Democracy for New Mexico: Haiti Earthquake Resources, President Obama Urges Americans to Help

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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Haiti Earthquake Resources, President Obama Urges Americans to Help

You can help immediately by donating to the Red Cross to assist the relief effort. Contribute online here, or donate $10 to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999."

President Barack Obama spoke to the press this morning about the horrible tragedy unfolding in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and pledged the nation's help:

I have directed my administration to respond with a swift, coordinated, and aggressive effort to save lives. The people of Haiti will have the full support of the United States in the urgent effort to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble, and to deliver the humanitarian relief -- the food, water and medicine -- that Haitians will need in the coming days. In that effort, our government, especially USAID and the Departments of State and Defense are working closely together and with our partners in Haiti, the region, and around the world.

President Obama also urged Americans to contribute to the humanitarian efforts in support of the earthquake's victims:

Despite the fact that we are experiencing tough times here at home, I would encourage those Americans who want to support the urgent humanitarian efforts to go to whitehouse.gov where you can learn how to contribute. We must be prepared for difficult hours and days ahead as we learn about the scope of the tragedy. We will keep the victims and their families in our prayers. We will be resolute in our response, and I pledge to the people of Haiti that you will have a friend and partner in the United States of America today and going forward.

Click to read a transcript (pdf) of the President's statement.

You can help immediately by donating to the Red Cross to assist the relief effort. Contribute online here, or donate $10 to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999."

Talking Points Memo is publishing a frequently updated Haiti Quake Wire with links to info about the situation as it emerges. The Boston Globe provides photos of the aftermath at The Big Picture. A diary by Dallas Doc on Daily Kos provides links to more relief efforts that need support.