Since 1962 Burma has been run my a military junta that has allowed its citizens to suffer. They are a perfect example of unchecked, forced Socialism. In 2007 a report came out that showed just how badly the humanitarian crisis in the country had become. Here are some of the low points of the report:

While 40 percent of Burma’s annual spending goes to the military, only 3 percent goes to health care.

The researchers found that the widespread distribution of counterfeit antimalarial drugs, coupled with the rise of drug-resistant malaria and tuberculosis, pose a major health threat to the Burmese people, especially those living in border areas where health care is scarce, if available at all.

Burma has one of the world’s highest tuberculosis rates and is home to more than half of Asia’s malaria deaths. Those most vulnerable to disease epidemics there are ethnic and religious minorities, displaced farmers, commercial sex workers and intravenous drug users.

Drug trafficking has also played a major role in the spread of HIV/AIDS among intravenous drug users and commercial sex workers. In addition, aggressive campaigns by the Burmese government and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to eradicate poppy cultivation and heroin production have led to the displacement of tens of thousands of families who have no alternative source of livelihood. Many have relocated to the Thailand border, where communicable diseases are thriving. Meanwhile, methamphetamine production in Burma’s border regions is rising.

With this rosy humanitarian picture lets look at the newest crisis Cyclone Nargis. Cyclone Nargis tore through the Irrawaddy river delta region, and it appears the death toll could reach 100,000 with millions more in crisis. With that type of disaster you would think the junta would allow for humanitarian help. Well sadly they aren’t. Many countries including the US and France have planes, ships and disaster teams waiting at the border for permission to enter the country, still the junta won’t let them come in.

According to the VOA President Bush sent this message to the junta:

“Let the United States come to help you, help the people. Our hearts go out to the people of Burma. We want to help them deal with this terrible disaster.”

We hope and pray the junta will do the right thing and save their people before its too late.