HANK - Some of the stuff you say on other posts I actually agree with, but the Haiti issues here - - We probably don't agree on anything. Just want to remind Hank that at one time his parents were probably immigrants to this country and the "floodgates" were opened to let them in.

"They are being give benefits many Americans struggle to obtain."
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And yet, despite REPEATED questioning, you FAIL to state what such "benefits" are.
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"But because this serve a political agenda"
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WHAT agenda?
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"Also you missed the part about constitutional representative."
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No, I didn't. What, do you claim to read minds now?
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"When a politician acts out side the constitution which is what has been going on it is illegal."
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Specifically, which politicians, and what have they been doing that is illegal?
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"Bring these children to America is illegal"
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No, it's perfectly legal.
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"and serves the agenda of a group or family which does not serve the great good for Americans."
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A child born in this country to U.S. citizens does not "serve the great good for Americans", only the "agenda of a group."
Hey, remember when I shared that lesson about trying the shoe on the other foot? Apparently you're a lousy student.
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"I just seen that the UW is interviewing for a refugee training administrator."
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Wonderful; another job position has been opened in an uncertain economy.

I apologize.. Shame on all of you that think this is just for them to get 15 minutes of fame.. Im sure if these people COULDNT afford to raise 4 children on their income they WOULDNT be adopting.. Do you personally know these people? Yeah, Im sure they just thought to themselves one day 'Hey lets adopt some Haitian children so we can get money from the government to raise them'.. I dont think so.. Grow up people.

ACENONYMOUS - Please don't put me in that category. I hear what you are saying and agree with you. I still cannot believe many of the comments I've read on this forum. I am shocked that people are unwilling to help, donate money, etc after all that has happened in Haiti. I think the adoption of the children and bringing them to the U.S. is awesome and must move forward quickly. Thank you for your comments and thank you to all of the people that care and are helping.

No one seems to care that its a lengthy process to adopt a child. According to other news channels these wonderful people have been in the process of adopting the three Haitian children for OVER A YEAR... But all you people can talk about is how if Haiti wasn't in crisis right now they probably wouldn't be adopting.. SHAME ON YOU ALL

http://www.fox47.com/newsroom/top_storie...

http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/category.as...

Yet another quote which bolsters my points. Thank you, Hank; you're finally making yourself useful.

"Each individual of the society has a right to be protected by it in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property, according to standing laws. He is obliged, consequently, to contribute his share to the expense of this protection; and to give his personal service, or an equivalent, when necessary. But no part of the property of any individual can, with justice, be taken from him, or applied to public uses, without his own consent, or that of the representative body of the people. In fine, the people of this commonwealth are not controllable by any other laws than those to which their constitutional representative body have given their consent."
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The above agrees with everything I've posted. Thanks for the support.
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"According to this theory," expressed in secret statements written by two men 11 years after the drafting of the Constitution. All right then.
And what of the content of these Democratic-Republican campaign documents makes a point/rebuttal regarding the reality that we live in a collective society, the needs of which are not trumped by the whims of the individual?
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"If the central government goes too far each state has the right to nullify that law."
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In theory, and so long as it is not a means of secession. Although, according to the U.S. Supreme Court, only the federal judiciary may decide the Constitutionality of federal laws, not State legislatures or judiciaries. At most, States can only interpose, not truly nullify, federal law until such a ruling on Constitutionality is made. Prior to that, Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution dictates that federal law is the highest law.
Anyway, your point being?

"We need to get back to you keep your apples, and I keep my apples type of system."
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Well, we live in something called a "country" were we share a common "society," which we all live in. We've never had that type of "apples" system...or do you mean "back" as in "before currency, when we traded and bartered livestock and crops, which we grew ourselves, at market"? I sure miss those days, too...
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"Look at all the problems that are caused now because we are not following the beliefs of our Founding Fathers."
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And, specifically, which beliefs, and how are we not?
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"What a dream it would to be free."
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You are free. No one is stopping you from participating in government, and no one is stopping you from leaving this country if that option doesn't suit you.
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"Free to fail
Free to succeed
Free to die
Free to live
Free to be poor
Free to be rich
Free to give
Free to keep
Free to do for yourself."
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Yea, this ignores that whole "we live in a society" reality. The whims of the individual do not trump the needs of the nation as a whole. The Founding Fathers recognized this, though I doubt you've ever read any of their thoughts on this country. It's just a phrase, "founding fathers," that you throw out there to make it appear your opinion carries credibility. Which it doesn't.
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"Sad to say but the founding Americans escaped Nations that provided them more Freedoms than present day Americans enjoy."
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False. I've seldom read more ignorant, unfounded opinions than those you've shared here.
The nations they escaped from were under monarch rule, so if you'd prefer that to our system of government, again, you're free to leave the country.
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"We have been so dumb"
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Safe to say for you, but you should really speak for yourself.

BTW Hank, people like you are the type to tell other people that if they don't like it here they should leave -- it would be great if you would take your own advice.

Hank. You say"do away with the tax credit and let the cost of education be paid by the families". So, is my adopted child not as good as my biological children? I don't believe in discriminating that way, I paid for private education for ALL of my children equally. I paid for children's education long before I had my own. Taxes. It's the way it is, and if you think it is bad here, you should talk to people in other countries. America is still a great place to live.

Umm, Vataloco and Hank, the "massive spending" plan IS primarily allegedly providing the "basic service" of "defense." Have you even looked at how much of our taxes and the massive debts we have is going to military spending? It dwarfs everything else, except possibly corporate handouts. Glad you're laughing loco, I'm not. And Hank, I didn't say I "decide" -- we are all supposed to in a democracy. What I am saying is I pay more taxes than you so I have just as much right to complain about how they money is spent, but you seem to think your probaby comparatively modest contribution entitles you to decide for all of us. Moreover, you seem to think a whole bunch of that is going to programs that provide direct aid to people here or overseas, when that is not where most of the money is going. It would be nice if you actually took some of your obviously considerable free time to research where tax money really goes.

I'm more worried that there are actual Americans who have such little understanding of our government as to really believe there is a "spending agenda" that will lead to "100% taxation on all of us."

"I would bet that I pay a lot more in taxes than you, and the banks' hand-outs are what I'm worried about."

Lol, and your not worried about the Democrats and Obama's massive spending agenda that is headed towards 100% taxation on all of us?

P.S. more students in Janesville schools = more state aid $ to the Janesville schools -- like you really understand any of the economics of anything you're talking about.

Too bad we can't go back in time and deny Hank's and Dale's ancestors immigration to this country -- then we wouldn't have to listen to them trying to claim no one else should be admitted today!

Hank and Dale, any tax $ that have anything to do with foreign adoptsion are a tiny speck in the bucket of tax $$ given away to big banks that are responsible for this country's mess on the first place! I guess since the banks' leaders are white and American you don't want to direct your negative comments to them instead? Unless you're pretty well paid for whatever "hard work" you do that allows you post endlessly, I would bet that I pay a lot more in taxes than you, and the banks' hand-outs are what I'm worried about.

Why aren't Hank and dalegribble advocating the outlawing of reproduction in this country? Our country is apparently "full," and we shouldn't have to pay the taxes to send any more children to school. We should ONLY focus on ourselves in fixing problems, and this is THE consistent "problem" raised by these two. So, why aren't they advocating the solution?
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Hank and dalegribble say: "We wish we lived in China!"

Hey Hank did your kids go to Janesville schools? I paid taxes for them and never had any of my own to put in Janesville school system, so you got a free ride on me. So don't complain....

It is nice to read a positive story but such a shame to read some of the petty comments. I'm sure these adoptive families give to local needs as well so so what if they are adopting from Haiti. They've had long ties with Haiti, it isn't like they suddenly wanted to go out and adopt from there. Everyone has an opinion but I think the person who worries that too much of our education dollars will go to these kids might be wrong. Could happen but kids are amazing and when surronded by English speakers it only takes a few months to adjust. It's not like we have a large French speaking community to coddle them. Did people worry about that back in the 1800s everytime a group of Germans or Italians showed up in our communities? And, there is nothing wrong with adopting internationally. A lot of kids in foster programs can't be adopted because a parent won't sign off their rights and you can pay a birthmom's expenses and then she has the right to say "oops, I do want to keep this baby" which probably ends up in foster care when she can't raise it. Too complicated and too many risks, that's why we adopted from Russia. I say God bless these families.

