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

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