This season’s rash of damaging hurricanes has brought death and destruction to Caribbean islands, Florida and the U.S. Gulf Coast. So far this year, five substantial storms have battered through the region, causing at least hundreds of deaths and untold millions of dollars in property damage.

But if there is nation that has suffered more than any other in this weather maelstrom, Haiti would probably be at the top of the list.

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Tonight’s (July 8th, 2008) broadcast of Nightline (ABC, 11:35 EST, check your local listings) will focus on a reporter’s trip to Haiti and his attempt to purchase a child slave.

That’s when the man with whom I’ve arranged a meeting shows up.

He says he’s a former member of parliament and that he has connections. In broad daylight, with hotel waiters walking by, he doesn’t even flinch when I make a horrific request.

“If I would like to get a child to live with me and take care of me,” I ask. “Could you do that?”

“Yes,” he says. “I can.”

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