Chile's Hour of Need

The government of Chile is still restoring order after the magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck the southern half of the nation last week. After some initial confusion, they have requested international aid. According to an interview with the US ambassador to Chile, the confusion was because Chile does not have a history of receiving international aid. In fact, Chile is a donor nation.

Still, the devastation is widespread, and they could use a hand.

So I'm going to go out and buy some grapes, and grape by-products.

Located south of the equator, Chile's seasons are the reverse of ours. Their summer is just ending, and their winter takes place during our summer months. This shift in growing seasons means Chile is in an ideal position to supply fresh fruit and vegetables when fresh produce is in short supply from our own growers. Ordinarily I try to buy American to the greatest extent possible, but due to the emergency I'll make an exception and stock up on Chilean grapes for the next few weeks.

And the grape by-products? I plan on picking up a case of Chilean cabernet.

I just figure it's better to help the Chileans by trading with them, then by giving them some kind of handout. If we help Chile's businesses, those businesses will take the lead in rebuilding the country. If we give handouts, we only encourage dependency.

Of course, I feel the same way about charitable giving in this country as well, and for the same reason.