Stupid Giant

Myanmar is crying. Cyclone Nargis has killed thousands of Myanmar people. 60.000 peoples are dead or missing. Millions of people were homeless and without food and water. The destruction is worse than tsunami that struck Aceh in 2004. The cyclone which struck Burma is the worst natural disaster the country has experienced in modern times.

Immediately, foreign aid is flying to Myanmar. Volunteers and experts are ready for Myanmar. However, junta blocked the aid. Aid agencies were still awaiting permissions to enter Myanmar. Junta is facing xenophobia toward foreign aid. Junta is very cautious toward foreigner since they want to hold national referendum. Generals are so fearful that this aid will be instrument for US to damage their campaign. As we know, US and many advanced countries hate junta for the reason of human rights and democracy.

Is this a new ultra-nationalism? No, I think this is a new stupidity. Why? First, Myanmar people are badly needs help. Meanwhile, foreign aid is vital since Myanmar face food crisis. Shops are closed. Farming is stopped. Second is about the referendum. I’m a human right activist. I do promote democracy and human rights. But in this case, we can put democracy and human rights in the second agenda. Reconstruction and aid should be the first priority. US and EU, focal player of human rights, recommend postponing the referendum. Then, why the government insists on doing referendum? Why junta is very scared toward the foreigner? Is this wariness related to referendum? Read more