Ok, so yesterday we talked about our effort to ship aid to Myanmar.  Well, it looks like Myanmar is giving the U.S. permission land a single plane in the country.  The Myanmar government's big beef is that they don't want U.S. military personnel on the ground.  So we have agreed to land the aircraft, off load the supplies and take off.  The U.S. is also proposing that U.S. Navy helicoptors stationed in nearby Thailand and ships off the coast make air drops.

However, here is the big problem.  The junta is siezing shipments.  The United Nation's World Food Program Director, Tony Banbury said the Myanmar government siezed two flights containing 38 tons of high-energy food, medical kits and other items.  There was enough supplies for 95,000 people on those two flights.

"We off-loaded the food, and then the authorities refused us permission to take that food away," WFP director Tony Banbury said.  "We were told we needed a special letter from the Minister of Social Welfare. We hand-delivered a request to him. The answer back was 'No, you can't have the food.'  Branbury went on to say, "That food is now sitting on the tarmac doing no good. I'm furious. This is unacceptable."

What the...?  The cyclone that hit Myanmar is one of the most devastating human disasters in history and the Myanmar government is playing games.  They are confusing humanitarian relief with their own selfish political pride.

You know... in my personal opinion, this is the kind of country that needs to be invaded and occupied until they get on their feet.  I know, it's a bold statement considering the situation in Iraq, however, the Myanmar government is, without question, commiting heinous human rights violations by impeding shipments to their own people.  Of course, I am just venting and the U.S. will not perform such actions, but deep inside I know that many people would agree!

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Boomer
Right Wing Squadron

As a superpower, the United States of America has certain world responsibilities.  Well, at least, to a point.  Now giving humanitarian aid is one of the things for which the U.S. is well known.  I mean, not only should we be pro-active on fighting the global war on terrorism, we should also provide humanitarian help where and when we are able.  These are among some of the things that make us a great nation. 

Ok, so what about Myanmar?  They are refusing our help.  We have aircraft locked and loaded and ready to deliver the goods.  What should we do?  Well, my first reaction is to say, "well, forget it.  If they don't want our help then let it go".  However, Myanmar's decision not to let us help is purely political.  I am sure the average person suffering the ravages of the storm would much rather have food and medicine than worry about bureaucratic issues.  So I say we continue to reason with the Myanmar government a bit more.  In the meantime, we can probably funnel the supplies through a country that Myanmar accepts. 

One other thing, though... in my book, there is a time limit on how long I would try to reason with these people.  If they don't want to play ball within a couple weeks, well, I say let them deal with it as they please.

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Boomer
Right Wing Squadron

I am not even going to comment on this.  Instead, have a read...

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2319603620080424

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Boomer
Right Wing Squadron

Canada's Prime Minister, Stephen Harper says NATO's future and reputation is on the line.  Harper says Canada will pull it's troops out of Southern Afganistan, where the Taliban activity is highest, if another NATO nation does not send at least 1000 troops to that troubled region. 

European allies' refusal to deploy to Afghanistan's dangerous south and east has opened a rift with Britain, Canada, the Netherlands and others which, along with the United States, have borne the brunt of Taliban violence.

While I think that fighting islamo-terrorism is every country's responsibility, I can see where the Canadians are frustrated by NATO's lack of enthusiasm to fight the war on terrorism.  Outside of Britain and the Netherlands, the Europeans just don't want to get their hands dirty.  They refuse to help out in the dangerous southern region, however, they enjoy the safety the U.S. and it's allies provide them as a result of the hard work our countries have provided. 

I certainly hope we can convince our allies to the north to continue the fight.

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Boomer
Right Wing Squadron

I have been sitting on the fence on this one.  On one hand, why should we attend the Olympics when China is committing huge human rights violations.  On the other hand, the Olympics should be about athleticism, not politics.  It seems difficult to draw a definite line where politics stop and the athletics begin because of our different value systems.  However, after some time to think about it, I believe we should attend.  I believe our athletes should have chance to compete against the world's best.  After all, while our beef might be with China, it shouldn't stop us from competing against all the other nations.  In fact, I believe attending the Olympics makes a political statement in itself.  It says we are proud to move forward no matter what the circumstances.  Oh, but what about the political ramifications?  Well, I say our athletes should train hard and beat the snot out of the Chinese athletes.  Further, let's bring home some gold medals. 

The Right Wing Squadron supports our Olympic athletes.  Go kick butt and take names!!!

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Boomer
Right Wing Squadron

Emboldened by wacko loon Hugo Chavez, Correa responded to Bush's support for Colombia by saying, "Bring your soldiers Mr Bush.  Let it be your soldiers who die along the southern border with Colombia. We'll see if the Americans, the citizens of the United States, will accept tremendous atrocity.  If not, shut your mouth and understand what is happening in Latin America."

He has got to be kidding, he couldn't even stop Colombia's soldiers from rounding up the FARC terrorists hiding in his country.  Is he living in a bubble?  Hasn't he seen what the U.S. Military can do to an entire country.  Ecuador would be toast in 2 weeks.  He better watch out what he wishes for... he just might get it!

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Boomer
Right Wing  Squadron

After daring the U.S. to put his country on the list of State Sponsors of Terror, Chavez said, "Let them make that list and shove it in their pocket...".  Shove it in their pocket?

Well, I don't have any problem with satisfying his request.  How about you?

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Boomer
Right Wing  Squadron

As you all know, Chavez has mobiled troops along Venezuela's border with Colombia in response to a cross border strike into Ecuador killing a couple dozen leftist rebels.  Now I can see a neighboring country protesting and, maybe, taking some kind of political or economic action.  However, to fully mobilize one's troops along the border is a provoking action, especially when Colombia's military action wasn't even against Venezuela!  I mean, Chavez is taking even stronger action than Ecuador.  It looks to me that he just wants a fight.  This is just the excuse he needs to expand his socialist idealogy throughout South America!  Maybe Sean Penn and Danny Glover can be enlist if they go to war!

Colombia kills a rebel in a cross border raid in Ecuador.  In response, Hugo Chavez mobilizes troops and equipment to the Colombian border.  However, in doing so he blames the U.S.  "Mr. Defense Minister, move 10 battalions to the border with Colombia for me, immediately — tank battalions. Deploy the air force," Chavez said. "We don't want war, but we aren't going to permit the U.S. empire, which is the master (of Colombia) ... to come divide us."  Chavez also said, "This could be the start of a war in South America..."

I wonder if Sean Penn and Danny Glover want to join him?!?!

Dr. Rowan Williams, the leader of the Anglican community, said that Britain should adopt parts of Sharia law.  Is he nuts!  Sharia law is based on the Koran and sets women rights back ions in relation to progressive western society.  This is the same law that many Muslims use to justify chopping off hands and beheadings.  There are leaders in the church's General Synod calling for his resignation.  Anglican ministers and bishops are calling his statement "unfortunate".  With the Anglican community already split over the acceptance of gay clergy, they have to deal with their leader making references to Sharia law.  What's up with that!

Flight Commander Boomer out!