Thoughts on Situation in Burma

According to the BBC, General Than Shwe, the military leader of Burma (Myanmar) is finally agreed to "let all foreign aid workers into the country for relief work in cyclone-hit areas." UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has met with the general today to discuss disaster relief. Personally, I think it is an answer to the prayers of the many Christians who consider the hesitation of Burmese leaders to be saddening at the least and at the most a crime against humanity. When you compare the post-cyclone situation to the Chinese post-earthquake situation at least the Chinese government is readily helping its own people without hesitation. So today is a step in the right direction for the families affected in Burma. Now maybe the world will wake up the horrible situation that ethnic and religious minority populations (especially women) have had in Burma under the leadership of General Than Shwe. For more information on Burmese womens' situation see the report by the Karen Women's Organization in February 2007.

photo from christabelle @ flickr

on the northern lights

photo from dave brosha @ flickr

The night sky shimmers with greens and whites and pinks -- the northern lights. Sometimes the northern lights billow up, and they flare and shine across the sky from north to south, from horizon to horizon. The northern lights happen in complete silence. It is as if some wonderful celebration is occurring in a faraway place where you can't hear it or see what's really happening, but you can be happy just knowing about it.

--Richard Preston, The Wild Trees (2007) p. 66-67

I have not experienced the northern lights, but this sure makes an amazing case for them. I hope to see them someday.