The United States, other countries and private companies and citizens are providing relief efforts to Haiti.  This country needs all the help it can get due to the earthquake.  People in Haiti are suffering and need medical assistance and food to survive.

The Haitian President, Rene Preval, and his government officials must step up and help control the situation.  Earthquake relief efforts must be closely coordinated with local officials and all of the relief workers on the island.

Secretary Clinton must focus on the US relief efforts for this humanitarian mission.  The Department of State must ensure that programs are set up after the relief efforts are finished so the island can recover.

"We are here at the invitation of your government to help you," said Secretary Clinton. "As President Obama has said, we will be here today, tomorrow and for the time ahead. And speaking personally, I know of the great resilience and strength of the Haitian people. You have been severely tested. But I believe that Haiti can come back even stronger and better in the future."

The U.S. Agency for International Development must coordinate medical, construction, democracy, and other programs with NGO's and other relief organizations.  The Haitian government's priorities must be restoring security, communications, electricity, transportation, and other government functions.

We thank former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush for their efforts to lead a joint plea for international assistance to Haiti.  The US can help the people of Haiti in their own country by helping them manage the government functions and recovery projects.