Steve Buyer: “I rise in strong support of the Goss amendment as you are aware, the United States intervened in Haiti from 1915 to…”

“I rise in strong support of the Goss amendment as you are aware, the United States intervened in Haiti from 1915 to 1934. The initial landings made by American Marines were to restore order following a coup and to restore a government to Haiti that was friendly toward the United States. The result was that Haiti was a virtual protectorate of the United States for 19 years. Our extended involvement in Haiti during the early part of this century failed to bring about any real reforms. Rather, it fostered great resentment towards our Nation for conducting 'gun-boat diplomacy' that survives to this day. It serves as a prime example of the difficulties of 'enforcing democracy' in a country that has no history of democratic ideals. It is unlikely that military intervention will solve Haiti's problems. Severe poverty has divided that nation's affluent political and military elite from the average citizen since the country was founded. These cultural and economic problems were noted during our previous involvement in Haiti earlier this century. Unable to change the system after years of occupation then, it will be extremely difficult for the United States to bring about any real change now. As a result, I am hesitant to use American military power to force the return of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power.”