Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Last year, Myanmar8217;s military rulers shocked the world when they unleashed their brute power on thousands of silent, barefoot Buddhist monks and pro-democracy campaigners. Today, they face a different kind of mortal danger, brought upon by a 120 mph cyclone that has devastated the country.
But unfortunately, at a moment when the people of Myanmar need help, and need it fast, both international and domestic response has chosen to linger on the inessentials of politics. The United States, which has called the junta one of the most repressive and corrupt regimes in the world, chose the moment to rub the junta8217;s face in it even as it self-righteously offered humanitarian relief. Laura Bush, in a rare public briefing, blamed the 8220;inept8221; dictators for more or less continuing with their referendum plan on a draft constitution to bolster their illegitimate rule. Indeed, by playing at elections while the country reels without food, water and medical assistance, the military rulers have been transparently self-seeking if last year8217;s brutal crackdown on democratic protesters had left any doubts about their solicitude for the people. Possibly the only flimsy upside to military rule is clear decision-making in crisis. But Myanmar8217;s rulers dithered despite clear warnings of the impending disaster, criminally understated the death toll, and then reluctantly accepted that they needed outside help.
