America has endured extraordinary suffering , Elizabeth McAlister says . She says the nation 's different faiths view the suffering differently . Some see the earthquake as a sign of the devil , she says . Social movements seek answers based on history , racism , environmental issues .
Haiti has endured extraordinary suffering , Elizabeth McAlister says . She says the nation 's different faiths view the suffering differently . Some view the earthquake as a sign of the Apocalypse , she says . Social scientists offer answers based on history , racism , environmental degradation .