Reality Check

I've been watching as the world around me has gone about it's merry little business.

Despite the constant news coverage with regard to the carnage left in the wake of Cyclone Nargis in Burma/Myanmar, nobody seems to have said a word. It's not come up in coffee breaks or "water cooler moments". People around me have been strangely silent on the topic.

Then it occurred to me that I too, had been strangely silent.

Now, with the news of an earthquake in China, that has also claimed many lives... it makes me wonder if the plight of the Burmese people will be forgotten.

I'm not going to let this matter slip quietly into the night without comment.

I'm so bitterly annoyed at the behaviour of the Junta. Is there anyone left in the world who does not think ill of their "leadership"? They persecuted and slew Buddhist monks who were protesting against the oppressiveness of their regime. Now they want all aid administered to their people, to go directly through them. They just don't have the manpower... why would anyone make such a stupid decision when so many lives are at risk?

I believe it is down to fear. When they have treated their people so poorly, their actions will be shown up for what they are in the light of international kindness - so they cannot allow that kindness to be seen.

And still the people die.

While all this is happening, Governments and agencies stand by longing to help... there is even a Godsend on the Burmese doorstep. The BBC has reported that US and Thai naval forces have by coincidence (not that I see it as coincidence), been training together in the area and the format of this training?

Disaster relief.

For pities sake it's all there on a plate... the Junta need to wake up and let their people be saved.

Here's a link to a UN pdf map detailing the areas worst hit.

Below is a video clip from the Disasters Emergency Committee that has been screened in the UK following the disaster. If you feel in a position to do something, please don't waste the opportunity:

Now we have the added tragedy of the earthquake in China. Again, thousands of people have died. China obviously has a better infrastructure than Burma and is better equipped to cope with the disaster. However if help is needed, I am sure the international community will be there. What is more, it might be very helpful for China to request help even if it feels able to cope. Why do I say that? I say it because it sets an example for the Burmese Junta to sit up and pay heed to.

When offering aid... does it matter that these countries have appalling human rights records?

No.

Because when we are on the side of life, we do all we can to preserve it in each situation. That sometimes means speaking out against a nation in the wake of human rights abuses one day... and reaching out a helping hand to that same nation when it cannot save it's own people... whether they wish it or not.

Somethings transcend politics.

The Art of Succesful Protesting: Thinking Outside The Box

I've been paying attention to the protests that have dogged the tour of the Olympic Torch on it's journey around the world.

I am in total agreement about the chronic human rights abuses that the Chinese government regularly carries out. Those who want to make a point about a regime that is honouring the spirit of fellowship and fair play with it's lips, whilst having at it's heart, an attitude that is light years away from such a concept... have my full support.

It's even more appalling that our Governments are spending money protecting the political interests of the Chinese Government, in the face of many of their own citizens who are opposed to that Government. It is clear that they value eastern investment more than they value the people who pay for their extortionate parliamentary expenses packages.

It's clear that international police forces have been incredibly well briefed and prepared... deploying an extensive amount of resources and using flexible route planning to frustrate the attempts of the protesters.

Have you ever noticed though, when it comes to protesting...the most whacked out schemes are the ones that generally succeed? Police are extremely well equipped to handle people on the streets... but when you come out of left field with an idea like climbing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco (see below), it gives them less time to form an effective strategy and the best they can hope to do is act retrospectively - diversions or making subsequent arrests.

If you want to put the mockery of an Olympic flame out.... I favour an airborne strategy. I think an excellent idea would be to hire out one of these babies:

That's right... a fire plane, or at least a crop duster. Just fly in out of nowhere and ditch fire extinguishing materials on the targets below you. A substance such as the one deployed above would be especially poignant; the red tint would serve as a reminder of the blood shed in human rights atrocities.

One thing though... I wouldn't try it in the US... they'd shoot you down.

The question of people's right to protest in the name of causes such as Tibet raises another in turn. In four years time... is my country going to be finding itself in a similar situation over crimes committed by it's own politicians. Sure, they may not be as numerous... but the causes that people might find reason to protest for or against... are certainly powerful enough.

I guess I'd better start saving up for flying lessons then.

MSN, China & Christian Bloggers

Found this news item on the Beeb a few hours ago:

MSN & China story.

I find this very disturbing. I just hope this doesn't result in persecution for the people I know who blog over there. Especially Calven and Pett'ho. According to Open Doors, China is among the top ten countries for persecution of Christians. It's not as bad as it was before. Now it is legal to be one, but you have to register as one... which leaves you open to monitoring and intimidation.

I had heard rumours that factions within China's Government were more open to the idea of freedom of religious expression, because they could see certain economic benefits in being more relaxed about it. I just hope these people win out in the end. I am certain God is at work, in either case.

If you are in China, and this story disturbs you... let me know how you feel. Tell me what we can do to help.

Since writing this article, I was appalled to see on News at 10 last night, news footage that appeared to show clashes in China over rural land. China has one of the most powerful economies in the world (it recently overtook the UK). Despite this, the difference between the rich industrial areas and the very poor rural areas is massive. It now appears that industrialists wish to encroach upon unprofitable rural land and convert it to suit their purposes, despite the protests of farmers and their families.

Back to computers, and I then got to wondering... does my Government crawl my site, I'm sure they must to some degree, I mean they probably snoop on everyone, and lets face it I'm subversive enough to probably qualify for some attention (by that I mean I don't just assume the Government has my best interests, or that of the general public at heart)... just how thick is my MI5 dossier getting these days?