How many lives does it take to catch the world's attention?

I went to a benefit today for Haiti. I was quite amazed at the turnout. We are in a time and place where everything that is done is for one's benefit. People say we are selfish creatures in a cruel world, doing what needs to be done to get ahead and stepping on those they are left behind. But in days like this, I can't really see it. People came today, because they wanted to. It was sincerity. No one there was thinking about themselves, for the first time in who knows how long, people were thinking about others. So, how many lives does it take to capture world's attention? How many lives does it take for us to remember?

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, yet very few cared until the disaster strikes. I'll admit it. The country of Haiti has never crossed my mind before the recent earthquake. When I think about it, my concern for the Haitians right now is probably fueled by my guilt from years of ignorance. The people of Haiti have always suffered. Everyday, people are dying of malnutrition. Yet, I've never really thought about it. Why did it have to take hundred of thousands of lives to get my attention? It's everywhere...on the news, on the internet...the images of death and destruction, of grief and despair. I hear it now, their cry for help. It's loud now, amplified by the press, celebrities, and coffee breaks. But haven't they always cried for help? We've ignored them for as long as possible, until thousands of mothers and fathers shove the bodies of their dead children in our faces, across every living room television, magazine cover and the front page of every newspaper, did we respond.

Perhaps some good can come out of such a catastrophe. The world's eyes are on Haiti now. But the question is, for how long?

Oh yeah, I made this at the benefit. I think this is more Mardi Gras, then Haitian.