[Eric in the Ozarks]

Laughable.

[cloud8]

Don't you know, clinton solved all of Haiti's problems when he invaded in 1994.

[ikka]

Many educated Haitians, especially in the growing opposition movement, believe the restitution campaign is Mr. Aristide's attempt to distract poor Haitians from their impoverishment and from what they see as the government's mismanagement, corruption and broken promises.

Bingo!

[Chad Fairbanks]

No one said that Freedom would be free. Some nations pay in blood, others in cold hard cash...

THey made an agreement, and got the good end of the deal.

[Eva]

I love the idea of demanding payment from France, but I would hope that Haiti would rid itself of Aristede first.

[Axenolith]

Aided by U.S. and French lawyers

The US lawyers are probably in there solely for the potentially novel legal arguements that might be offered, and precedents set, that would help them in some type of US slavery reparations suit. The mere fact that a current generation would be held to fiduciary liability for the actions of their dead ancestors would help their cause a lot. Hopefully this has next to zero chance of success...

[Conservative til I die]

Many educated Haitians, especially in the growing opposition movement, believe the restitution campaign is Mr. Aristide's attempt to distract poor Haitians from their impoverishment and from what they see as the government's mismanagement, corruption and broken promises.

At least some people in Haiti have hit the nail on the head.

While it's funny watching one third world country harass another third world country on an old debt, restitution, reparations, and foreign aid will never restore a country to prosperity. Ever.

[thoughtomator]

"France, pay me my money, $21,685,135,571.48"

Now THAT is one heck of a slogan to rally on! 'specially those 48 cents, dammit!