Am I my brother's keeper?

It is a question as old as time, as relevant as today, as urgent as tomorrow. Am I my brother's keeper? Am I responsible for the welfare and upkeep of my neighbor? Just who is my neighbor?How much should I help?

These questions are the very same questions that great men throughout history have wrestled with, from Jesus, to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Eli Wiesel. Great men and women throughout history have always pondered this question, and as long as man is on the earth it will always be with us.

On this day of contemplation of the man Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the meaning of his life and legacy, and in view of the recent tragedy in Haiti, it is good, well, prudent and just to ponder these and other questions.

Many are worried that committing aid to Haiti will bankrupt this already fragile economy of this country. Others worry about an increase in immigration. Still others are apprehensive over the potential for violence. Scores are predicting that things will never change, that Haiti will continue as the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, etc.

Today, let us all go forth, with humility and good will. Let us think upon the words of Dr. King:"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." With Haiti, as with all the other countries of the world, neglect, abuse, intolerance, indifference will reap a whirlwind. Let us all sow peace, love, understanding, and rebuild Haiti with a will, and a purpose: to keep and maintain our brother in safety, with love and respect.