Comments about ‘LDS relief: Team to reach Haiti via Dominican Republic’

God bless all those who are working to offer relief to those who are suffering and dying in Haiti and to the people in Haiti who so desparately need help.

I don't understand why another aircraft wasn't brought in? I think that 18 people should fit in most commercial aircraft. Continuing, what does the closure of Haiti's airport have to do with being able to go to Dominican Republic's airport? I must have mis-read something...lol

My brother Dr. Mathew Rawlins spent his 41st birthday yesterday flying to Salt Lake City to join this medical team. Amen to the comment above.

To me there could be a silver lining in the earthquake. If somehow we could help Haiti become self sustaining with a free enterprise system, property rights, reasonable judicial system, inoffensive bureaucracy, free trade, low flat tax, Haiti could become a great deal more prosperous. One thing they need bad is natural gas or propane instead of using wood. Only 2% of the forests are left.

You want to help Haiti "become a free enterprise system, reasonable judicial system, inoffensive beaucracy, free trade, and low flat taxes"? Shoot, I wish we could help America become those things!!

Our son Marc is part of this team; we ask for all of your prayers to bless and protect them and this effort. They are determined to get this done, whatever it takes.

Haiti lacks of real leadership, a lot of help has been sent to them and a lot has been sent back.

I hope the money people is sending from around the world is given to the people over there and not the politicians in the country.

They need help NOW, the President needs to work harder, too many years getting charity money and not doing a single thing for the people in Haiti.

NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT!!!!

And thanks to all the guys going from around the world that are helping!!!!

I wish I can go there and help, instead Im sending money and talking to my bishop to get some stuff for them trough the church

To Anonymous: They can drive from the Dominican Republic to Haiti, but it is 200 miles west of Haiti.

The people of Haiti are in such a terrible state of suffering that it is very frustrating to read of delays and help that is unable to reach those dear people who need it most. I hope that they will be on their way soon where their service will be able to be added to the massive efforts of so many other medical people.

My Brother Marc Johnson is going along with this team of gifted medical physicians and nurses. May the Lord watch over all of them in their travels and protect them from any harm that this journey may encounter. Hopefully they will be able to make it into Haiti soon and help as many lives as they can. May our prayers continue to include the safety of this team along with the people suffering in Haiti.

@What in tucket? | 2:50 p.m.

Let's keep partisan politics out of this tragedy. You sound like Pat Robertson with his vile and outrageous, unChristian statements.

Next you will be complaining that American tax money is being used to unlawfully help the Haitians. Do you have a problem with Church funds used for the same purpose?

As Haiti is 80% Catholic, I as a Catholic want to express my gratitude to the LDS people for your kindness. Although I have disagreed many times with many things on this board this is one time I am in harmony with the Mormons. It will take ALL of us, regardless of politics, religion or station in life to help bring the people of Haiti back from the brink of total despair. Could we all just set aside our differences and petty bickering until the suffering has abated? Doctrine becomes so meaningless in the face of such horrors the people of Haiti are being ask to endure. Bless All.

Funds used to help any country, including Haiti, benefit all Americans in the long run. If aids our common defense and general welfare to be in good standing with other countries. For all we know, Haiti may need to help us some day.

Church funds could not be used to a better purpose. Not only are we helping people the way Christ would, but we are helping people to understand what our church is really all about.

Something like this is terrible, but it brings out the best in all types of people from eveywhere despite any differences. It makes us all want to help, serve others, and get down on our knees. I can't even begin to imagine what those people are going through, I am just thankful for all the help they are receiving, and I so wish I had the means do more.

Lynn Samsel and his family lived across the street from our family in Sandy. He is a wonderful man and it was priceless to be able to be his neighbor.

I can't help wonder how it is that Bill and Chelsea Clinton could fly into Haiti today and the medical team had to go through the Dominican Republic and go by bus to Haiti. What was their purpose and what did they accomplish that couldn't have been done from the U.S. shores.

@Anonymous 1:49 How many commercial flights do you imagine are flying to Dominican Republic? Did you see the pile of supplies and equipment these people are taking? It is not just getting 18 people on a plane, it is 18 people and the supplies and equipment to set up clinics.

I totally agree!! Once again, it has become a Political toy! WHO you are will always get you in the news, and most likely they didn't lift a finger to help do anything, did they? I haven't seen where they "helped". Sorry, I think it is only a photo op for the Clintons - they have no business going over there. Let the people who can actually are traveling there to HELP get in the quickest way possible! And most of the reporters don't need to be there either! Gosh, they were complaining about the "conditions" that they were in for sleeping arrangements!! DUH!! This country is devastated & your are whining because of your accommodations?? Get out of there & Let the ones that are actually there to help do their jobs....get out of the way! No more photo ops - that is all it is for the Clintons - another opportunity to be in the news.

During all the coverage of this horrific event I have heard nothing of the Mormon church or LDS Humanitarian Services doing anything from the Haitian location. Every day there is coverage in the Deseret News, but why doesn't anyone say anything from over there. I feel the reporters such as Sanjay Gupta and Anderson Cooper have done much to illuminate the suffering and the needs of the people. Bill Clinton is organizing a charitable route for people who want to give. I have wondered why the team of medical personnel from the church haven't gotten there sooner. It is already a week since the tragedy and it seems precious time has been lost.

I totally agree with the previous comment, yet despite the differences in opinion on politics let's focus on the REAL issue: helping out the ones suffering in Haiti. Please if you only have comments regarding this courageous team post your comments and support. Let's focus on the efforts of this team and continue to have them in our prayers and put aside any political talk. May their journey be safe and continued to be watched over by the Lord.