Aid To Myanmar…No Matter What
According to the Red Cross, as many as 128,000 people could be dead from the cyclone that slammed into Myanmar 11 days ago. That figure is very different from those gathered by Myanmar’s military junta which puts the death toll around 34,000 with approximately 28,000 missing. The United Nations say approximately 2.5 million survivors are in need of food, medicine and shelter. But, they also say only 270,000 people have received assistance so far because of bad weather, impassable roads and the junta’s insistence that it can do the job alone.
In the midst of all of this, it’s now being reported that the United States Navy has finally started unloading supplies and other aid for those affected by the cyclone. But, this pretty much flies in the face of what the Myanmar junta want. They’ve clearly said they can “handle it themselves” and they “don’t want any help.” It’s even being reported that much of the aid which has managed to get through is being taken the military and kept for themselves. Of course everyone is up in arms and surprised. Why are they surprised by this? We’re dealing with a military junta and they don’t want help. Even when they say it, why do we, along with the United Nations, think anything different would happen. It’s also being reported that the United States really doesn’t care about this. As a matter of fact, they will continue to unload aid, even though they know it may not go to those in need.
Once again I ask this simple question — What’s wrong with this picture?
Again, I’m not saying we shouldn’t help. After all, as a Pastor that would simply go against everything I believe. But, there comes a point in time when people who refuse help, but continue to abuse the system, need to be cut off. To keep dumping help into a dysfunctional system, does nothing more than empower that system to become more dysfunctional, and many times, more corrupt. In the end who’s to blame for poor a political situation in Myanmar? Those in other countries, including the United States, determined to force their help on someone who refuses to change and does not want the help in the first place.
It’s been said you can’t help someone else unless you have your own house in order. Again, while I’m not saying we should not have compassion on those hit with the cyclone in Myanmar, I am saying maybe it’s time for U.S. government to look in their own backyard. Many are suffering through hard economic times right here. Maybe it’s time to pour some of the aid being stolen by the Myanmar military junta, to help people right here.
Then, when our own backyard is cleaned up, encouraged and empowered to move forward, we will have more influence to help others.
Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus
