Supporting Dictators

The U.S. has supported many of the world's most ruthless dictators over the past century. This has been epitomized by the U.S. relationship with Haiti. The U.S. has consistently chosen the idea of stability over Haitian self-determination.

François Duvalier and his son, Jean-Claude, headed a dynastic dictatorship that lasted nearly 30 years. François, known as Papa Doc and ruling from 1957-1971, outmaneuvered the U.S. into granted his administration aid by playing up its anti-Communist stance. Jean-Claude, known as Baby Doc and ruling from 1971-1985, offered cosmetic liberal reforms in extorting aid from the U.S.

Most of the aid given the Duvaliers was, simply put, stolen for their own personal use. Virtually none of the money helped the vast majority of Haitians. Papa Doc used the aid to enhance his personality cult. Baby Doc lavished his wife with the finest gifts available in the world. Meanwhile, people starved, unemployment rose, buildings crumbled, and the general condition of Haiti deteriorated.

U.S. warships watched as Jean-Claude, age 19, assumed power. The U.S. ensured the continuation of the brutal autocracy. When Jean-Claude was dethroned, the U.S. made sure he left safely. Both were in order to maintain what they considered stability. While the very top may have enjoyed so-called stability, the hungry masses suffered from this illusion.

Often when the U.S. gives aid, it goes directly into the pockets of rich autocrats. If the U.S. attempts to put conditions on aid, they are, with some justification, accused of stealing the receiving nation's sovereignty. The U.S. should refrain from policing the world until an acceptable method of helping the poor masses is conceived. When the U.S. becomes involved in political intrigues in other countries, the result is rarely positive for the nation it is supposedly helping. Staying out of other nations' business is a better policy.