Delia Online

Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 06:11

I rarely post non-food topics but feel so moved at the terrible plight of the people in Burma.

I'm engulfed with anger watching the news coverage of these poor desolate souls left to fend for themselves in such extremis by a heartless regime bent on national secrecy and refusing aid, it's almost too much to bear.

Now there is the devastating earthquake disaster in China, thousands of people buried under rubble.

I weep for all those lost souls.

However much of a bad day you have today, be glad of it, so many others would.

Replies

By *Bramble: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 06:22
Joy it doesn't bear thinking about - how dare those fools running Burma just close their eyes to it and try to steal the aid, they are wicked and enough to make anybody hope there is a hell so they can go there. At least the Chinese have called for help, but it's a dreadful thing to happen and all we can do is stuff money into our charity envelopes and hope it helps.

By carolokay: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 06:54
Joy we saw a little of it on the news here and it it heartbreaking. Bramble, yes, we can stuff money into our charity envelopes but we must also hope that it gets to the people who need it and doesn't end up in someone's back pocket.

By Broomstick: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 07:40
Agree with you, totally, Joy. I feel strongly that we have a moral duty to keep awareness alive of all the world's tragedies. I was heavily involved with the Sudanese refugees when I was in Cairo, and found it hard to accept that it was the 'forgotten war' in much of the West. It is relatively easy to give money (which, of course, is desperately needed) but hard to speak up when so many do not want to listen. All of us expats found the same when we were on UK leave - people just did not want to know. Praps this is peculiar to the so-called affluent South of England, but I have to say that chums from other parts of the country said they felt the same. So good for you, Joy, speaking up - and let's hope international pressure will at least help a little with what is happening in Burma.

By Francisca: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 10:14
Have you ever thought of the fact that if Burma had oil someone would have already have tried to get rid of the governement? Well, they don't, so nothing much will happen!

By gerry: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 10:40
Burma does have its oil fields.

By Francisca: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 11:16
Sorry, I would swear that they didn't..... I wonder why no one is interested then......

By gerry: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 11:38
The military junta is said to be selling donated aid on local markets.
The regime is still exporting rice.

By Broomstick: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 11:41
Gerry is right, Francisca. Just googled it to make sure my instinct was right. There's quite a lot to read. Have a look. xxB

By chillie: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 13:06
I feel for the people in both Burma and China. At least we can help with the Chinese situation. Burma brings to mind the situation in Zimbabwe, people in desperate need undermined by corrupt leadership and not a damn thing they can do about it. chillie

By gerry: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 14:25
We all know the military junta is disgusting, but I felt sick when I read of cyclone survivors cutting off ears and hands of the dead to get their jewellery.

By Biggles: Re: 'Burma and China' Not about food
13 May 2008 18:14
I do give thanks for the life I'm able to lead. There is so much sorrow and evil in the world. I'm really at a loss for words, but I do count my blessings. There is so much suffering that doesn't even get into the news. Biggs