I think what is overlooked here is the amount of children that are in orphanges and the high amount of children that will be added. The Haitian people can help their own problems if they practiced family planning. If you can't keep your kids fed then DON'T have them. This would eliminate many of the health and food problems they have there.

"the major economic Country have been meeting to create a new international currency instead of using the US dollar in trade."
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Which "Country" has been meeting?
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"America has been left out of these talks."
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Well, by your account, there is only one "Country." So, if it's not us...
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"America is losing it's AAA economic status"
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No, it's not.
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"China has already fore casted it is cutting the purchase of US Debt by 2/3."
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Forecasted.
No, they're not.
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"The US dollar which is what you tote as being so great"
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I did? Quote me.
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"In less than 5 year America will be turning the leads over to the UN to manage America."
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Nope.

I can start on you next, if you'd like, Zoom.

Okay, I apologize for my last comment. Let them live.

Hank and Dale are a strain on all of us. I say, "Off with their heads!"

pot, meet kettle

And another troll has been glutted.

"If billions have been pumped into haiti for years, I'd think there ought to be light in thier tunnel."
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If billions have been pumped into Louisiana for years, I'd think there ought to be light in thier tunnel.
Wow. The things you can learn by simply trying the shoe on another foot.
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"Theres no more money left for our government to be wasting in other countries."
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Our debt is nothing new; we haven't suddenly run out of money ("there's no more money left"?) over the past year.
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"If you are ever down on your luck, or find yourself in a situation where you see no light, go to the hatians, and ask them for some help back."
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Once again, charity has nothing to do with selfishness or obligation.
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"Thier pulling these kids out, not knowing that there could be a frantic mother or father searching for thier child, yea, that sounds cool."
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I bet it does, to you...
Anyway, they're already orphaned.
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"Sorry, our country is FULL."
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Then why aren't you advocating for the immediate outlawing of reproduction in this country? Aren't you arguing we should focus only on ourselves?
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"The melting pot has turned into a burning hot crucible, ready to shatter."
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Cue the crocodile Beck tears...
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"Hate to say it, but WE deserve to have ours before we go and share it with anyone else"
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What are the Haitians getting that you're not, you insolent child?
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"If a guy here dies of starvation, it's his own fault you say. Well, when 73% of hatian women have AIDS and die, it's thier fault too."
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You're right, hunger and AIDS are totally compatible problems.
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"The American here died probably because an immigrant took his job"
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You mean the employer wanted to up profits and so gave his job to an immigrant who would work minimum wage?
Seriously, you're pinning a lot of your argument on this hypothetical man...
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"he lost his insurance"
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You don't need insurance to eat.
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Not having a job or insurance doesn't mean there aren't aid programs that would have kept him from starving.
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"Again I ask, why not adopt unwanted babies from here?"
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Up to the adoptive parents to decide, isn't it? In addition to the 150:1 ratio (hey, maybe if we allow gays to adopt...nah.), it's likely that foster care in the U.S. is better than in an impoverished country. However, domestic adoption is on the rise, while international adoption has been declining.

"Thier pulling these kids out, not knowing that there could be a frantic mother or father searching for thier child..."

What are you talking about? The children mentioned in the article were ALREADY orphans, BEFORE the earthquake.

You have a reading comprehension problem.
The adoption officials in Haiti approached the American embassy and asked for the children’s visas to be expedited, and embassy officials agreed.
Instead of having four children arriving over several years, they’re going to have four children in less than four months.

"Again I ask, why not adopt unwanted babies from here?"

There is an estimated 150 couples for every available U.S. baby. If you really want to know why children (not babies) are adopted from other countries, do the research yourself.

