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The Presidents Respond
January 17, 2010
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The Washington Post is running an article an article entitled, "Bush,
Clinton: Haiti Response Not About Politics." The article begins,
"Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and say the
earthquake in Haiti offers a chance to put aside politics and help
people in despair. Bush and Clinton appeared on five Sunday talk
shows as part of their effort to lead private fundraising efforts for
Haitian relief, including immediate needs and the long-term
rebuilding effort. President Barack Obama asked them to lead the
bipartisan effort."

Read the Article!!

Questions to Consider:

1. President Clinton explained that the disaster in Haiti reminds us of
our "common humanity." What does the word humanity mean? Do
people have responsibility towards fellow members of the human
race? Why or why not? If people do have these kinds of
responsibilities, what kinds of responsibilities do they have?

2. Imagine that there was a terrible earthquake in the mountainous
regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan, where Al-Qaeda apparently
keeps its headquarters. Would Western nations have a responsibility
to help these people? Why or why not? What kinds of
responsibilities would Western nations have towards these people?

3. Can any tangible benefit come to individuals who help those in
need, in distant parts of the world? Why or why not? Can any
tangible benefit come to individuals who help those in need in their
own community? Why or why not?

4. According to the article, "(Rush Limbaugh) urged people not to
donate and said he wouldn't trust that money donated to Haiti
through the White House Web site would go to the relief efforts."
Rush Limbaugh is considered a distinguished individual and leader
of the Republican party, by many. What can we learn from his
statement? If you were in a conversation with Mr. Limbaugh, how
would you respond to him?

Questions for Younger Children and Anybody Else:

1. Is it possible for you to benefit by helping somebody else? Why
or why not?

2. Can you think of any times when you should simply do what
somebody else asks you to do and not question why they are asking
you to do something? If so, when? Is it ever appropriate to question
why somebody else is asking you to do something? Explain!

3. Do you think that you should help people who may dislike you
when they need help? Why or why not?

4. Who should you help first, another person or an animal?
Why?ght develop editorials in response to this question.
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