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Accept aid, Myanmar
Deseret News (Salt Lake City), May 8, 2008 by Deseret News editorial
The death toll in Myanmar could top 100,000 from a cyclone and its aftermath.
The response of the ruling junta? Essentially, sit on its hands while people die for a lack of food, clean water, medicine and hygiene practices intended to prevent the spread of infectious disease. At press time, some aid groups had been allowed to distribute food and other supplies to thousands left homeless by the deadly cyclone. However, relief efforts continue to be hampered by delays by the Myanmar government in issuing visas to aid workers. Meanwhile, U.S. Air Force and Navy service members are in or about Thailand prepared to offer assistance.
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Myanmar, considered one of the most repressive and corrupt regimes in the world, is reportedly "paranoid" about the United States, the top U.S. diplomat in Myanmar said. Its military rulers are suspicious of outsiders and very sensitive to foreign influences, according to the pro-democracy organization Burma Project.
So much so that it will continue to shun needed aid?
What is the point of that, exactly? People should suffer needlessly to avoid contact with Western people or Western ideas? In the face of such profound human suffering, the junta plans to conduct a referendum on May 10 for a new constitution before elections in 2010. In the worst-affected areas, the vote will be delayed until May 24.
It brings to mind images of Nero fiddling while Rome burns.
Unlike the Katrina disaster in the United States, where federal and state officials were somewhat paralyzed in their initial response to the hurricane, help is in the wings in Thailand. An Air Force C-130 has landed in neighboring Thailand and another is on the way. Three Navy ships participating in a training exercise in the Gulf of Thailand could help in any relief effort. If and when permission is granted, rescue efforts will be hampered by roads that have been washed out, bridges that have been destroyed and a countryside under water.
All the while the clock ticks. Food, water and medicine are at the ready in nearby Thailand. All Myanmar leaders have to do is provide authorization.
The longer they wait, more people will suffer needlessly and more will die.
Copyright C 2008 Deseret News Publishing Co.
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