John Mica: “The situation in Haiti continues to be a disgrace to the United States and the world community. There are those in the…”

“The situation in Haiti continues to be a disgrace to the United States and the world community. There are those in the Congress now calling for an increase in sanctions on Haiti's already battered people. Sanctions in Haiti do not affect the thugs who have taken control, nor the wealthy. Even our U.S. embassy has proved that the sanctions are a cruel hoax. Sanctions do not stop the murders, rapes, and devastation of political opposition. Those who advocate more sanctions advocate another dose of a failed policy. Those who advocate more sanctions condone the expansion of a policy that has brought death and malnutrition to children, the infirm, and the elderly. Those who advocate tighter sanctions will continue to strangle innocent Haitian babies. Increased sanctions will kill more than the 1,000 Haitian children dying each month because of the current failed policies. Where is the leadership of the world's strongest nation for its weakest neighbor? Why can't the United States and the United Nations enforce international agreements and restore democracy? Anything less is a travesty for all concerned. Sanctions have murdered Haiti's poor, destroyed its employment base, and crushed any hopes for future economic development and international investment in Haiti. Additional sanctions will only devastate the poorest of the poor in Haiti.”