GUEST COMMENTARY: Haiti disaster a wake-up call for Missouri to prepare

As former U.N.expert, non-governmental organization board member, chairman and faculty member of the former community development department at MU, the disaster in Haiti has weighed heavy on my heart and mind. Its sights and sounds torture me from this distance. I can only imagine the impacts on the senses of those directly engulfed in this terrible assault on their lives. In earlier times, I would have been in Haiti by now. At this time, I can only send donations to those who are providing the much-needed assistance to the devastated and vulnerable people of Haiti and urge others to provide the needed resources to address this disaster.