Bloggers Unite For Human Rights: Myanmar
Today is May 15th which is Bloggers Unite for Human Rights day. The trouble I’ve got since I threw my blog into the ring is that I write a humor blog, and how is one supposed to write about human rights violations in a funny way?
After racking my brain for several hours, I’ve surrendered to the fact that there is just nothing funny about human rights violations. I’m going to leave the Zombie Chickens and Hot Blondes at home and, for today at least, team-up with Amnesty International.
Right now there is a massive humanitarian effort underway to help the victims devastated by Cyclone Narigis in Myanmar. The trouble is the Myanmar government has refused to grant full access to the international community which is ready to deliver aid and life-saving supplies to its citizens. Over one million people have been displaced and time is running out. Unfortunately, the Myanmar government cannot be trusted to deliver these supplies itself because it is discriminatory in its distribution and some of the most desperate victims in the hardest hit areas will go unaided.
You can help convince the Myanmar government to ease Visa restrictions and customs procedures which would allow humanitarian relief workers quicker access to victims by logging on to Amnesty International’s web site and filling out their email form. An email will be sent in your name to Ambassador Linn Myaing demanding that they cooperate with international relief efforts.
The whole thing takes less than five minutes and you can really make a difference in the lives of over one million innocent victims. It won’t cost you a dime:
Ensure humanitarian aid to Cyclone Narigis victims
Thank you!
UPDATE 5/19/2008: I am happy to report that the Myanmar government has agreed to let relief workers into remote areas. Perhaps the Bloggers Unite for Human Rights effort made a difference! I would also like to extend a special thank you to all Dead Rooster readers and other bloggers that participated in this worthy cause. Thank you!
Comments
Comment from William McCamment
Time: May 15, 2008, 5:15 am
@Shirley,
Thanks! I really did wrack my brain trying to figure out how to make it humorous. But, I just couldn’t do it.
Comment from Mark Stoneman
Time: May 15, 2008, 5:32 am
Yep, Myanmar, aka Burma, is a huge problem right now. I was inspired by a short opinion piece by Daniel Schorr on NPR yesterday to write a little about the “Responsibility to Protect.” As far as humor goes, how well do you think humorists are doing in that country? Could be a dangerous occupation.
Comment from William McCamment
Time: May 15, 2008, 5:35 am
@Mark,
I’ll bet “humorist” is not a popular career choice there.
Comment from Ruinous Right
Time: May 15, 2008, 6:50 am
Good one. I blogged about this issue also. I didn’t know about the Amnesty link you had and will be adding it to mine. Also, congrats on your CNN fame!
Comment from William McCamment
Time: May 15, 2008, 6:55 am
@Ruinous Right,
Thanks! I think it was a good issue to cover. By the way, I loved your interview with Anok on Identity Check.
Comment from Tricia
Time: May 15, 2008, 8:11 am
Thank you William. I’m heading over there right now to do my part.
Comment from John Painz
Time: May 15, 2008, 8:31 am
Thanks for the link. NIce job!
Comment from Jenn Thorson
Time: May 15, 2008, 9:26 am
Ah, the Rooster has spread his wings on national television!… How cool is that?! I never imagined being Meme tagged by a future celebrity… Can I have your autograph? 
(Or would that be chicken scratching?…)
Comment from William McCamment
Time: May 15, 2008, 9:45 am
@Jenn,
Haha! My claw print is in the mail.
Comment from Kay B. Day
Time: May 15, 2008, 10:40 am
The suffering in Myanmar is unimaginable. Good post and I hope the junta lets aid workers in. And congrats on your high profile mention on TV–that is so cool! best, Kay
Comment from William McCamment
Time: May 15, 2008, 10:48 am
@Kay,
Hopefully, the Bloggers Unite community will make a difference. Let’s hope!
And, thanks
Comment from John Sullivan
Time: May 15, 2008, 12:02 pm
Bro that was totally cool and I can’t think of anyone that deserved it more,see good things happen to good people.
Comment from William McCamment
Time: May 15, 2008, 12:51 pm
@John,
Thanks for the kind words! I really appreciate it.
Let’s hope some good will happen to the people of Myanmar–they really need it.
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Time: May 15, 2008, 4:21 pm
[…] Dead Rooster is ahumor blog and blogged about helping the victims devastated by Cyclone Narigis in Myanmar. […]
Comment from badthing
Time: May 16, 2008, 7:25 pm
William, I just found you and I’m VERY glad I did. Now I’m going over to the Amnesty International website. You are needed in this world.
Comment from William McCamment
Time: May 16, 2008, 7:41 pm
@badthing,
Thanks! Amnesty International, BlogCatalog and Bloggers Unite are the REAL heroes here–but, I’m glad I could help out.
Comment from Ada
Time: May 19, 2008, 5:41 am
Thanks for the link to the email form. Hopefully people are not just reading your blog, but also taking the next step to try and make a difference so more people do not have to die over there. Needlessly.
Comment from William McCamment
Time: May 19, 2008, 5:56 am
@Ada,
It appears that the Myanmar government is beginning to let relief workers into remote areas. Maybe the collective effort of Bloggers Unite and Amnesty International has made a difference. I am SO happy about this!
Comment from Shirley Bowling
Time: May 15, 2008, 5:14 am
Good job! I held my breath not knowing what to expect when I came to your site. Wonderful post.
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