Comments on: Cyclone Aid Impasse; It takes Two to Compromise

By: Begonia

Begonia — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:59:34 +0000

I disagree completely with Thuria Tayza’s position. It should be obvious now that the junta is not capable of distributing aid on the massive scale needed and in addition is corrupt and criminal in its handling of this. The junta obviously wants to hide the true scope of the disaster from the outside world and from the Burmese (like the Chinese did for their 1976 earthquake that killed a quarter million people.) It was obvious to the international aid agencies over a week ago. This requires complex logistics/medical and engineering personnel and others; this is not a matter of a few biscuits being pilfered by an occasional soldier or two. Now it is obvious that the junta wants control of the aid in order to use it for their own purposes–for the military use, first of all. there are going to be food shortages this year and the junta wants to store up–the military must be fed in order to control a starving population. The junta apparently has NO idea how the international community is reacting. As the news states today, with all the delay and corruption, this is bound to become political–indeed it is. The “bling bling french” happen to be right. This is a humanitarian crisis, not just a Burmese matter. I do not think that Bush will take the lead on this, however—and the UN is slow…. But ENOUGH of making excuses for (and pandering to) the paranoia of the junta.

By: jspiers

jspiers — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:34:18 +0000

While I in general agree with the argument made by Thuria Tayza, I also have to point out that the government is not allowing ANY foreigners into the troubled areas, implying that they have something to hide and giving credence to the idea that we need outside aid workers on the ground. In addition, reports from inside Burma indicate that the government is warehousing the energy biscuits and good rice and giving moldy rice and stale biscuits (both with diminished nutritional value) to those suffering from the aftermath of the cyclone.

By: Rhytmo

Rhytmo — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:02:02 +0000

-Thein Win-
Exactly, it is as simple as that.

Aid NOW, unconditionally, let the junta steal some bags of rice, concentrate on victims, not on some loss while distributing.

AFTER the most imminent aid it must be communicated that the Than Shwe and Maung Aye have a last chance to step back and get sort of amnesty for them and their families. If they don’t- go and get them, no occupation, just get them from Naypyidaw and bring them to justice.

By: Thein Win

Thein Win — Sun, 11 May 2008 00:04:19 +0000

We are dealing with our own thugs in Burma.
We need aids on the ground of Burma at the moment and We need American invasion in the very near future.

By: Salai

Salai — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:04:47 +0000

Thuria Tayza, you are an idiot. Do you really think that the aid will get to the right people and the Evil Burmese Gov will not keep it for themselves?

By: Maung Maung Than, Houston [Texas]

Maung Maung Than, Houston [Texas] — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:45:39 +0000

Your article is very meaningful and realistic.

Here is my 2cent. As you quoted, US Secretary of State Ms Condoleezza Rice has said, “It’s not a matter of politics. It’s a matter of humanitarian crisis.” My comment to her is that humanitarian crisis in Burma has been occurred since the day Military took over. Also US has imposed economic stanchion since back then. If I not mistaken, may be SPDC is kind of protecting US economic stanchion by not accepting their aids. US should appreciate SPDC for that.

Regarding corruption or commission, we could not avoid such thing in any organizations as well as any government. For instant, some of the non-profit organizations except Red Cross and UN will also collect management and Fundraising cost for at least 15% from donation. Then the rest will go to so called “THE PROGRAM”. The program cost means including for needy plus the expenses plus their staff benefit…and….so …on. At the end, may be 60% or less will go to needy. Currently Red Cross would be the best option as SPDC accepted them.

In this difficult time, US and the other developed countries should pass Aids to Red Cross or ASEAN or SPDC friends such as China, Thailand and Singapore without mentioned their country name. Do not play Politic any more like Obama and Clinton [same party with many differences in opinion]. The uncountable numbers of Burmese citizen were already died and many of victims are still starving.

By hook or by crook, what we urgently needed is Aids to be on the ground of Burma right now.