Is it our job to send troops there for a long term rebuilding project, commit billions of dollars of tax money and have no clear end for when we leave?

All members of the house except 1 voted for that

Statement of Congressman Ron Paul
United States House of Representatives
Statement in Opposition to H Res 1021, Condolences to Haiti
January 21, 2010


I rise in reluctant opposition to this resolution. Certainly I am moved by the horrific destruction in Haiti and would without hesitation express condolences to those who have suffered and continue to suffer. As a medical doctor, I have through my career worked to alleviate the pain and suffering of others. Unfortunately, however, this resolution does not simply express our condolences, but rather it commits the US government "to begin the reconstruction of Haiti" and affirms that "the recovery and long-term needs of Haiti will require a sustained commitment by the United States. . . ." I do not believe that a resolution expressing our deep regret and sorrow over this tragedy should be used to commit the United States to a "long-term" occupation of Haiti during which time the US government will provide for the reconstruction of that country.

I am concerned over the possibility of an open-ended US military occupation of Haiti and this legislation does nothing to alleviate my concerns. On the contrary, when this resolution refers to the need for a long term US plan for Haiti, I see a return to the failed attempts by the Clinton and Bush Administrations to establish Haiti as an American protectorate. Already we are seeing many argue that this kind of humanitarian mission is a perfect fit for the US military. I do not agree.

Certainly I would support and encourage the efforts of the American people to help the people of Haiti at this tragic time. I believe that the American people are very generous on their own and fear that a US government commitment to reconstruct Haiti may actually discourage private contributions. Mr. Speaker, already we see private US citizens and corporations raising millions of dollars for relief and reconstruction of Haiti. I do not believe the US government should get in the way of these laudable efforts. I do express my condolences but I unfortunately must urge my colleagues to vote against this resolution committing the United States government to rebuild Haiti.

What do you think?

No we shouldn't. Let them rebuild there country. Thats not our job. That has never been our job.

That's a hard one... I think I'm going to have to agree with the above statement though. It's not smart for us to send our military over there for who knows how long to rebuild their country. I think we should help out in every other way, but like the above says, private organizations are doing extremely well with sending money.

Agreed. Of course people say your some kind of a jerk if you don't want to go all in but the fact of the matter is that we can't even pay our own bills as a country and now we will go further in debt to pay someone elses. It will have to end eventually and i think at this rate it ends badly.
Humanitarian aid is a gimme but rebuilding a country is beyond rational.