Americans In Haiti

Stupid conspiracy theories aside, of which there are certainly many, it does seem somehow jarring to watch the USA respond to the Haiti earthquake with videos of armed troops landing in helicopters, and aircraft carriers acting as hospital ships.

I don't know whether it's just that the media took a particular liking to this story, or that Obama responds differently to Bush and I'm just not used to seeing that, but seriously... weirded out. I can see why the nutbars have gone to town with the theories in the wake of how much coverage this is getting in the USA. Hell, Obama sent off Mr Clinton and Mr Bush to raise awareness and be all charity ambassador types for the stricken country. I guess if nothing else, the US likely see this as an opportunity to show the world that they can still be the good guys.

Al Jazeera has a somewhat more balanced view on the situation, showing troops riding around on the back of utes delivering supplies... and toting guns. Their idea of looking non threatening is to ditch the helmets and body armour, but not the huge menacing looking firearms. Bless 'em.

Don't get me wrong, I think the fact that they've gone in to help is fucking awesome, and sets an example other countries should follow. I guess I'm just a bit jaded when it comes to the motivations and methods with which our great commercial overlords decide to lend a helping hand.