Discussion: The Myanmar Cyclone

[Marx]

As you all may (or may not) know, a terrible cyclone hit Myanmar (Burma) and killed tens of thousands of people. But the aftermath of this event could be even more tragic.

The disaster in Myanmar (Burma) presents the world with perhaps its most serious humanitarian crisis since the 2004 Asian tsunami. By most reliable estimates, close to 100,000 people are dead. Delays in delivering relief to the victims, the inaccessibility of the stricken areas and the poor state of Burma's infrastructure and health systems mean that number is sure to rise. With as many as 1 million people still at risk, it is conceivable that the death toll will, within days, approach that of the entire number of civilians killed in the genocide in Darfur.

So what is the world doing about it? Not much. The military regime that runs Burma initially signaled it would accept outside relief, but has imposed so many conditions on those who would actually deliver it that barely a trickle has made it through. Aid workers have been held at airports. U.N. food shipments have been seized. U.S. naval ships packed with food and medicine idle in the Gulf of Thailand, waiting for an all-clear that may never come.


Is it time now to invade Myanmar?


This wouldn't be the first time that the United States has delivered humanitarian aid without the consent of the (country in question's) government. (See Bosnia and Sudan.)


For the full article, click below.
Is it time to invade Burma?
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1739053,00.html?cnn=yes

 

[Addendum]

I think it shouldn't be entirely on the US to do it alone since I think a solid majority of our forces are either in Iraq or Afghanistan. It be more of a collabrative effort amongst nations, including the US

 

[SuperFerret]

No. It sucks that this happened to them, but it's not our problem if their government doesn't want to help their people.

 

[Marx]

I think it shouldn't be entirely on the US to do it alone since I think a solid majority of our forces are either in Iraq or Afghanistan. It be more of a collabrative effort amongst nations, including the US

There are several countries and organizations that are involved with the relief effort. I think if the Uniited States led the way, others involved may follow. I can understand respecting a government's wishes, but this government has no respect for anyone outside the ruling party.

There are stories coming out of Myanmar that the Junta actually kicked people out of school shelters so that they could in turn be used as polling places.

 

[Addendum]

I just looked up info on the aid for the aftermath of the Cyclone, and there are several nations that are offering aid and relief to Burma, the US included.

But in using the military to deliver the aid without the government's consent, the lead should be taken by nations in the region first, then the US should take part if we have enough troops to spare

 

[rdh007]

Screw aid. Invade 'em. We don't know that they aren't harboring terrorists, developing WMD's, or think that Joel Schumacher is the Bat-Saviour. Therefore, shoot first, ask questions later.

 

[YsoSerious]

Maybe they saw how good a job we did with New Orleans.

 

[Marx]

I just looked up info on the aid for the aftermath of the Cyclone, and there are several nations that are offering aid and relief to Burma, the US included.

But in using the military to deliver the aid without the government's consent, the lead should be taken by nations in the region first, then the US should take part if we have enough troops to spare

From what I understand, US involvement with or without the Junta's consent would largely be by air-dropped aid.

 

[Addendum]

From what I understand, US involvement with or without the Junta's consent would largely be by air-dropped aid.

I wonder if that will be like the Duncan Hills coffee video from Metalocalypse t:

 

[fifthfiend]

Maybe they saw how good a job we did with New Orleans.

Oh snap!

 

[fifthfiend]

No. It sucks that this happened to them, but it's not our problem if their government doesn't want to help their people.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

 

[Marx]

Maybe they saw how good a job we did with New Orleans.

All that aside, the Junta aren't allowing ANY outsiders in without ridiculous pre-conditions.

 

[SuperFerret]

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

So? There are 7 billion homo sapiens on this planet. As a species, they have no natural predators, have overcome many diseases, and have an astoundingly high rate of infant survival. It's cold, and heartless, but this is population control, just like war. I'm just glad it's no one I know.

 

[SoulManX]

So? There are 7 billion homo sapiens on this planet. As a species, they have no natural predators, have overcome many diseases, and have an astoundingly high rate of infant survival. It's cold, and heartless, but this is population control, just like war. I'm just glad it's no one I know.

Hmmm...on one hand I agree but those people need some serious help. Im against our government trying to save the world but those people really need our help.

 

[Darthphere]

They can use that money on me instead, I need $60 for gas.

 

[SuperFerret]

Hmmm...on one hand I agree but those people need some serious help. Im against our government trying to save the world but those people really need our help.

They need help. Not OUR help.

 

[Marx]

US Admiral: Myanmar Junta "unconcerned" by cyclone
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/13/myanmar.aid/index.html

 

[Excel]

No. Get someone else to do it.

 

[Marx]

No. Get someone else to do it.

That's a real good way to bring the United States into the good graces of the world again, isn't it? To just ignore a humanitarian crisis like this?

I don't think so.

 

[Excel]

The last thing we should be worried about is souly invading another country. If there were other big countries who joined us, thatd be a different story

 

[Marx]

The last thing we should be worried about is souly invading another country. If there were other big countries who joined us, thatd be a different story

I completely see your point, but it would be air-dropping aid without that government's consent...not another physical invasion.

 

[Excel]

Ohhhhhhhh....that I would be down with.

 

[Addendum]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Burmese government doesn't tell it's citizens to get out of the way of the food and supplies being dropped and it all lands on them

 

[Marx]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Burmese government doesn't tell it's citizens to get out of the way of the food and supplies being dropped and it all lands on them

The Junta are just being ridiculous. They are basically not even concerned with that part of their country. It's sad.

 

[Marx]

Myanmar police block aid workers, food piles up
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080513/ap_on_re_as/myanmar