Big oil about to strike again? AN OUTSIDERS VIEW Ken Fuller 02/16/2010

Big oil about to strike again? AN OUTSIDERS VIEW Ken Fuller 02/16/2010 Concern continues to grow regarding the current US role in Haiti, shattered by a massive earthquake on Jan.12. Why, when Cuba sent 400 doctors, with more on the way, did the USA send 20,000 troops to “restore order?” Why did the US military deny landing rights to international rescue missions bearing essential medicines and water, sparking protests from Latin American and European countries? Why, before the earthquake, had the USA chosen to construct its fifth largest embassy in this small, poverty-stricken nation? The answer, as is so often the case, seems to be: Oil. Ever since Haiti gained its independence from France, the former colonial power, the role of the USA has rarely been less than outrageous and self-seeking. Fearing that a nation ruled by liberated slaves would set an unfortunate example for its own slave population, the USA refused to grant Haiti diplomatic recognition until 1862. In 1915, the US occupied the country and, arguing that Haitians were unfit to rule themselves (similar arguments were, of course, put forward in the Philippines at the same time), remained there for 19 years, during which time land was seized and a police force and Army formed to US specifications.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune ALTERNATE URL: http://www.classicposters.com/commentary/20100216com5.html

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