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CREATED:20100118T220700Z
DESCRIPTION:Black History Month Forum & Benefit for Haiti Relief\nStand with the people 
 of Haiti!\nWhat the U.S. government isn’t telling you\n\nFeatured 
 speaker: Pierre Labossiere, Haiti Action Committee\nPlus, cultural 
 performance and dinner to help raise funds \n\nThe people of the world are 
 responding to help alleviate the terrible suffering of the Haitian people 
 after the massive earthquake which struck Jan. 12. We urge everyone who 
 can, to attend this important benefit for the Haitian people. Pierre 
 Labossiere of the Haiti Action Committee will give an important update on 
 the ongoing crisis.\n\nWhy is Haiti the most impoverished country in the 
 Western hemisphere?  The answer lies in the more than two centuries of U.S. 
 exploitation of—and hostility to—the island nation, whose hard-won 
 independence in 1804 from the French was only the beginning of its struggle 
 for liberation. \n\nNatural disasters are inevitable, but resource 
 allocation and planning can play a decisive role in lessening their impact. 
 But Haiti has been drained of vital resources and income for decades, due 
 to extortionate loans by the U.S.-controlled International Monetary Fund 
 and World Bank. These loans enrich the banks while Haitian people 
 die.\n\nHaiti was self-sufficient in rice production until the Clinton 
 administration forced a “free trade” policy on Haiti in the 1990s, and 
 soon U.S. agribusiness began to flood Haiti’s markets, displacing 
 thousands of farmers. The chronic malnutrition and poverty is a direct 
 result of U.S. imperialist policy. \n\nPresident Obama announced that USAID 
 and the Departments of State and Defense will support the rescue and relief 
 efforts in Haiti. Yet, these are the same government bodies responsible for 
 the economic and military policies that reduced Haiti to ruins even before 
 the earthquake hit. We call on the U.S. government to stop deportations of 
 the Haitians from the U.S., and to immediately cancel Haiti’s debt, in 
 addition to real assistance for the Haitian people.\n\n$10-20 donation. (no 
 one turned way for lack of funds). All funds collected go to Haiti relief. 
 \n\nSponsored by the ANSWER Coalition. Co-sponsored by FMLN—N. Calif., 
 Bay Area Latin American Solidarity Coalition, Task Force on the Americas, 
 and others. \n\n https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/01/18/18635599.php
SUMMARY:Benefit for Haiti Relief: Stand with the People of Haiti!
LOCATION:Centro del Pueblo, 474 Valencia St. at 16th St., SF near 16th St. BART; 
 Wheelchair accessible.
URL:https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/01/18/18635599.php
DTSTART:20100206T030000Z
DTEND:20100206T050000Z
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