"Unwilling victims of these people" -->Quote from HANK and a sad one also. Do you have no compassion for others in the world? Lucky for Hank and his family, his parents, and grandparents, etc that they were never immigrants to our country. A sad commentary on your thought process for helping others Hank. I actually feel sorry for you.

Not to pile on, but...

"Reality is, this country is on the verge of a serious meltdown, crisis beyond the likes we've never seen here."

Are you a Glenn Beck devotee, by any chance? The country has been through FAR worse, unless you aren't old enough to remember.

"No bocy gave two hoots about haiti until it had an earth quake hit."
" We as a country have had no interest in haiti until now."

Wow, how misinformed you are. Did you even read the article? Not only have MANY national and international religious and aid organizations been visiting and helping the citizens of Haiti for years, the U.S. has given them billions of dollars. Clinton was the most recent President to take a special interest in Haiti, in an attempt to improve their country. You are what I call a lemming.

"But we got to go and occupy other lands who dont want us there."

This is Haiti, not Iraq. I guess you didn't see the haitians CHEERING when the military helicopters land on the grounds of their crumbled capitol building.

"Sorry sir/ma'am, yes, it is my tax dollars that pay for 15,000 troops to be there helping."

The military is being paid, no matter where they are.

"And if you think there are no starving americans..."

I never said that. Perspective, grasshopper.

I agree; adoption is terrible. It'd be a lot cheaper to just let these children languish in poverty or, better yet, die outright. How inconsiderate of these children and adoptive families to not care about Hank.

"If even ONE american starves to death in 'the land of the free' it's too many."
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And it would be mostly the fault of the person who starved, as there are numerous aid programs available (children, of course, being the exception).
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Reality is, this country is on the verge of a serious meltdown, crisis beyond the likes we've never seen here."
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We've had a revolutionary and civil war, the Great Depression, presidential assassinations, two world wars, the Civil Rights movement, and multiple terrorist attacks. You're greatly exaggerating our current recession.
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"But we got to go and occupy other lands who dont want us there."
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Haiti doesn't want us there?
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"How about shipping them millions of gallons of milk so our starving dairy farmers can profit, beef, chickens, whatever."
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Maybe because they don't need milk and chickens?
Charity is meant to help others, not yourself.
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"We as a country have had no interest in haiti until now."
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Yes we have.

dalegribble, your tax money won't be spent to take care of children being adopted. That's the job of the adopting parents. Why do you even care?

There are plenty of programs that help the homeless and orphaned here. Few people actually starve to death in this country, yet it's happening right now in Haiti.

These are human beings. Human charity has no boundaries when hundreds of thousands of people are injured and on the verge of dying because they don't have simple things like water or antibiotics.

Go be miserable somewhere else. Too bad we don't have a cure for you.

True, Zoom, but I prefer to glut, rather than starve, trolls...they eventually choke. Plus, it entertains me, in a petty way. We all have our vices...

Hank is a troll. Stop feeding it.

I heard his out of context comment, which is entirely irrelevant to this situation.
Again, since it is YOUR charge that it is the logic of this administration that they will benefit by granting TPS to Haitian immigrants, what are the benefits? You claim to know their thinking, so share it with all of us.

"Never allow a crisis go to waste is the logic of the radical pilgrimage with the fruits of Americans labor."
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How is the U.S. benefiting from giving TPS to Haitian immigrants currently here?
There is no "radical pilgrimage;" no refugees are allowed who were not already here on January 12th.
What "fruits of Americans labor" are going to this imagined "radical pilgrimage," and didn't you already say we were benefiting by not letting it go to "waste"?
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"Name calling is the first sign that radicals..."
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Name-calling like... "radicals"?
Fortunately, Hank has never had control.

"we all are having to foot the bill for these people adopting these children.
1. increase student enrollment
2.special education staff
3.tax deductions they receive for added children.
4. Strain on our resources."
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I agree; adoption is terrible. It'd be a lot cheaper to just let these children languish in poverty or, better yet, die outright. How inconsiderate of these children and adoptive families to not care about Hank.

Hank is a troll.

