Some perspective on U.S. aid to Haiti

You've probably heard a variation on the following themes recently. Haiti has always been poor and they will continue to be poor. Pouring billions of dollars into that country is like pouring it down the drain. How can we afford to help Haiti when we're going bankrupt ourselves? Now there's a good case to be made that government to government foreign aid does more harm than good. There have been some good books written recently making that case in regards to aid to Africa. Once the dead are buried, the injured are cared for, and the orphans are housed we should have a robust debate on the best way to assist Haiti in the long term.

But first, a little perspective. Yes, the United States is the biggest donor to Haiti in the world -- $259 million in 2008. We're a generous nation and will continue to be so. But as the chart below shows -- this comes out to a mere 92 cents per year, per person. Not exactly a big sacrifice.



More at Haiti Aid Facts