letter to nyt--please retract

Dear Editor: I submitted the letter below earlier today, and even though I did so very much doubting that it would get printed, there is that possibility I suppose and so I am writing again to ask that it be retracted. A family member of mine has read it and interpreted the letter as making light of the Haitian tragedy. If others were to read the letter the same way, it would totally miss the mark and be a huge embarrassment. And so, I ask that the letter be retracted and NOT be considered for publication. (The country of Haiti has been all but totally ignored by the U.S. (and everyone else) for years, as it gradually goes to seed. Now this has happened, not very far from our shores, and whether we proceed as in my letter or some other way, these poor souls will be wards of the U.S. for years and years to come. That's what I think. And if that should be the case, then my thinking said to me, why dance around it?....better to do something along the lines of what my letter suggested. Be all that as it may, I regret having submitted the letter. Thank you.)
-----Original Message-----From: bhargadon@aol.comTo: letters@nytimes.comSent: Thu, Jan 14, 2010 9:06 amSubject: Haiti--What To Do
To The Editor:

Given what has just happened to Haiti, the most heroic, inexpensive, expeditious and humane action the United States could take right now is to acquire it. Work it out with the people there and the rest of the world, and take it over. Demolish most everything standing in Haiti, and build anew. Feed, clothe, house the people, and find the best way to govern. Get the country on its feet, educate them, and then sell it back for $1 when they are ready to take it back. How long? No doubt two generations at least. But wait...you don't like this? Well then, stand back and prepare yourselves for the dreadful consequences of not taking some action of this sort.

Yours truly,

Bernie Hargadon
435 S,. Tryon St. #606
Charlotte, NC 28202
704 377 5305

Jan 14,2010