Haiti before the recent storms
Haiti has suffered poor land management for years.
Heck, Haiti has suffered poor management for years, period.
Deforestation, erosion and poor farming practices on a hilly terrain make Haiti's countryside susceptible to landslides, mudslides and flooding. A good rain can cause serious problems. Four hurricane strength storms in a month are devastating.
In the U.S. we have well built homes, a solid modern transportation, communications and power infrastructure, agencies like FEMA and a kick ass National Guard system that does a lot more than just kick asses.
Haiti has, virtually, none of this.
In the best of times, Haitians suffer poverty and malnutrition, hunger and disease. Roads and communication are spotty. Just keeping the power on day to day is a chore and some people never had power to begin with.
Haiti and the U.S. threw off the yolk of European oppression at about the same time. Haiti's yolk being considerably more oppressive than America's.
We should be allies in liberty in the western hemisphere.
Sadly, due to the political realities of just holding our own nation together, we were never much of an ally in the 19th century (when our nation almost fell apart). In the 20th century President Wilson entered Haiti to stabilize their government (invade, occupy and open the doors to American profiteers who looted the island nation in a way that makes Haliburton in Iraq look like the United Way).
While our governments can't seem to get along, there is no reason we, as individuals, can't help. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies lets you target your donations to the country of your choice.
Haiti has really gotten creamed in the last few weeks.