On The Ground In Myanmar

Americares has landed a plane with relief supplies in Myanmar and has made arrangements to store and distribute it.  Per CNN, there has been good progress on the diplomatic front in assuring that aid reaches those in need.

Your donations are welcome.

Comments

[Danube of Thought]

One might expect some sort of show of concern by the UN, but they are tied up at the moment investigating racism in America.

[Great Banana]

I know that often helping people is the right thing to do and the moral thing to do.

However, let me posit some thoughts:

1) When you have a gov't, such as here, that actively opposes humanitarian aid, and who more than likely will end up stealing most of such aid - is it really the right or moral thing to supply such aid?

2) Even if this gov't allows the aid to go to those who need it, isn't giving that aid basically propping up this gov't such that next time a catastrophe hits, the people are just as badly effected?

3) Even if this gov't allows the aid to go to those who need it, isn't giving that aid basically propping up this gov't such that they continue create their own human rights issues?

This, to me, is something like giving aid to people who build a multi-million dollar home in CA on the edge of a hill knowing that mudslides are a regular occurance. then, those people expect the gov't or charities to rebuild their house in the exact same place.

I know that the poor people in this country are innocent and suffering, but are we really alleviating their suffering in the long-term if we provide aid now?

Moreover, from a purely national interest perspective, America will get no credit either from its peoples' charitable giving or the U.S. Gov't's aid. We know that the rest of the world simply expects us to act and to give while they do little or nothing and then express their hatred for us.

Maybe if America stopped stepping up to the plate every time the rest of the world would grow some appreciation for the U.S. when it does step up to the plate.

Just food for thought.

[MayBee]

This, to me, is something like giving aid to people who build a multi-million dollar home in CA on the edge of a hill knowing that mudslides are a regular occurance.

True.
But I donated personally because- using this example- if I walked past this home and saw these people were trapped, I would personally try to help them out. I wouldn't stop to think about how if I save their lives they'll just beg the government to rebuild the house.

[BBarker]

No one was stealing. The UN cut off the aid the second day. I don't think they really have the Burmese interests at heart.