Pentagon proceeding cautiously on potential aid drop

[Terri]

By MATTHEW LEE and PAULINE JELINEK
Associated Press
May 9, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday the U.S. military was stepping up preparations for a relief mission in Myanmar, but he said he couldn't imagine air dropping aid without permission from the closed regime.

His comments followed those earlier Thursday by Ky Luu, director of the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, that an air drop was one option being considered as Myanmar's junta continued to stall on accepting assistance from the United States.

Gates said the military was moving aircraft, ships and Marines closer to Myanmar in case permission is granted to deliver humanitarian supplies.

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[righton]

Unless I misunderstood radio report this AM, aid shipments have been held up due to the fact the military has been confiscating the meager aid that has been delivered instead of distributing it to the people.

Unfortunately, the survivors of Burma are in no condition to rise up against the brutal and inhuman military in control - will the UN sit with their thumbs up their backsides until the death toll exceeds 200,000 because of no water, sanitation, food, shelter, etc.?

L&L

[STEELMAN]

Our intent to help is admirable but the problem with air dropping, even with permission, is the regime in power won't distribute it to those who need it and the effort becomes fruitless for the most part.

Too much winds up in the hands of the enemy who don't deserve it.