Your opinion has been stated, Janesburg. Thanks for sharing, albeit redundantly. Further postings from you will only contradict your claim that allowing opinions about Haiti and adoption isn't necessary.

Frusion, this has nothing to do with you. My point is clearly directed at the Gazette. People will always insert their two cents in whenever possible, that is why the Gazette needn't encourage it by allowing comments on this story or similar. Let people argue all day about Pom uniforms, but Haiti and adoption isn't necessary.

"So let us talk about our love for Americans."
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Ok.
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"1.4 Million Americans are killed each year."
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Actually, a total of about 7-9x more Americans than that (depending on the year) are murdered in this country each year. How do those specific 1.4 million you mention die?
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"Their American life's seem to fade away with little out rage."
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Which American lives?
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"But a few thousand non American die, and we start hearing words like humanitarian, and save the young."
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You hear those words ANY time "a few thousand" lives are lost at once, or in a matter of days. This happened, globally, after 9/11 and Katrina. But I guess that was deserved because it involved Americans.
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Your video doesn't have anything to do with the death of Americans.

HANK - A strange comparison, Mr HANK - your youtube show is on abortion and you are comparing that to our humanitarian effort in Haiti I take it. By the way MR HANK - Abortion is not legal in Haiti. I'm not saying it does not happen, but it is not legal. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. HIV/AIDS is a vastly growing epidemic - some reports are that 500,000 people are HIV. Should I go on Mr. Hank? Now they have an earthquake that has obviously destroyed the country, killed up to a possible 100,00 or more, and you are comparing this to abortion. I fail to see your reasoning for presenting a link on abortion with a discussion on Haiti.

Huh hank? What's the connection with this story? Very often pro-adoption people ARE anti-abortion. What are you saying here? I doubt the people in this story aborted their own children so they could adopt a Haitian child.
Are you arguing that we shouldn't help Haitians (orphans in this instance) because some people here are aborting babies, or are pro-abortion? Or that we should eradicate abortion before helping children of other countries. Apples and oranges comes to mind here.

Janesburg, with 62 comments so far, I think it proves the story at least deserves some comment. If for nothing else let's just say for the sake of argument the posts raise an awareness for some folks that life is complex and bigger than themselves. We learned from these posts how different people have differing opinions. This is the kind of conversation that speaking for myself, I learn from reading other opinions on(a)topic. I'm a far from perfect and this gives me an avenue to see what others are thinking--no more no less. I do not believe anyone was mentally injured from any of these posts. It's just people yapping their thoughts.

Frusion, I am not afraid of debate at all. This story does not need debate, which was my point. If you want to expound on your view of Haiti, take it to a personal blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Maybe the Gazette thinks they are being edgy by allowing commenting on almost every story, but in this case, it simply lacks class.

westside, I'd be really surprised if your church had no missions, local and/or beyond, that they support. You don't know? I'd be really surprised if there wasn't a yearly statement available for you to find out.
As far as U.S.American citizens adopting children from our own country, I'm sure they're the first to be adopted. And would Haitians help us in time of need? Well, seems like many others would, and my guess is, many of them would too if they had the means. Is that a prerequisite for us helping them?

Maybe adopt some kids from Cali whos parents maybe have died because of this and have nowhere to live

if it got to the point, would the Haiti donors here be willing to help those in CALIFORNIA if their homes got ruined and lost everything during these storms and mudslides?

hmmm really i thought the money i donated at my church every sunday went to help paying the electric bills and such?

