'We are the World' redux. Really?

This is not going to sound popular, but I hope you'll hear me out: Do we really need a remake of "We Are the World"?

Yes, Haiti needs help -- now. We should assist the ravaged country and its suffering people any way we can. Money is pouring in for the relief fund from all corners of the world but we can't raise enough, quickly enough. So in that respect, any means of generating support for Haiti and its earthquake victims should be welcomed.

We should applaud the spirit of this renewed effort, and the We Are the World not-for-profit organization that Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie and others have established. But is this the best the mighty entertainment industry and its bejeweled stars can do? Is this as creative as it gets, dusting off and hip-hoppifying a 25-year-old song with the voices of Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Usher and Pink? And Vince Vaughn?

Doesn't this sound a little bit too much like artists coming together to feel good about themselves? Perhaps the inspiration they received in the studio -- and the perspiration they generated during their night of work -- will not only cause us to open up our pockets for Haiti, maybe the artists themselves will feel a surge of generosity. No doubt many of them already have.

If 'We Are the World' collects and distributes money to Haiti that otherwise would never have been raised, then the project will be well worth it. May we all be awash in the spirit of brotherhood, unity and giving when the song is introduced a week from today during Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

But let's not wait for a CD or video to hit retail outlets in order to make a contribution. Visit HopeForHaitiNow.org or call (877) 99-HAITI and help immediately. And let's hope some of these artists recognize an opportunity to lend more than their God-given voices to a song.