The Nation: Us begs thais to influence junta

[NewsBot]

Samak unable to contact country's leaders, may fly to Rangoon

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[TanMan]

Originally Posted by NewsBot

Samak unable to contact country's leaders, may fly to Rangoon

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This is what I don't like about the media. The US begs??? I think it is perfectly OK to say that "some" Americans were "desperately" trying to offer help, but to use the term "beg" and paint it over an entire nation is inappropriate, IMHO. The US doesn't beg for anything... Politics and media are too intertwined...

[ATMwalking]

In this case, what is wrong with showing humility?

[TanMan]

Originally Posted by ATMwalking

In this case, what is wrong with showing humility?

Nothing, unless some 22 year old junior Thai reporter talking about the US (as a whole) about a relief effort attempt on the US's part to a neighboring country of Thailand's. This point of view comes less with pride then cynicism... Again, the US begs for nothing. That's the mindset of the people there. Not mine necessarily, but I have yet to beg anyone or anything either... They singled out the US for some reason... Where is the article about some other country trying to "beg" to get in and give relief.

[MrDK]

Originally Posted by TanMan

Nothing, unless some 22 year old junior Thai reporter talking about the US (as a whole) about a relief effort attempt on the US's part to a neighboring country of Thailand's.

One would think that this "young" reporter is referring to those who represents the US (as a whole) in this matter - The state department.

As ATM pointed out, what is wrong with a little humility and who cares what other countries do.

[TanMan]

Originally Posted by MrDK

One would think that this "young" reporter is referring to those who represents the US (as a whole) in this matter - The state department.

As ATM pointed out, what is wrong with a little humility and who cares what other countries do.

99% of the US population, unfortunately, does not give a sh1t what happens to or what is happening in Burma. That's probably because 99% of the US population doesn't even know where Burma is or what it does, or what it makes, or WHAT IT CAN DO TO MAKE THEIR OWN LIVES BETTER... Sorry for the caps, but just trying to make a point...

Sure, humility is a good thing, but to headline that the "US begs" is very far from the truth... it is just a political/media way of putting a "spin" on things. It makes me wonder who is pulling the strings though... that's all..

Is it a junior reporter trying to get ahead?
Is it the Burmese gov't (who give the news to report anyway) making a statement to make them seem a little more powerful then they really are?

Those kinds of questions enter my mind when I read things likew this, but I will never get solid answers to them. It is frustrating and confusing to me...

[marc26]

let's face it, the US' actions will always be highlighted in any world issues
if you want to be the "world leader", then people will look to you to lead

as for the "beg" word, i actually see that as a flattering term, in a way.
i suppose it could have been spun that the US was putting pressure on Thailand to mediate, and that would have not been a pleasant story

[TanMan]

And here we go...


Myanmar junta hands out aid boxes with generals' names - Yahoo! News

[Capt. Fantastic]

One suspects this Burma tragedy will rapidly spiral out of control.

Is It Time to Invade Burma?

Right now it seems to be an internal problem. But once these horrific diseases set in, not to mention a refugee tsunami, then other countries will take note.

To the OP: I agree totally that the US does not "beg" anyone. However, consider that this might be a translation issue? Yep, we can beg all we want but no other country could fight two wars on the other side of the world yet STILL offer ships, aircraft, men, and scores of tons of supplies to its enemies.

[LivinLOS]

I personally see nothing negative at all about begging to help someone... I see that as a positive statement about the US, about the level of its desire to help. to beg to assist does not have nasty connotations to me, I beg your pardon etc..

Is this one of those one people divided by a common language things ??

Now onto CFs post.. I am getting madder and madder every news piece I read.. If there ever was a regime that could be toppled by simply decapitating it, and with an honorable heir apparent, that the population could jump behind. This is it.

Myanmar is crying out to be let out of the yoke that its military is using to strangle it. Plus a democratic pro western (and I see no reason why they wouldnt be) Myanmar would help counter growing Chinese influence. Burma was the jewel of S E Asia only 50 - 60 years ago.. So sad for the population to have gone nowhere in that time.

[hagler]

There is no way in the US or any other Western Country wants to get involved in toppling the regime in Myanmar. They know that once the regime is gone it is gonna be all out civil war in the country as all the factions ( Karens, Bamar ect ect) will try to gain power. That is the ONLY reason that the country has been ruled the way it has for so long. There are too many competing factions within the country that all have an agenda and a cause and the general populace resultingly will not rise as a group to overthrow the Junta. The last thing the West wants is another Iraq right now, especially with 2 of the "new world" superpowers sharing borders with Myanmar (India and China)

[ATMwalking]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

I personally see nothing negative at all about begging to help someone... I see that as a positive statement about the US, about the level of its desire to help. to beg to assist does not have nasty connotations to me, I beg your pardon etc..

Is this one of those one people divided by a common language things ??

Now onto CFs post.. I am getting madder and madder every news piece I read.. If there ever was a regime that could be toppled by simply decapitating it, and with an honorable heir apparent, that the population could jump behind. This is it.

Myanmar is crying out to be let out of the yoke that its military is using to strangle it. Plus a democratic pro western (and I see no reason why they wouldnt be) Myanmar would help counter growing Chinese influence. Burma was the jewel of S E Asia only 50 - 60 years ago.. So sad for the population to have gone nowhere in that time.

Totally agree with this. In this case to beg is to show strength in determination to do what is right.

Just seems like a no brainier good thing to do.

I think this all just shows positive leadership from the US that the world wants to see. It's a very pleasant change.

On your note, going to Victoria Point, Burma reminded me of visiting Cuba. You can see that it had better and more glamorous days in the past. Today it was just about survival. But it is also easy to imagine a bright future.

[LivinLOS]

Originally Posted by hagler

There is no way in the US or any other Western Country wants to get involved in toppling the regime in Myanmar. They know that once the regime is gone it is gonna be all out civil war in the country as all the factions ( Karens, Bamar ect ect) will try to gain power. That is the ONLY reason that the country has been ruled the way it has for so long. There are too many competing factions within the country that all have an agenda and a cause and the general populace resultingly will not rise as a group to overthrow the Junta. The last thing the West wants is another Iraq right now, especially with 2 of the "new world" superpowers sharing borders with Myanmar (India and China)

I dont know about if the karen etc would be fighting over the succession.. I think the country is crying out for democracy and Aung Sang Suu Kyi would be the unifying figurehead. The wa state army etc do have power and pockets of country tho.

Your 100% right tho that it would be a proxy battle between the west and china which is a awful prospect.

[Capt. Fantastic]

All we seek is a little recognition. That and world domination, of course.

[LivinLOS]

Good article..

[billpay]

little recognition..... this article hits the nail on the head.....IMHO.