The Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar more than 2 weeks ago, leaving the country with catastrophic destruction. The disaster was made worse by the junta hampering the relief efforts. It is infuriating to see the government of a country totally disregards the lives of its people due to selfish political agenda.
I've read before that the Burmese military government lives in luxury, while the people are living in poverty, deprived of freedom and even basic needs. With many SEA countries developing at a fast pace over the last decades, Myanmar remains as one of the poorest nations in the world.
The irony is that when the various SEA nations gained Independence from the colonial government in more than half-a-century ago, Myanmar, with its abundant natural and labour resources, was seen as one of the countries with the most potential for growth. Unfortunately, the military dictatorship seized power of the country and it has since become impoverished and least developed.
I wonder if there is any way at all to bring on a change to the country. Talks, sanctions, uprising, insurgent... whatever could be done by the world governments and its own people has already been done, and nothing was of any real effect. For the junta to finally change their dictator way on their own accord would be a miracle. History has taught us that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for people who have absolute control over something to give up that control willingly.
So, what's left seems to be international intervention, by force even. No, i'm definitely not an advocate of war. I also hope that change can be brought forth through peaceful measures. Yet, in some situations, a better future cannot be achieved without bloodshed. Innocent lives have to be lost for a bigger good. I know that this kind of notion is dangerous, and it seems like the excuse used by warmongers. But then, how else can it be achieved, when the government simply doesn't give a shit about the people or the country, as long as its selfish craving for power and wealth is sustained?
Moving away from SEA, further to the north, is another disaster -- the Wen Chuan earthquake of 7.9 magnitude. The swift rescue effort initiated by the Chinese government is a striking contrast to the indifference of the Burmese junta.
I was very much touched by the acts of Chinese Premier Wen Jia Bao, who visited all the major quake scenes personally, climbing over the debris at the age of 65, taking charge of the relief efforts and providing mental support to the victims.
Some people criticized him in putting up a political shows, and his various visits did not help the rescue work in any way. I do not agree with such assessment. He has always been known as the "people's premier". Whenever there was a disaster, he would be there. The coal mine explosions, the winter storm that halted the railway, and now the earthquake, he's the top official within the Chinese government who always shows great sympathy and concern for the people. If only our country has a leader like him...
The death toll for both disasters are soaring into the tenth thousands, and will continue to rise as the time goes by. While i felt blessed that we live in a place free of natural disaster, i do feel very sad for the people who have to suffer around the world.
My heart goes out to the victims and their families.
Labels: opinion
