Imagine that instead of crossing another nation's borders in order to drop bombs out of fear, that we forced ourselves into another country to help its citizens.
Such is the possibility raised by the horrific disaster in Myanmar where estimates say tens of thousands of people need food, water and emergency supplies after being ravaged by a cyclone.
But the country's rulers won't let anyone in the door to help.
Imagine if we lived in a country where our leaders were considering invading another country to provide aid. Unfortunately that debate doesn't take place. On this issue, the U.S. government says it must respect another country's right to make its own decisions.
Shawn Crispin makes a good case for the action in today's Asia Times and notes that France, a country often decried by the Bush administration, has floated the idea of such an invasion.
In the end, invading another country, even to help, would be wrong, but wouldn't it be wonderful to live in a country where leaders debate how best to do good rather than how to react to their fears.
-- Jim Grinstead
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