Cyclone in Burma

Lana · 10-05-2008, 12:18

I can't believe I only heard about this yesterday...but it's absolutely crazy. I got sent an email about it as well:

In the wake of a massive cyclone, a shocking 100,000 Burmese may be dead. But what's happening in Burma is not just a natural disaster--it's also a catastrophe of bad leadership.

Humanitarian relief is urgently needed, but Burma's government could easily delay, divert or misuse any aid. Yesterday the International Burmese Monks Organization, including many leaders of the democracy protests last fall, launched a new effort to provide relief through Burma's powerful grass roots network of monasteries--the most trusted institutions in the country and currently the only source of housing and support in many devastated communities. Click below to help the Burmese people with a donation and see a video appeal to Avaaz from a leader of the monks:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/burma_cyclone/16.php

Giving to the monks is a smart, fast way to get aid directly to Burma's people. Governments and international aid organizations are important, but face challenges--they may not be allowed into Burma, or they may be forced to provide aid according to the junta's rules. The monks are already on the front lines of the aid effort--housing, feeding, and supporting the victims of the cyclone since the day it struck. The International Burmese Monks Organization will send money directly to each monastery through their own networks, bypassing regime controls.

It sucks when you don't trust ANYONE enough to help them...but thats how I feel in this case! How do I even know the monks are trustworthy, you know?
Has anyone saw stuff on this?

10-05-2008, 12:18	#1
Lana Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 242	Cyclone in Burma I can't believe I only heard about this yesterday...but it's absolutely crazy. I got sent an email about it as well: In the wake of a massive cyclone, a shocking 100,000 Burmese may be dead. But what's happening in Burma is not just a natural disaster--it's also a catastrophe of bad leadership. Humanitarian relief is urgently needed, but Burma's government could easily delay, divert or misuse any aid. Yesterday the International Burmese Monks Organization, including many leaders of the democracy protests last fall, launched a new effort to provide relief through Burma's powerful grass roots network of monasteries--the most trusted institutions in the country and currently the only source of housing and support in many devastated communities. Click below to help the Burmese people with a donation and see a video appeal to Avaaz from a leader of the monks: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/burma_cyclone/16.php Giving to the monks is a smart, fast way to get aid directly to Burma's people. Governments and international aid organizations are important, but face challenges--they may not be allowed into Burma, or they may be forced to provide aid according to the junta's rules. The monks are already on the front lines of the aid effort--housing, feeding, and supporting the victims of the cyclone since the day it struck. The International Burmese Monks Organization will send money directly to each monastery through their own networks, bypassing regime controls. It sucks when you don't trust ANYONE enough to help them...but thats how I feel in this case! How do I even know the monks are trustworthy, you know? Has anyone saw stuff on this?