Good posts, frusion, and good information. For everyone who says "we" shouldn't be down there, what about the area woman who left Haiti hours before her hotel collapsed? If she hadn't been so fortunate in her timing but instead had been buried alive, who should have felt responsibility for her rescue? Should she be written off by us because she wasn't within our borders? Should we just go down to save our own citizens? Or just you, had it been you? Should the Haitians, had they found her pinned but living body, said-"Oh-she's from Wisconsin, USA, let's put the rocks back."?
And those who say our focus should be on our own starving and homeless citizens-did any of you notice the item about the upcoming homeless count? Are you interested? Some wondered about funds being spent for such an event, though we're talking about local people who need our help. Stories about locals needing (or getting) help of one kind or another are met with similar comments about them being lazy, we need to take care of our own families (replacing "countrymen" in these Haiti stories), etc. It seems to me there are two kinds of people (relating to compassion); those who just want to help no matter the recipient, and those who find any excuse not to help anyone, no matter the recipient.
By the way, I know I shouldn't say it, and it certainly isn't everyone, but I have seen area people who need assistance turn their nose up at food that would seem like a feast to poor Haitian children who, I've read, might be given mud cakes by their mothers just to fill their stomachs. On the other hand, I've seen people who get the help they desperately need, who then want to return the favor in any way they are able, even though their own resources are still low.
I think we all are in one group or the other. I can't imagine anyone being somewhere in the middle (when we're talking about really dire circumstances). True compassion can't be a selective emotion.

For the most part, the people in the article are not suddenly getting orphaned children as a result of the quake. These are families that have going overseas on a regular basis looking to adopt, and spending time with certain children for the last several YEARS, waiting to adopt these children -- that they already consider a part of their family. The article is partially about how scary it was for them to not know what was happening to their kids... Just my 2 cents.. or maybe just a penny.

Inconvenient Truth, well put.

"It may be selfish of me, but what about the homeless that live under the bridge here in town or the families that lost jobs and their houses and can't afford to buy food and diapers and clothes, etc."
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There are programs in place to help.
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"I donate what I can, but it never seems enough."
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It never will be enough for all, but it might be everything to some.
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"How many of these other countries have come to our aid?"
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A lot...see frusion's post for just a recent example.
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"Why does America have to be involved in EVERYTHING?"
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We're not, not even by a long shot.
Why do you donate, even though it's "never enough"? Shouldn't knowing that your effort is practically futile keep you from ever trying to help anyone again? That's what you're arguing here, for America.
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"Do we think any different if Europe or Canada or other countries don't pitch in to help with Haiti?"
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Oh, so donating aid is done for PR. I see.
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"America gets involved with just about every country that has problems, but very rarely do we see help when we need it. When is it our turn?"
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You thought you "may" be selfish? No question about it; you ARE. No wonder you think Hank has raised good points...

For you that feel we don't help others in our own communities, do you belong to a local church? I don't know of any church that does not help in some way. It's the Sunday collections that fund many of those local efforts. Do you give? If you feel we don't help people in our own communities, I will turn the table to you and say you are disconnected if you think that. Caring for others starts with YOU. NOT insinuations that "everyone else" is not doing their part.

Help we had with Katrina:

Russia, Japan, Canada, France, Honduras, Germany, Venenzuela, etc
Source: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story...

I must admit that I agree with a lot of the comments on this post. Hank has good points and bad and other posters do too. My heart goes out to those in Haiti and other countries that are poverty stricken, but what about the US? It may be selfish of me, but what about the homeless that live under the bridge here in town or the families that lost jobs and their houses and can't afford to buy food and diapers and clothes, etc. Who is going to help them? I donate what I can, but it never seems enough. How many of these other countries have come to our aid? Why does America have to be involved in EVERYTHING? Do we think any different if Europe or Canada or other countries don't pitch in to help with Haiti? I doubt it. America gets involved with just about every country that has problems, but very rarely do we see help when we need it. When is it our turn?

Hank, who are you to dictate who people choose to help and where they choose to help others from? You have the personal right to help anybody you want, from whatever area you choose, so why don't you go ahead and do that since you feel so strongly about not helping others from a different area. Regarding your comment about "I feel these people are only doing this right now for the 15 minutes of fame," if your referring to the mighty fine folks mentioned in this article, I'm quite sure you've never been more wrong. I agree that there are MANY that need help in our community, however, how do you know that they already don't help out in this community? Oh, you probably don't.... because you're passing judgement on something you obviously know very little about. In fact, these people help out every chance they get in their local community. They attend high school activities even though they don't have (yet that is) kids attending these schools. In addition, they volunteer their own personal time within their community doing different activities. Just think for one second about something you know nothing about before passing criticizing judgement. You sound extremely uneducated and ignorant. On the flip side, I hope some day you have the opportunity to meet these people and truly understand what they are all about because it's quite apparant from your posts that you don't know them at all.

