There are some things that happen in the world that are so shockingly appalling that it makes you wonder if they are even real. One of those that is absolutely baffling me right now is the behavior of the government of Myanmar.

As you probably know, a massive cyclone plowed through a large swatch of the southeast Asian nation several days ago, and some estimates have put the death toll as high as 100,000. Entire regions are destroyed and multiple millions are suffering right now. Katrina was an afternoon sprinkle compared to what is going on there right now. Those people need an unprecedented level of worldwide aid. Thankfully, this aid is readily available.

Yet, the government of Myanmar, which is a military junta that has ruled since 1962, is refusing aid efforts and workers. Just hours ago the UN landed two massive planes in Rangoon with enough supplies to feed 95,000 people, but the government has refused to allow them to distribute anything and all of it is sitting idle at the airport. They are refusing to grant visas to aid workers. Their embassy in Bangkok, where huge aid groups are lining up for entry permission into the country, was closed today for a "holiday." Aid offers from the U.S. are being flatly rejected.

It is simply impossible to understand how a government not only idly stands by but also actively resists worldwide help while millions of its own people suffer and die. It states that it is "not ready to accept large-scale foreign assistance." What does it need to be ready? A few million more dying of malaria because of malnutrition and lack of water? International aid exists because of the very FACT that most nations are not ready to handle disasters like this.

So, to the State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar, do not be surprised when you receive the just rewards of the willful abandonment of your own people.