The "moles"

There was a bit of a viral reaction to a facebook status update circulating this week. Ok, I suppose that's not really news, but this particular debate centered on whether or not the U.S. should bother helping less-fortunate countries, such as Haiti, when we have so many of our own issues to deal with at home.

I won't make my entire argument here, nor did I do so on the FB comment, but those who know me can probably guess what I was thinking.

Mexico definitely has more domestic issues that the U.S. Up to 40% of Mexicans do not eat regularly. Children are only guaranteed 1-5 grade education, and there are no national tests to discover whether that education is actually producing literate citizens. Still, despite their own problems at home, Mexicans are generously donating to help the Haitians.

Mexicans know what it is like to live in an earthquake zone. They know what it is like to wonder if you will eat today. So they understand more fully than most North Americans what it is like for those 2 crises to collide. In 1985, a major 8.1 earthquake hit central mexico and killed tens of thousands of people. The government was unable or unwilling to do much to help. ( see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1985_Mexico_City_earthquake#Emergency_response for more information)
Most Mexicans who were rescued can thank their friends and neighbors for volunteering to help.

After that Massive quake, an elite team of rescuers was formed called "Los Topos" or "the moles" so called bc they will burrow into any hole, searching for survivors. They are a completely volunteer team of rescuers, the most elite in the world. They have not lost a rescuer in 25 years and 22 natural disasters around the world. Unfortunately, they do not get a lot of press, no government support, and survive completely on donations.
This article is in English http://guanabee.com/2010/01/los-topos-de-mexico/

Please spread the word about these amazing rescuers and even donate to their cause if you can! (a donation link is on the bottom of the article)

(Note: The Mexican government is part of a Pan-American aid organization that is sending military, medical, and other support to Haiti. Also, many individual charities are collecting donations. The largest university in the State of Mexico - where Dave & I live - made a huge donation. http://thenews.com.mx/articulo/uaem-ships-11-tons-of-haiti-relief-10119 I don't want anyone to think that Mexico is doing nothing, even though they are not supporting this amazing volunteer team.)