Hank - do you realize that Mr. Williams was a guest at the men's GIFTS shelter? It is very sad that he took his life, but there were many people in this city who tried to help feed, clothe and give him a warm place to sleep. I was one of those people - were you? I think it is inexcusable to try and use his tragedy to further your rants.
Why do we need to "sweep our porch first?" What makes one person better than another? Nothing - if anyone is in need I will help them, whether they live in Janesville or across the globe. Living in the US does not make us better than anyone else and does not make our needs any more special than anyone elses.

Hank: Care to share with us examples of you helping others in this area? Most people who help here will also help in the Haiti effort.

TAYSGRANNY - May I hug you. You are so correct. This is about helping others - thank you for your words of wisdom. You are so correct in saying that our generosity is what makes us a great nation.

Perman - That is one really feeble application of a bible verse - nice try though. We are talking about helping others that are now without home or food due to a devastating earthquake. Bodies are piled up on the streets and people are suffering AND you SHOW NO LOGIC WHATSOEVER!

Our generosity is what makes us the the greatest nation to live in. Even when we are on hard times, MOST of us don't think twice to help our neighbor, whether is right next door or across a big pond, we help, it's who we are, and I for one am damn proud to live here! Hank, your ashamed to live here? Don't let the door hit you on your way out pal. No one is forcing you to stay. Get a perspective on the folks you are ready to turn your back on, Move to Haiti! It's called empathy, and you need a large dose of it. Shame on you

Janesburg, what are the plenty of other outlets? If you don't want to debate go to Disney.com

It's an amazing thing they are doing and have been doing and the "Hanks" of the world won't take it away if we don't let them. Hank if you are ashamed to be an American...it's a free country....get out!

jvillerdr/ even Native American's came from some other place

jvilledr - the confederate flag stood for something also, if we don't believe in it, does it make us "un-American"?

The Gazette needs to be more careful about which articles can be commented on. There is absolutely no reason to allow comments in refernce to this story. There are plenty of other outlets where people can debate Haiti.

Guess you don't agree with the principles on the Statue of Liberty . . . how un-American.

I agree with Hank :)

Does anyone have the stats on how many Wisconsin children are actually up for adoption? So many of the children in foster care cannot be adopted due to parental rights, etc. I back the couple in this story. If your child was in an orphanage that was destroyed in a quake, wouldn't you want a future for that child? Right now, Haiti is still without the basics and a quality life is likely years away.

Hank I somewhat agree as well. What about all the children in the US that need a home?

justamom- just because we do not adopt them all doesn't mean we don't care it just means we cannot save everybody everywhere.

jvilledr- yes I do help.

really hanke? It is called a humanitarian effort..help those in need..They took a stand and got others involved.
KUDOS!!!!

Hank, don't you have some puppies to kick or street signs to yell at? Good grief, man, get a grip! The people in Haiti are on the verge of death and destruction and you want to go on tangents? Wow.

Well at least they'll deserve it. What are you doing Hank? Sitting at home watching CSI re-runs objecting every good person via online postings. Your being sooooooooo helpful to our community Hank. I am sure whatever you do equals to taking in four orphan kids from a destroyed town.

Righhttt Hank, spotlight, like the one your trying to hog?

Hank, I don't know if you are blowing off steam or actually commenting about this story. I DO agree with the theme to your comment about free loaders. I know there's lazy sacks garbage that milk the system for everything it's worth. However, the children in this story are orphans. They may one day contribute greatly to YOU. Diversity is what made the USA the most powerful country on this planet. These kids are going to families that have the means to support them. I doubt you'll loose one dime out of your pocket because of these kids.

Matt and Joanne,
So very happy for you both! You guys should be so proud of yourselves for helping these kids out. I can't wait to meet them!!

