I just wanted to include a link for anyone who wants to make a donation to help these people. 

http://www.worldvision.org/Worldvision/eappeal.nsf/egift-disaster-response-southern-asia-cyclone-relief?OpenForm&campaign=11365555&cmp=KNC-11365555

Is there any question that they need to accept more help? But they are in their own fire. They refused to be warned. They kinda deserve it, if you ask me, for having such proud officials. Revolution is an option.

I have a friend whose preacher/pastor/whatever is there. They had a scary couple days when they couldn't locate him and didn't hear from him. He is safe and sound, though.

It's very sad that people may lose their lives, not because of an natural disaster, but because of the pride of those responsible for their safety and care.

It is sad, but not unprecedented. I have seen it repeated too many times with these tin plated dictators.

And the UN props them up.

Hopefully the UN is going to force them accept aid. 

Exactly, the country already had a horrible human rights record.  I think this is just another example of how little concern they actually have with the well being of the people of their country. 

In the long term I think that may happen but when people are just trying to survive one more day, I don't think they have the energy to through a revolution

I would not hold my breath on it.

LOL.  What are they going to do?  Send them a harsh letter perhaps?

People should realize that the U.N. is worthless, and dictators such as this are the real problems in the world.  I'm sure it won't take long for someone to blame the U.S. or Bush.

 

Yes, this situation is heart wrenching.  The inability of the country to mitigate the effects of a natural disaster is one thing, but their total refusal to allow aid is inhuman.

There is even talk in the pentagon to airdrop aid supplies in, against the government of Myanmar's will.  Defense Sec. Robert Gates says it isn't going to happen, but there are people in high places pushing for it.

Can you imagine airdropping humanitarian supplies being "an act of war"?

I doubt it would do any good.

After finally getting some aid in there, I just read that the U.N. has halted all further shipments because the Military Junta promptly confiscated what they had gotten in.

Idiots all around.

They allowed aid in but they won't allow the aid workers.  I mean they're only trying to save people's lives. 

Especially when their countrymen are dying for lack of those supplies.  It's horrible.  I'm sure if the people weren't so busy trying to survive their would be a coup.