Don't Get Me Started
Don't Get Me Started
Thoughts on Burma
JACKSONVILLE, FL - What a mess! The cyclone that hit Myanmar (formerly known as Burma before the Military dictators usurped control) has caused more damage than what we see
and hear in the news reports. Loss of life is estimated in the hundreds of thousands. Many more are missing. Residual illness from the flooding and disease could make things even worse.
But you already knew that.
When a disaster hits a nation that cannot fully help itself, it usually opens wide its doors for aid shipments, relief workers, and money. Think about the major disasters (natural and man-made) that have hit around the world: The Asian Tsunami, Chernobyl, Hurricane Mitch, and the London and Madrid train bombings.
Each time a part of the world would be hurt, this nation helped without question. The beneficiaries would welcome our planes, our ships, our people, and our help. Most importantly, they welcomed our love, support, and compassion. Some instances included help from groups like Samaritan’s Purse, who would provide more than just help; they included hope.
Enter Cyclone Nargis. The isolated (perhaps xenophobic) military government of Myanmar has been blocking roughly 99% of all aid that the world wants to give them. The New York Times reports that the military junta has approved only one visa request from the United Nations World Food Program. Now, bear in mind that the UN has never met a military dictatorship they didn’t like. So why would they even block the UN?
A relief boat carrying food has sunk. Other planes are being told to not even bother taking off from nearby places, such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Taipei. What food has arrived was first distributed to government officials and "loyal citizens." You know those people? "Loyal citizens" are prepared to turn in their own family members for the smallest of infractions. These people support government more than home and hearth. The remaining food has been left to sit and rot.
It’s reminiscent of the vast array of help Americans gave to feed the starving nation of Ethiopia in the 80s. Songs were written, produced, and sold en masse. Money was raised in the millions. Singers, actors, and politicians boarded planes loaded with food. They kissed babies, dished out food, and showed that Americans are a truly compassionate nation. After the superstars left and the cameras were shut off, the government seized the food and -- as is happening now -- left it to rot.
What’s the problem? I can only speculate. So I will.
First of all, the military doesn’t want to show their population that other people from around the world are more compassionate than those who govern them. That would be a failure to keep the subjects under firm control. Socialistic systems, military junta, and radically religious theocracies tend to isolate their people for reasons of control. Keeping them under thumb requires a limited if not nonexistent view of the outside world.
Secondly, military people can be very proud. Military dictators especially have to appear invincible. Why do you always see a dictator with the most medals, badges, and other decorations on their uniform? Because they are supposed to be the most powerful. They don’t want to appear to be "in need" of someone else’s help. This particular government would rather allow its own people to die from disease and starvation than to admit that they could use a helping hand.
Finally, if a foreign aid worker actually "got to" a few communities, the conversations that would ensue about what life is like elsewhere could start citizens to thinking that they would like the same thing in their own country. Another revolution could start. And the last thing a revolutionary needs is a counter-revolution. Freedom is the enemy of dictators.
Far be it from me to be critical (stop laughing!), but a simple "Thank you" from a grateful nation whenever we provide help would be nice. Last time we were in that region providing assistance, a high-brow UN Official called us "stingy." I beg to differ.
We have ships and planes standing by, ready to sacrifice what they can to help those in need. Remember the Tsunami aid? Our sailors and marines didn’t shower while "on station" so that every drop of drinkable water could be sent over to those who needed it more. The Red Cross is available on a moment’s notice. Other aid groups are prepared to move in and "move mountains" in the miraculous spirit of helping others.
But oppression is more important than assistance.
Since the government of Myanmar doesn’t want our help (only our money), then perhaps our aid resources are best spent elsewhere. If this dictatorship wants to starve its citizens, then good luck with the loyalty factor from those they are supposed to protect.
We’ll take our money, our food, and our aid and go help someone who will appreciate it.
File this under "No good deed…"
Andy is a father of 13 children who lives with his wife of over 23 years in Baker County, Florida. His opinions usually center around mixing politics and religion with hot-button topics as his specialty. You can contact him at ACHefty@yahoo.com.
