Cyclone and earthquake

Last night I was compelled to watch the
ITN news bulletin showing the first video recording of the recent
earthquake in China as it happened. I was harrowing. It was horrific,
yet showed a trait of human spirit that defies explanation. Heroism!

Ordinary people were seen, clawing at
the wreckage of derelict buildings with nothing but the bare hands,
the earth beneath them still shaking, to rescue people trapped by
falling buildings. Many were children, buried beneath the ruins of
their school. Risking their own lives did not seem to matter,
attempting rescue was all they had in mind once the worst of the
quakes had passed.

Within a short time local officials
were in the thick of the rescue, controlling, directing and helping
the rescue efforts. It was an astonishing 5 minutes from a 1 hour
video from a cameraman who's bravery is without question.

Looking back on this human tragedy, the
Chinese government mobilised help from the military, food and shelter
for the victims in what seemed to be a few hours. Offers of
international help were turned down and the Chinese nation appeared
to rally to the help of their countrymen. China, could afford to take
the gamble. With a huge population, landmass, resources and economy
there was little risk of failure to be able to provide the immediate
relief on a massive scale.

Contrast this to the situation
following the cyclone in Burma. Burma, one of the world's poorest
countries, economically and industrially primitive, alienated from
the majority of the world by their military government. As pictures
and video footage of their tragedy leaked out to the world,
international aid was refused,then after days of refusal, allowed
from nearby countries only. Some of these countries are economically
and industrially almost as poor as Burma. While the industrialised
nations of the world complained on behalf of the Burmese people,
eager to provide assistance, the military regime buried its head in
the sand and refused help. To rub salt into the distress, a planned
referendum took priority over the needs of those with no food,
clothing or shelter.

It would be of no surprise to find that
thousands of potential survivors of the cyclone will perish from the
actions of the Burmese government.

If ever there was a need for the UN, it
is for times like these. Whatever one thinks of the Chinese treatment
of Tibet, they must be applauded for its response to the earthquake
and their single minded determination to help their citizens.

Burma on the other hand would seem a
cause for international invasion to provide the relief that its
population demands.

I dislike politicians with a passion.
How they can sit back, all over the world, watching thousands die
from the hunger and disease that will be on the news for weeks to
come defies belief. Respecting national sovereignty is, for the most
part an international law, but in Burma today it is tantamount to
condoning genocide.

Don't give me or the victims your
diplomatic excuses........Fill the planes with food, water clothing
and shelter. Provide them with fighter escorts. Parachute the aid
directly to the people. Cut out the profiteering middle men in the
distribution networks that will spring up under the control of the
Burmese Government.

If we were at war, that's how you would
supply the front line of our armies.

Recognise that you have the means to
prevent a human catastrophe on a massive scale.

So far the world governments lacks the
guts of the Chinese government and their people.

The people of the world are waiting for
action in Burma, not diplomacy. They will no doubt dig deep to
provide the aid.

Stop the excuses and get on with the
job.