Boat packed with Haitian migrants capsizes while under tow, at ...

SRB wrote:

<quoted text>
I didn't say that at all...I said we need to have compassion for all people and mourn their death. I think that we do need a fair immigration policy and some assistance for our neighbors like Haiti rather than protecting Israel and oil...

We have a fair immigration policy, you apply to enter the country. Oh yeah, but no one follows that!! What a joke that we put up with all these people running over the border. I would love to know how old you are, and if there will be social security for you to collect when you reach the time to collect.

far away wrote:

<quoted text>
let's take a look at the death tolls here:
VA Tech Massacre: 33
Haitan boat wreck: 20
no, it's not as tragic. THAT COMMENT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!

Yeah it does in both cases the authorities incompetence lead to several deaths

SRB wrote:

<quoted text>
Say that using your real name chickensh*t!

Is that all you have to offer to the conversation?
Weak

Fl native wrote:

<quoted text>
You need to be sent back to where your ancestors came from... I'm sure you're not American Indian. Never forget that!!!

no I am not, are you, but I got here through the legal means of applying to immigrate, become a legal citizen learn the language and not expect any special privilage for becoming a citizen. The INS has quotes for all countries citizens to come to America. I am sorry that the Hatians home country sucks but if it wasn't they would not want to leave, would they.

If you are a native american what are the special privilages have you been given because of the hardships that were imposed to your ancestors. Would you allow them to particpate in all your rights imposing thier way of life on you. We know what happened to the american indians when thier way of life was controlled by others.

So you may critize me for not being a native american but I AM AN AMERICAN AND SERVED MY COUNTRY WITH HONOR WITHOUT QUESTION. So tell me to go home because your ancestorswere here first. As I said I am American first and always. My heritage is a mere footnote not a crutch to lean on.

I lived in Turks & Caicos Island for the last 4 months and I already can say that "belongers" as they like to call themselves (because they belong to those islands and you don't) are the most racist, angry and rude people I ever met. After traveling the world for two years and after living in Europe, Latin America and the US for quite a long time, I was really surprised and dissapointed when I learned how greedy and mean the belongers can be.
Unfortunately, it would not surprise me if the Brits find out that the TCI police really murdered those Haitians. My experience so far is that they despise most of foreigners but specially Haitians.
I hope my next months in that country prove me wrong. I really do...and I hope to go back to the US soon.

Although my heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones, I feel that I must speak up for my fellow Turks Islanders at this point. Almost every week you hear of another illegal sloop coming into the islands. Our government spends valuable money by sending these people home each week, only for them to try and come back again the next. This money could be put into more valuable resources for the country, most importantly, education. This tragedy was an eye-opener none the least, however, I feel that the comments made were a bit harsh. We as Turks Islanders are grateful to the Haitians for helping us to build up out islands. What we are not happy about is the constant immigration problems we face with the Haitians. A recent report shows that over 4000 Haitians are living in our islands, and that is just the legal ones! Expatriates make up over 50% of our population. We are trying to empower our own people, but are being setback due to other countries in our vicinity. I am not blaming the Haitians. I am blaming the power houses in the world. I find it funny that they spend millioons on a lost battle in Iraq, but refuse to spend in countries like Sudan and Haiti. We need to set out priorities straight.

And in response to no belonger's comment, I am sorry that you have had such an experience, but I must admit that that is one that I hardly ever hear. Turks Islanders are known to be the most humble and kind people in the Caribbean, that is why tourists like to visit our shores. And I am sure not every person you have come across is like this. It is unfair to critise and say all of us are like this! I am sure if I said that all Americans were racist and unkind I would soon be dealt with!