On the recordJanuary 20, 2010
on another matter which is topical and tragic and which is on the minds of Americans and people all over the world today, I rise to share a few remarks involving the overwhelming disaster that has hit Haiti. Words do not begin to describe the extent of the disaster--thousands dead, more than 1 million homeless. Just imagine how bad it is. It is almost impossible to imagine. Families continue to search and mourn for lost mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters. The earthquake may be the most lethal disaster to ever occur in the Western Hemisphere. This is not a disaster on some distant shore. Haiti is closer to Florida, for example, than the distance from one end to the other of my State of Montana. I am encouraged by the outpouring of help from around the world. Many have flown to volunteer. Others have helped through in-kind contributions, cash. In fact, I recently heard that a vast number of people responded on the Internet through Blackberry and Twitter to give contributions. It is a huge number--not individually large, but the total is a massive outpouring of support. Americans have shown remarkable generosity. These are tough economic times, but millions still want to give. This is the American spirit. It is who we are as Americans. Amidst this destruction and great sorrow, there are stories that offer incredible hope.
