It has been heartening to see how Americans of all political persuasions have put aside politics as usual to help save the people of earthquake-ravaged Haiti.
Truly, in the midst of this crisis, there are no conservatives or liberals. No right. No left, either.
While appreciating the rescue workers who have descended on the nation, I also have a special regard for another group. I call them "Haiti's Hidden Angels."
They are the men and women who are offering silent, anonymous donations to help Haiti. They aren't putting out press releases. They aren’t rushing to appear on camera day after day. They are doing their generous work without any kind of fanfare. Thank God for them.
I can appreciate the counter argument: The more “ordinary people” — like me, for instance — see that the upper class are giving so generously, it will encourage the rest of us to do our small parts as well.
Still, this is not an occasion to seek a hero’s status because you have the extreme luxury of writing a big check.
The real heroes are the unnamed and unidentified rescue workers, doctors, nurses, and caregivers who had flocked to Haiti. The same people who helped New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and East Asia after the tsunami.
These kinds of tragedies practically defy news descriptions.
We should respect those who are doing their part to try to salvage the earthquake-ravaged land and its noble people. But at the same time, let’s not confuse the genuine heroes with the generous donors. They deserve our appreciation — as long as they give their money in a dignified manner. Please.
Jon Friedman writes the Media Web column for MarketWatch. Click here to read his latest column.
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