What is it with people making comments about Haiti?
ESPN fired former NBA player Paul Shirley from his position as a sports blogger for a blog he wrote on another website criticizing Haiti relief efforts and the victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake.
In the blog Shirley posted on Flipcollective.com he alleged that Haitians are responsible for their own fate and should bear the brunt of their recovery.
I haven’t donated a cent to the Haitian relief effort. And I probably will not. I haven’t donated to the Haitian relief effort for the same reason that I don’t give money to homeless men on the street. Based on past experiences, I don’t think the guy with the sign that reads “Need You’re Help” is going to do anything constructive with the dollar I might give him. If I use history as my guide, I don’t think the people of Haiti will do much with my money either.
… Shouldn’t much of the responsibility for the disaster lie with the victims of that disaster?”
Later on in the blog Shirley wrote a letter “from the rest of the World” to the Haitian people
Dear Haitians –
First of all, kudos on developing the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Your commitment to human rights, infrastructure, and birth control should be applauded. As we prepare to assist you in this difficult time, a polite request: If it’s possible, could you not re-build your island home in the image of its predecessor? Could you not resort to the creation of flimsy shanty- and shack-towns? And could some of you maybe use a condom once in a while?
Sincerely, The Rest of the World
In a one paragraph statement ,ESPN said Shirley will no longer contribute to their sports coverage.
