Haiti's Independence Day

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

January 1, 2012

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Haiti as you celebrate the 208th anniversary of your independence this January 1.

The story of Haitian independence is one of courage and resilience. The victory by L’Ouverture and others was an achievement by all Haitians, and it became a source of inspiration and pride in the Americas and around the world. Today, as you continue to rebuild from the earthquake of January 12, 2010 and give more Haitians the opportunity to realize their potential, we are reminded of this proud history of strength and unity. Time and again the people of Haiti have stood up against difficult odds to build a better future.

As you celebrate this special day with family, friends and loved ones, know that the United States is committed to your future as we work together to fulfill the promise of Haitian independence. Happy Independence Day and best wishes for a new year filled with peace and prosperity.

Anti-Muslim violence spiralling out of control in America - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Anti-Muslim violence spiralling out of control in America - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

"Sen was pushed to death by a woman who "hated Muslims", as anti-Muslim bigotry in the US sinks to violent new depths."

 Whats very telling is where it says "bigotry in the US sinks to violent new depths". I'd have to question why Murtaza Hussain considers such violence to be new? Perhaps he would be better to say well, now we too are beginning to feel the real depth of the violence that has existed in the US for centuries. He doesn't seem to understand that the time to speak out against that violence was long ago. To become indignant now is like closing the barn door after the livestock has made it's exit. Doncha think? Who else in the US wants to wait for their turn to come around as a recipient of violence? Just wait and your turn is surely coming. Now is the time for all Americans to be speaking out agains the violence that has been for far too long allowed to be committed in the US against her own citizens. We can't continue to tolerate/condone this behavior and expect to exist in the new world demographics. If we don't get it right we won't fare any better than who were here originally. Now isn't that something to think about?