Maggie Steber - Dec 2003:

I thought when this day arrived, the 200th anniversary of a great and courageous Haitian revolution, I would be filled with joy and in Haiti. Instead, I am in Miami and saddened to think that on the anniversary of this magnificent feat by brave men that Haiti is more embroiled in trouble and misery than ever before, and not just from men in politics. My remedy to this disappointment for the Haitian people is to remember that same courage still runs in their veins. What are they, if not the outcome of courage. I am also reminded in my own experience in Haiti and that of history that somehow, Haitians survive. They outsurvive their leaders and those who will do little to make things better. So I toast to these people, the Haitian people, who ARE Haiti--the blood and tears and soil and mountains and sea and fierce joy that runs in their veins.

Maggie Steber