Too Tragic for Words

60,000 Dead or Missing in Burma.

The U.S. is sending mixed messages--offering help and then criticizing the Burmese junta.

Here is the message--"here is American help, for free no strings attached." The people of Burma (Myanmar--whatever) will know who is helping them.

The U.S. is offering cash, disaster relief expertise and allowing charity to flow without prior approval (required by law in relation to Burma).

Richard Horsey, a spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said that while the Burmese military has made some helicopters and boats available, far more transportation, including trucks and boats, will be needed. "The major bottleneck will be the local delivery, rather than getting stuff into the Rangoon airport," Horsey said. "We need distribution channels."

Um, here is where the Americans can help. We have lots of helicopters and lots of skill using them.