Strange Tragedies

What to make of the implications of China's earthquake coming so quickly after Burma's cyclone? At the very least, we can say that the Chinese earthquake is really bad luck for Burma. Both were completely random natural disasters, but there are man-made issues at play here too. China's post-earthquake rescue photos are truly heart-rending and they are getting all the attention now. And I don't know how to say this in an uncontroversial manner, so I'll go ahead and say it. The Government of China is going to benefit from the earthquake, at least in the short-term. Burma's disaster has no beneficiaries in the short-term.

Moral Constipation

Given the immense destruction and imminent suffering caused by a cyclone in Myanmar, the question that needs to be asked is what is the role the the world. Should the sovereignty of Myanmar be respected while hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people suffer? At what point does an international body disregard the wishes of a country so that relief can be provided? More correctly, when does the world decide the junta that is controlling the country is illegal? While the government of Myanmar apparently welcomes the help offered by the various nations of the world, the junta, which actually runs the country, is blocking any attempt to provide support. This same de facto government is more concerned with consolidating and “legitimatizing” its power than it is with caring for the dead, sick, wounded, starving populace. At what point will the world get over its fear of offending an illegal and uncaring government? When will the world take the equivalent of a moral laxative and respond to the needs of a suffering population?

Burmese Disaster

While we've been consumed by the ridiculous Democratic Presidential Primary race, this has been happening.

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Quote

"Laws are silent in time of war."

Cicero (106-43 BC)