What lessons should Americans take away from the 2010 Haiti disaster?

Glenn Reynolds says one of the lessons Americans should take away from the earthquake in Haiti is the imperative of self-reliance: "If you're at the scene of a major disaster, it may be a long time before outside help arrives. But one person is sure to be there: you. And nobody cares more about helping you and your family in time of disaster than, well, you. So it makes sense for you to be prepared to take care of yourself—and look out for your neighbors—for some time afterward."