We do not generally conscious of the legacy of the our forefathers' priority in this matter. Without thought, we intuitively recognize our own right to 'our land', 'our house'. We bought it, we inherited it, we have enduring markers embedded in the ground displaying to others the extents of our ownership. We have deeds, records, courthouse filings. We have Clerks, Judges, Surveyors. All of these entities there to provide a proper security over our Title as Land Owner. And in the rarest of circumstances when even these features fail to protect, we have Chicago Land & Title company providing us a low-cost insurance plan in case some indiscretion is found later.
This is not true in many countries throughout the world, even some first world countries. This plays havoc on the poor of the world. If you do not have a proper title and legal system to uphold its validity, then land ownership is based upon 'power', and the weak, the poor, the orphans and widows of the world are forever prevented from obtaining land.
Such conditions deteriorate an economy, or rather, prevent its growth. If a person cannot trust that what they have is their's to keep, they will, over time, disregard the property itself, will be too hesitant to invest in its upkeep, will allow it to descend into disrepair.
There are many issues surrounding the individual Haitian. This is one I have experienced this week and found very frustrating.