Haiti, Quebec, and Massachusetts

My family and I just got back from a trip to Quebec over the long weekend. The province is a beautiful place, and Quebec City, right on the frozen Saint Lawrence River, had a bizarre feel, almost as if it were a city at man's northernmost frontier, though I'm sure the fact I'm not used to so much snow played a role in that idea. We toured the city, tasted delicious Quebecois food, and enjoyed the Winter activities, like ice skating in Place D'Youville and tobogganing outside our hotel, the Chateau Frontenac. The highlight of our trip, however, was a night in Hotel de Glace, the Ice Hotel. The idea of an 80-person hotel made entirely of ice was bizarre, the structure itself was beautiful, and the sleeping conditions, 27 degrees Fahrenheit on a bed made of ice, wood and foam, were an experience in themselves.
The only negative aspect of the trip was the Canadian security. Apparently, to align with the US's security needs, Canada has enforced a "no-carry-on" policy. Interestingly, women's purses, but not men's satchels of similar sizes, are allowed through, which I think smells of sexism. I'm fine with pat-downs (which we had), Millimeter-Wave full-body scans, and even complete bag searches if it means the liklihood of a Terrorist attack is lessened, but let me bring my bag on the plane! Or, at the very least, the airline or the hotel should have informed us of the Canadian policy, so we would know to pack our bags appropriately.

The biggest story in the news this past week has been the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the desperate search for survivors, and the deployment of 11,000 US troops to the country to ensure stability and efficient aid deployment. All of the aid funds being collected, from groups as diverse as the Red Cross, Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti, private donors, and national governments is a testament to the generosity of the human race, and will surely help Haiti get back on their feet after this disaster, and will hopefully leave them with an improved infrastructure that will allow them to break away from their position as the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Recently, a row over a French aid plane that was apparently turned away before later being allowed to land has led to French criticism of the US role in Haiti. France, as the former ruler of Haiti, likely feels some responsibility for Haiti's economic situation, but now is not the time to make amends for History for their posterity's sake. What matters most is the recovery of the few left alive under the rubble, the efficient distribution of aid, and protection for the millions of homeless Haitians from the bandits and looters that have taken control of much of the disaster zone in the absence of a real government. The United States, with the UN mission and Haitian government scattered, is in the best position to take command of the situation. With troops, a hospital ship, an aircraft carrier, and other resources already deployed, the United States, under President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and General Keen, has done an excellent job in caring for the living, and preserving order, and the US presence should remain for the foreseeable future.

Finally, the big story yesterday was the election of Republican Scott Brown to the seat vacated after the "lion of the Senate" Ted Kennedy's death, breaking the Democratic monopoly of MA senators that has lasted since the '70s. With 41 Republicans in the Senate, the Right will now be able to filibuster unpopular Democratic legislation, particularly the Health Care Reform effort, and force the majority party to moderate their reforms to accommodate the views of some of the 41% of Americans whose representatives have been largely ignored in the Health Care Debate. This slight rebalance of power in Congress is good for both sides, giving Republicans greater control, and allowing Democrats to craft a Reform bill that will be more accepted by the American people than the one being proposed. Many analysts predict that Brown (a moderate Republican) is an indication of an anti-Democrat trend that will be fleshed out fully in November. No one can know for sure, but I for one, am excited.
One final thing many analysts worried about was the issue of "Shenanigans" in Brown's seating. However, the Majority has accepted the will of the people of Massachusetts, and Brown seems likely to be seated without delay. Martha Coakley, Brown's opponent, was gracious in defeat and did not contest the election as some had feared. Obama and Harry Reid also showed grace in statements today urging legislators to halt Health Care debate until Brown is seated. The fear remains that the House will pass the deeply flawed Senate bill and send it to Obama to be enacted without changes, but the consensus is that such an event will not occur, and renegotiations will be held, with at least some Republicans on board.