Originally Posted by hairymarx

The Burmese tyrants are understandbly reluctant to allow US aid into their country because they know only too well that the aid will probably be subject to economic pre-conditions further down the line. Burma is rich in natural resources and the Burmese junta are well aware that the 'natural' disaster that has befallen their country will provide the potential opportunity for yet another US-led invasion and subsequent economic liberalisation (code for plunder) of their countries resources.

The writer Naomi Klein has documented in detail the impacts of natural disasters in third world countries and the wests response to them, in her book "Disaster Capitalism". She argues that natural disasters provide the ideal opportunity for western governments to re-configure third world societies and economies through the implementation of neo-liberal economic policies and/or invasion. Since the disaster in Burma we have been bombarded with a constant stream of anti-Burmese government propaganda in relation to the alleged prevention of western aid being allowed to reach the people of that stricken country.

Things were very different following the events in New Orleans. Following the tragic events of Katrina the western media were not so pre-occupied in their concerns for the welfare of human beings. For example, Bush refused practical help from both Iran and Cuba following the disaster for ideological and political reasons, in much the same way that the Burmese leadership are alleged to be doing now, but this was not widely reported on. Equally, we would be hard pressed to read or hear anything in our media in relation to the humanitarian crisis currently occuring in Ethiopia because we are more interested in her enemy who we are backing with guns, weapons and tanks.

That enemy is Sudan, whose capital, Darfur, we happen to read and see a lot about. Darfur is rich in oil. I need say no more suffice to say, that we are not concerned about the various humanitarian crisis in the world unless we can get a fast buck in return. Coverage of resource rich Burma has reached saturation point in the media as a pre-requisite for future invasion and subsequent control of those resources.

Originally Posted by eleanoraquitaine

Alright, all you America hating "liberal" "peace lovers" ought to be up in arms because the USA is about to start dropping food, water and other aid to the cyclone victims, without their government's permission. We are actually going to invade their country's airspace to help their people.

Man, America is such an evil country.

Originally Posted by hairymarx

The Burmese people will pay for the US food drops by way of some form of a free trade agreement some way down the line. Either that or the US will invade them. To paraphrase Thomas Friedman: "US imperialism works as a result of the 'invisible hand' of the market, or failing that visible might of the fist". Watch this space.

Originally Posted by hairymarx

Oh yes Im biased all right. Impartiality and objectivity are myths