Thursday 8 May 2008

A million lives at risk in Burma

This is a terrible tragedy.

The current online version of the SMH (6.09 am) has this story below the US presidential nominations and a story about the Pope maybe apologizing for sexual abuse when he gets to Sydney, and is at equal level with stories about Medicare, the Sydney Harbour boat accident where six people died last week, and John Howard's farewell.

That said, the Chinese newspaper is worse, leading with news of the Olympic torch. The news from Myanmar (Burma) is tucked away under 'More Stories' below a story about Chinese T-bonds.

It is the top story in Svenska Dagbladet, the Swedish Daily for today, May 8.

It is the top story in the Age at 6.40 am. The Age also has an opinion piece by Graham Reilly on the Burmese government's response. But in the Australian, it appears when you scroll down the page, below a story about NZ withdrawing legal action against Japan over whaling.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lord, have mercy.

I think it was Stuart Littlemore who said that media coverage was along the lines of 1 death here equalled 10 deaths in another state, 100 deaths in another Western country and 1000 deaths elsewhere. Looks like even this was optimistic.

That said, the SMH appears to be rapidly approaching tabloid status online.

Gordon Cheng said...

Yes, it is hard to feel the weight of the numbers, Ian.

We all have a tendency to favour our own tribe. The Chinese are just as bad! But I need to remind myself of my own self-centredness.

I am not sure that it is all bad, in that you can't help but see the world from where you happen to be sitting. It's a function of being a finite creature. The things that are closer to us appear bigger.

Anyway, I join you in praying that God will have mercy on those suffering.

Anonymous said...

May I mention that Spiegel Online had it on top during the last days and still has it on top (May 8th, 12.45 pm):

http://www.spiegel.de/

With currently five single entries and several terrible photos. If you are not able to read the incredible reports on how the regime blocks the necessary help or the interview with a doctor who was just working in Burma (sorry, it's all in German), just have a look at the photos - and continue to pray for the people.

Alex

Honoria said...

This report is a blend of history, religiously significant events and exhortation to prayer.

(The writer is a journo and a prayer warrioress)

http://www.ea.org.au/default.aspx?id=93a62010-88f0-4e07-9c32-17d227aee701