A Letter from Sophie

Dear Sontho,


Or should I have addressed it to Sonthonax, as you preferred to be called in that manner... I have always been amazed by the level of misperception people testify towards you, nonetheless, what I find more so amazing is the level of indefference you seemed to give to their constant criticism. Not to say that you do not take it into account but you make no effort toward correcting their views or your own attitude...

I am abashed by what you have said to many and how well you go about not thinking that you have done anything wrong or anything that need a certain level of correction. Yet, while I find it commendable even aspiring towards a certain sense of self-assured destiny I find myself needing to help you in correcting your approach:

• First, it is one thing to be patriotic but it is another to think that such sentiment makes you above any sort of criticism from your fellow countrymen. You often put yourself, trough your knowledge of Haiti as an authority on all things Haitian. To love one's country is also to love one's countrymen.

• Second, your need to learn and the ability you have in transmitting information obligate you to do so: Learn and teach. However, in the past five years you have spent here in these United States --and most particularly the last two at Florida State --you have testified of that selfishness your father always accused you off. You were so arrogant in your love for information that at times you were relanctant to share it and refuse it to others. Those who love to learn could not and should not keep to themselves.

• Finally, your snobness and elitism, rightfully earned is not a ticket for what you seek to do. Althought you have true socialistic love for helping others, your education have always made it uneasy for you to do so. Not to say you beleive or perceive yourself better than those you seek to help, yet your help often present a patronizing odor to it as if you should help others because they know not right from wrong. He who seek to change the world should first understand that it is how it is...

I hope that in reading this letter you would find it in yourself to understand as Evan Dimov once told you so long ago: Your willingness to serve, educate and help others must be nothing more but the natural consequence of their willingness to be served, educated and helped...

Your Sincere Freind:
Sophie D'Auréole.