What’s Wrong With This Picture
Reports out of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, continue to be staggering. State radio in the country reports at least 22,000 people were killed by the effects of last Saturday’s cyclone, with the death toll expected to jump dramatically since 40,000 people are also reported as missing. It’s believed at least one million people were left homeless by Cyclone Nargis, which also leveled villages and rice-growing areas.
Other nations are standing by, with many United Nation workers waiting for their visas. But, the military junta controlling Myanmar continue to say they do not want any outside help. Ever since the junta took over the country, they’ve been suspicious of international aid organizations, and have consistently refused any support or help in the country. President Bush has upped his offer for assistance to $3.5 million dollars and he’s imploring Myanmar’s leadership to allow the U.S. Navy to help in the rescue operations. But, Myanmar keeps saying no.
There’s something drastically wrong with this picture. No, it’s not what you think. I’m not going to address the fact that the junta in Myanmar keeps saying “no” to help. Instead, lets look at a picture that’s a little closer to home. On one newscast last night the story about Myanmar and the fact that they do not want help, was followed by a story of a single mom in the United States about to lose power because of the high cost of power. She’s pleading for help, but there seems to be no help for her. She has a good job, but the high cost of heating drove up her bill through the winter. In the same story there was a man telling about the fact that his kids were doing their homework in his car where the light was better. Why is the light better in his car? Because his power was shut off for the same reason.
Now I ask you – What’s wrong with the picture?
I’m not saying we shouldn’t help other countries. I’m all for humanitarian efforts for other countries facing hardship. However, here we have a country that consistently refuses any outside help, but the leadership of the United States continues to throw money at them. There are many things going on in the world and there are many people who are looking for handouts. But, maybe it’s time to take a closer look at the hardships going on in our own country, instead of throwing millions of dollars at a country that doesn’t want it.
Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus
