Haitian President Preval has ruled by decree since he dismissed the legislature 19 months ago. The new police force organized by the US and UN has proven to be as corrupt as the previous force, although at least it does not randomly murder citizens. The economy remains stagnant, unemployment is at 60%, crime is rampant, and the streets remain stacked with garbage. The US spent $1 billion to restore democracy in Haiti, but little has actually changed.--Stephen V Cole