Haiti "child kidnappers"

[CarolF]

Originally Posted by Sydney

When I first read it in the papers, I remember thinking that only Americans woud do something as arrogant as this (sorry guys), but then I realised Australians don't exactly have an perfect record, what with the Stolen Generation and all.

Good reminder Sydney. As much as I might like to kid myself, I'm certainly guilty of stereotyping. There is a saying that goes "when you point your finger, there are 3 more pointing back at you", how true it is.

I'm just glad they didn't get away with the children. I read that Unicef is working on tracing the families of separated children, thank goodness, there is a halt on adoption, and the PM's authorisation is required for any departing child.

[Keitht]

Originally Posted by Sydney

When I first read it in the papers, I remember thinking that only Americans woud do something as arrogant as this (sorry guys), but then I realised Australians don't exactly have an perfect record, what with the Stolen Generation and all.

I don't think any country can claim the high ground regarding this kind of situation. Right up until the 1950s British kids were being shipped out (literally) to Australia and some of those ended up in virtual slavery.

The common thread that seems to run through all of these events is that people who thought/believed that "They knew best" acted without any consultation with the people they were dealing with. Whether civic or religious groups they all suffered from being driven by their own blinkered view of what was right or wrong.

[CarolF]

Originally Posted by Keitht

I don't think any country can claim the high ground regarding this kind of situation. Right up until the 1950s British kids were being shipped out (literally) to Australia and some of those ended up in virtual slavery.

The common thread that seems to run through all of these events is that people who thought/believed that "They knew best" acted without any consultation with the people they were dealing with. Whether civic or religious groups they all suffered from being driven by their own blinkered view of what was right or wrong.

There is certainly enough history from our own "developed countries" to learn lessons. What happened to this group, they are all old enough to know better.

[brother coony]

Missionaries Place Blame

[Keitht]

"We just wanted to help the children. We did not understand all your rules"

So ignorance of the law is their only defence?? Surely ignorance of the law is no defence at all. I'm sure that if I was caught stealing and ended up in a US court, the judge would look kindly on me if I said " I didn't realise it was against the rules in the US just to take what I wanted without permission". Yeah - right.

[JLB]

HLN just had an interview with a Haitian cop saying he stopped the same group previously with 100 children they were trying to get out of the country, without Haitian papers.

[Sydney]

Look what appeared in our newspaper this morning - child prostitution claims.
Jorge Anibal Torres Puello