Hats off to FLOTUS Michelle Obama, who keeps all her scheduled appointments and always remembers to do the right thing. In her last visit to the Labor Department, part of her ongoing tour of federal agencies, she first urged the audience to get involved and support the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Only after this humanitarian message she addressed the issues that brought her to the Labor Department: achieving a work-life balance, the need for more employers to provide paid sick leave, flex time, child care and other family-friendly workplace policies.
When she spoke about the disaster in Haiti, you could see that the message came from the heart, it was not a PR move, it was genuine care and compassion – the First Lady shows as much grace in her public appearances as UK’s Princess Diana did once.
“The destruction and the suffering that we see, the images that are coming out of that country are just overwhelming, and it is important for the people of Haiti to know that we are keeping the victims of this tragedy and their loved ones in our thoughts and our prayers,” – the First Lady said. “And that also includes prayers going out to all of the Haitian Americans who have families and friends there, and they’re worried about them back home. It’s difficult to get word. People don’t know where folks are. This is a tough time for Haitian American citizens here, as well. And we also want to send our thoughts and prayers out to the American citizens who are working and living in Haiti, as well.”
Later, she made a Public Service Announcement asking people to join her in supporting the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti:
“The images from Haiti are heart-breaking—homes, hospitals and schools destroyed; families searching for loved ones; parents trying to feed their children. But we can all do something. We can help the American Red Cross as it delivers the food, water and medicine that can save lives. Donate $10 by texting “HAITI” to 9-0-9-9-9. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Thanks for your help.”
About Liliana Dumitru-Steffens
Michelle O certainly is a great woman. Certainly has great appeal. I am concerned that she endorses an organization that uses so much of the money donated for their own needs. Wasn’t it quite recently the Red Cross admitted they’d run out of funds, due to their being so many tragedies?
There are other organizations supporting Haiti. Michelle Obama may be better served making sure the money gets to the people who need it, that the country is re built. The water system is secure for the people. To make sure the money does not stop at the government level. Someone needs to over see this. I believe Michelle Obama would be the best person for this.
Bella
Leisle Mims, executive director of the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter, said, “The best way people can help is by donating money. People want to donate used clothing and canned goods, but the priority needs are food, water, shelter and medical help. We can buy those items in bulk and send them over. The (money) will be increased as we see the need.”
For now, these poor souls have my prayers, every day! Money means nothing if the goods are not even reaching the people. How sad. I pray for the relief workers also. God bless us all.