Photo: AFP
Lately there has been a lot of focus on the cyclone disaster in Burma, which there rightly should be. With several thousand dead already, it certainly deserves global attention. However, the relief effort sits at a standstill due to strict restrictions on aid imposed by the Burman Government. Some people are calling for a US humanitarian invasion of Burma with planes simply flying over the country and dropping supplies, whether the Burman Government approves or not.
Obliviously the people of Burma require aid, but an invasion might be going too far. The US has certainly made enough enemies around the world, I don't think Burma needs to be added to the list. Furthermore, the fact that people are calling for a US invasion should give Americans a pretty good idea of how the world currently views them. Also the American economy is in no position to be financing a full blown relief/invasion effort. I think its time for some other countries to step up and act as protectors of the world while the US plays a more secondary role.
An even better solution would be if the people of Burma revolted against their oppressive government. Personally, I don't understand why people in impoverished countries put up with these tyrannical rulers. I realize that life in those countries is extremely tough, but if I lived in that type of situation I would build up some support, start a revolution, and try to install a government for the people; essentially I would start another democracy (minus the corruption). Better to die fighting for your freedom, than to live in chains serving others.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Burma: America's Next Invasion?
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5 comments:
I feel for Burma, but you're right. USA can't always be both the bad guy and the good guy, and always be the only country that takes action. It would be nice if some other countries stepped up to the plate. I am from Romania, a country that had it's share of oppression, thank God there was a revolution!
Anca- Exactly, US is always forced to play both roles. About time someone else started doing something.
When someone gets forced to play roles they often get stuck in the middle. Countries have hated on the US very much because of this, but that is a disadvantage to being the superpower of the world.
I'm sad for Burma too, but let's face facts. The US can't even take care of its own people (now paging Hurricane Katrina victims) and our attempts to help other countries are mainly to boost our own world image. Sad stuff, man, sad stuff.
Leisureviews- True, I think people would complain about the US either way. If they didn't do anything, countries would start saying that the US is self-centered, there's just no way to win.
Jenny- Yeah, its too bad Americans don't try to take care of issues at home before looking to help others.
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