Haiti (once more), Obama-rama, and Adventures

I promise to keep my rants about politics and natural disasters to a minimum this post. While on that note, I wish there was more we could do to help Haiti as individuals (despite a lack of funds) or help Obama figure out what he's going to do now that Ted Kennedy's spot has been filled by a Republican. But, I suppose there's not really a lot I can do from a small town in Eastern Montana, where rental car centers don't exist and public places with internet access are hard to come by. I'm sure the world will go back to being a decent place at some point, right?

Things here haven't been too bad comparatively. Kind of boring, sure, but not bad. I spent most of last weekend in Terry, a town of about 500 roughly 30 minutes east of Miles City. I've learned, after spending three days there, that I'm quite grateful to live in a town that has a Wal-Mart (despite the fact that I dislike shopping there), multiple grocery markets and a cinema. I also enjoy the notion that we have Great Grains and several hippies. There are people who walk places (despite the fact that people think we're weird for doing it). Living in a town any smaller might drive me insane. At least there aren't any people riding around on their horses now... But, Beef Breeders are coming soon. Apparently, Main Street sort of shuts down, and cows are fenced in so others can come and bid on them. Mmmm, the life of a rancher. I'm begining to enjoy the small town living- it's so completely different than any other place I've lived in before. Some of my friends still have to explain how things work, but it's not so bad. I also theoretically get to learn about taking tractors apart this weekend, which should be exciting. There's so much to learn!

Only one more small chunk of my college application to get in, and hopefully I should get accepted! I won't be able to finish it up until early Febuary, but I'm sure everything will work out. It always does, right?

Haiti

Once again, commentary on how to save the world. I'm quite sure you've heard enough of this from your local news, cnn.com , or wherever else you get the news from. So earlier this week, there was an earthquake in Haiti, killing thousands, injuring many others and knocking over lots of buildings, including schools, hospitals, and government buildings. Many of the injured still aren't getting services needed, and the hospitals are running low (if they're not already out) of supplies. Obama and several European leaders have promised to send aide to Haiti, but it's (apparently) not getting there fast enough. Since the airport in Port au Prince was also affected by the quake, it's also quite hard to send help. Personally, I think the right things are in the process of happening. People are trying to help, and the Red Cross has so far gotten tons of donations, and is sending $10 million to help. American Troops are also being sent to help. Meanwhile, there are some others who claim that Haiti deserved the quake because they made a pact with the devil years ago. I think this is kind of funny, as Haiti isn't the only country that has had political unrest (think the A merican Revolution or the Civil War). If I had the opportunity, I'd totally be the first to jump on a plane and attempt to help out with broken French and band-aides, (brand names become a common thing, eh?) and find a way to spread the "it's a natural disaster- how is this devil related?" word. If you're a praying person, or even just a reflexive person, please continue to remember those in Haiti, and how much better off we are for living in an "industrialized" country where our buildings aren't as likely to fall over as a result of earthquakes. We also are a large country with loads of great hospitals and doctors and social workers and others who can help save the day with their mad saving the day skills. Haiti, on the other had, has limited resources at this point in the ball game (if you will). If you're in a position to help, do it! Donate, volunteer, do whatever you think is necessary to help out, even it's something simple, like giving others a reminder that in reality, we're quite lucky, and others are in dire need of help.

Check out the links below for more relevant info.:
Fund raising in Interesting Means for Haiti
Efforts to save orphans
Violence and a need for water...
NYTimes has some pretty... interesting pictures and is also offering up to moment info.