not propaganda

This morning, I was greeted by the following status message from a fb friend:
Life has suffered and been destroyed constantly in Haiti over the last decade and it took a massive earthquake for people to decide to help. What will it take for our country to recognize and stop the suffering and destruction of the unborn?

Sigh.

Haiti has never been what we would call a stable country - plagued by periods of political unrest, economic decline and general abuse of human rights. The recent earthquake, while sad and devastating, adds to the tumultuous history of this island country.

I agree that, due to natural disasters and a militant dictatorship, life has indeed suffered and been destroyed in Haiti. And we Americans tend to be a reactive bunch, thus it takes an event of mass and devastating proportions for us to take action. I don't think many would argue with either statement.

However, to use a disastrous event like the Haitian earthquake to promote religious and/or political propaganda?

Regardless of your political or religious persuasion, that's just wrong.

People have lost loved ones, their homes, their whole livelihood. We, as human beings, have unified in our humanitarian efforts to help those who have been affected - whether it be donating money to the Red Cross, participating in an organized fundraiser, or for those who are able, going to Haiti to help directly.

They say there is a time and place for everything - in this case, compassion for our fellow human beings.

Not propaganda.