Talk is cheap ... and deadly

It's now been 10 days since a massive cyclone ravaged Myanmar, and millions of people are still waiting for the world to help. They sure shouldn't expect much from the generals running their country, who seem to be doing everything they can to make sure help doesn't reach the people. A trickle of aid is getting through, but the dictators in Myanmar continue to maintain a stranglehold on assistance and to block most relief workers from entering the country. A report today said the ruling junta seized and is warehousing high-energy biscuts shipped in by the World Food Program. In its place, the government is giving storm victims spoiled food. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moom, after having his phone calls ignored by Myanmar's top general, sent a letter imploring Than Shwe to allow a massive aid operation. Also, Adm. Timothy Keating, who oversees all U.S. military operations in the Pacific, was on board the first U.S. aid flight allowed into the country, and he delivered much the same message. But the situation has reached the point where mere words aren't accomplishing anything. The U.N. estimates the death toll at 62,000 to 100,000, and that number is going to soar unless there is quick intervention. And by that, I mean military intervention. The world can no longer stand by and allow the Myanmar dictators to stonewall while its country's people are suffering and dying by the thousands. The U.S. invaded Panama. The U.S. invaded Grenada, for God's sake. The U.S. ignored the views of most of the rest of the world and invaded Iraq, with horrifying consequences. Yet, for the starving in Myanmar, and likewise the victims of unimaginable suffering in Darfur, the "leaders" of the world have nothing but words. They talk and talk and talk, and while they talk, people are dying.