. To be a criminal, there is a degree of intent. Furthermore, a natural disaster is a mitigating circumstance.The other thing I would point out is that Terry Mitchell consistently demonstrates support for the underdog and the less popular position, which I admire far more than the all too common mob rule. This tendency is a character asset, not a flaw.- GGregory, thanks for the compliment. Although we often have differing opinions, especially about religious issues, I'm glad to know that recognize the fact that I'm an idependent thinker, as are you.
It is in Haiti's interest, both now and longterm, to be merciful to the missionaries. Thanks, Terry, for the article. You've stuck to your guns on this subject, though you've caught some heat about it. ~mogama~Mogama, thanks for reading and commenting. You and I both know what it's like to offer an unpopular view. However, that's the way I prefer it. In fact, whenever my view matches that of the overwhelming majority, I generally keep quiet and let other people do the writing. I don't want my writing to look like bandwagon-jumping.
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