Sending support to Myanmar cyclone victims

When natural disaster strikes, it is the way of the world, and especially the United States, to set aside politics and rush to the aid of those affected. The pattern should hold for Myanmar, where Cyclone Nargis took a still-incalculable toll a week ago in lives and property.
    But easing the suffering of the living and dealing with the dead have been nearly impossible there, because of the unbelievable refusal of Myanmar’s xenophobic ruling generals to open the country to food, supplies and relief workers. It’s been maddening to hear reports of confiscated shipments and workers denied entry, as if Myanmar’s junta has everything under control. The generals’ priority has not been the welfare of the people but a meaningless referendum ... .
    Friday brought better news — that a U.S. cargo plane would be allowed in, that three Red Cross flights had landed without incident, and that the United Nations World Food Program would resume shipments. But the crisis calls for a massive intervention, given the sketchy reports of 2 million people needing basics of food, water, shelter and medical attention; of thousands of children orphaned; and of bodies rotting in the water and debris. Where the floodwaters have receded, a flood of illness has begun.
    The U.S. government has pledged $3.25 million in aid; on Friday the United Nations called on its 192 member states to provide $187 million.
    Whether the death toll is near 23,000, the regime’s official count, or the 100,000 estimated by the top U.S. envoy, Myanmar needs the world’s help as well as its prayers.