Monday, June 2, 2008

So we're still waiting for permission to bring large-scale aid to Burma ["Let Them Eat Frogs," editorial, May 30]. But we don't need the permission of the military junta in Burma; the junta is without authority or legitimacy and does not represent that country's sovereignty. The people of Burma are sovereign, and their representatives are in jail. Helping the people survive is hardly a violation of their sovereignty.

When individuals are kidnapped, the police don't stand around debating their rights and don't ask permission of the criminals before coming to rescue the hostages. The police just do it.

In the case of Burma, the people are held hostage by a gang of criminal usurpers and traitors in uniform. The people need help; it is the right and duty of other nations to come to the people's aid.

Let's just do it.

TIM SHANK

Bethesda