I believe adopting from other countries is a great idea. In this country, you can go through an adoption, have the child for years and then a birth parent can strip away your rights and you no longer have that child. It's just my opinion, but until we get our act together within this country with the adoption process, I feel if children are wanted, go where you can get them!

I feel bad for these people but we shouldn't be bringing them to the US :(

I think the people here who are claiming we should "help our own" are people who probably don't, and would never, help anyone else, here or abroad.

How are these kids going to become obese if we're so poor in this country that we can't afford food? Something does not make sense in this argument.

Seems some people either forgot or don't know what America is supposed to stand for:

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

-- Inscription on the Statue of Liberty
From "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus

Who is posting here who can claim their ancestry originates in this country alone? (Hint: If you're not Native American, your ancestors came from somewhere else.)

Helping people in need is never wrong, and shame on all of you worried about the culture they'll have and USA orphans and such. You are a more than able person to adopt a USA orphan, another one if you have room to speak, or help the USA people yourself than Hank.

Every individual in this world has the choice to help and in whatever way they see fit. Which is sure a lot better than some that sit on their computer complaining on HOW others choose to help. Honestly people. I truly hope I never need help when your the only ones around.

America is going to ruin these cultured children courtesy of MTV and BET.

Keep them away from Rap music!

i dont agree with everything that is going on here, with bringing all these poor haitians to our county,they have a totally different culture than we do.they will have things imposed on them,that they do not understand,then theres the other hand,these people need help desperately,i cried when i seen on the news what these people are going through,i hope each an everyone of us never has to endure what these people in this country are going through,could you imagine burning the bodies of your loved ones at garbage dump,because there is no place else to put them,but,i have one question,whose going to pay for all of this?we cant even take care of ourselves,an this family in beloit,i hope this man an his wife have good jobs to take care of all those children.i wish all these people the best of luck,an hope the haitians get the help they need to rebuild.

Apparently Hank is unaware that there are 2000 births in Rock County every single year. I'm concerned that he isn't doing anything to stop this scourge of overpopulation.

yada - 2 THESSALONIANS 3:10 - For even when we were with you, this we commanded you; that if any would not work, neither should he eat.....

YES - It makes sense bringing a "handful of orphans" to Rock County. Thank you Central Christian Church and all the caring families for reaching out to help. HEBREWS 13:16 - Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

If a person, family, or organization has the means to help the Haitians, help them, by all means.
>>>
But in a crowded country, where un-employment is 10%, the manufacturing base that made the country strong has been exported, and our energy reserves are waning, does it make sense to bring more people here?
>>>
Help the Haitians, but help them in Haiti.
>>>
Do not strip them of their culture, and impose ours on them.
>>>
World population 1950: 2.5 billion
>
World population present: 6.7 billion
>
World population 2050 projected: 9.1 billion
>
How DENSE can we get?

I agree with Hank....

I know people need help but I was just wondering why people run to adopt childern from other country's when so many childern here need home's & before any one think's I do not care we adopt'ed a child from the usa.

Hank: What in the world does your most recent comment have to do with a monster quake that killed upwards of 200,000 in Haiti?

I may have written the same thing as Hank, except I am down here in Florida and can see the faces of the people that have actually lost their familly members. It is not pretty

Americans adopting third-world children to raise as Americans is one thing. May they be nurtured to be good citizens here. Yet, what a cultural, climate, and language shock it will be for them in WI. I hope the well-meaning churches don't burden the communities, though, w/ bringing in tons of Haitian families who won't assimilate, don't have the language or education for jobs or schools and will take advantage of the taxpayers, such as what's been happening in the Twin Cities (Minn.) w/ the Mungs and Ethopians, and also in the state of Maine w/ Ethopians. The best thing for Haiti and its citizens would be to help the country be self-sustaining for its people and its future.

Reading Hank's comment makes me ashamed to live in America. How can you see people suffering and not care about them? I would be proud to adopt children from Haiti, and if it wasn't so expensive would have already done so.

"Do we not have enough of are own people (Americans) to worry about"

Hank i do agree with that part

Hank might need a reality check.

and if it were your family needing help?