Hti: Haitian ex-pats ashamed of Haiti

Many Haitians, at a loss themselves, say they are embarrassed about the political turmoil and being obliged to explain it to friends, co-workers and family members who were born in the embattled country.

"I feel ashamed," said Abdias Pierre-Paul, an airline employee and college student. "From time to time, you hear of problems in Haiti. Foreigners hearing the same news come to you every time asking about it."

Right now, Haiti needs more than the self-consciousness and shame of its ex-pats. It needs help from the powerful Haitian communities in New York and Miami. A good place to start would be relief and medical assistance for Gonaives.