By Nadra Enzi

Crisis makes strange bed fellows. That’s one way to view President Obama’s request for Presidents Clinton and George W, Bush to lead relief efforts. America’s relationship with the island nation has been marred by double standards for asylum seekers ( compared to Cubans and others ) and accusations of the US secretly overthrowing past administrations. Its role as an independent Black nation that ended slavery under arms never won allies on the American Right. Against this backdrop the current commander-in-chief can write new history separate from this limiting past.
 
Carline Aliotte represents this new history. She’s a Haitian native; naturalized American and former USAID employee. I know and admire her greatly. Featured on CNN ireport http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-390600?ref=email she urged calm and identified an accident scene needing immediate assistance. Her homeland deserves an American response free from partisanship and prejudice.
 
A bipartisan Presidential team broadens the support network to include those whose ideologies usually make teamwork impossible. It shows a skeptical world that Americans stand together to help Haiti. This moment can end race-based foreign policy prejudice for defeating tyranny, just like the United States did. Before its independence, Haitian troops under French command even saved the city of Savannah, Georgia from British forces during the Revolutionary War. America owes Haiti some measure of its freedom. Repaying that debt is the work of generations.
 
On a separate note it may help President Bush repair his global image. Perceptions persist that he let mostly Black New Orleanians die after levees failed following Hurricane Katrina. The two scenarios are eerily similar: two majority Black, impoverished areas instantly all but destroyed. Perhaps an eye toward his legacy prompted joining the relief effort. Crisis doesn’t afford luxuries like working only with those whom you agree. If having former President George W. Bush on board saves lives then so be it. Opponents are free to closely monitor his role but should also scrutinize allies to ensure Haiti isn’t used to further petty personal or political agendas. By playing fair, they do both their nation and the world a great service.
 
His choice inflames bitterly painful memories. His selection also contributes to assisting millions. If he got it wrong on Katrina, here’s a chance to get it right in Haiti. Some say there’s no such thing as a second chance. George W. Bush has a golden opportunity to prove them wrong. Lest we forget, President Clinton also has penance to make for racist remarks about Obama during the past election cycle and a contradictory Haitan policy record. He’s getting another time at bat too.
 
Here’s hoping and praying these two men can truly help Haiti. 
 
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT. BLACK is a urban Republican who promotes crime prevention and self-development through his CRIME ISN’T A CIVIL RIGHT! presentation and other efforts. HELP HAITI Y’ALL!!! is its latest urgent humanitarian highlight. nadracaptblack@ymail.com and (912) 272-2898.