Thinking Out Loud - Myanmar (fromerly Burma)

The military junta in Myanmar (formerly Burma) have drafted a constitution, which most Western authorities have derided as being a way to legitimize their control of the country since seizing power in 1962. They are going to have a vote on it. But there is much opposition to the referendum from groups within Myanmar.

What to do, what to do?

Hey look, there's a huge cyclone coming. Now, if they just fail to let people know its a big one and its going to hit, the Generals may just have the answer to their quandary. They can let it wipe out a significant portion of the population, including much of the opposition (aided by some judicial use of military "assistance" for the survivors), and then push for the vote to go forth amidst the death, destruction and chaos caused by nature. After all, they can't be blamed for giant storm, right?

But "uh oh", there's all those pesky foreign governments who will want to come in and help the victims. Can't let them see the virtual genocide. Especially the Americans. And they are not once believing the sincere appearing First Lady. They know she's just front for the evil George W, who they are sure knows what they're doing. Besides, after Katrina, the Americans can hardly claim any expertise at disaster relief. So, they will just stall and hem and haw, and close the embassy for the holidays. And it will just appear they are distrustful of foreigners on their soil.

Meanwhile, they can just go on with wiping out a large portion of the population, taking out whole villages so there will be no witnesses. And even get a few photo ops of the Generals handing out food and water to the poor victims of this natural disaster. And the population will be so cowed, their referendum will be passed. And they will once more be the "saviors" of the country, just as they were in 1962.

Far fetched, you say? Maybe. But it wouldn't be the first time (or the last, unfortunately) that something like this was perpetrated by a ruling body on its own citizenry.

Maybe you agree with me. Maybe you think I'm out there in left field on this. Or maybe you see some valid points but find others preposterous. No matter. This is just me, thinking out loud.