We've often seen people and governments act against their own best interest.  This penchant for self-destruction is often referred to at cutting off your nose to spite your face.  Well, the most striking example of this is the ruling government of Myanmar.

With over 100,000 people killed in the early aftermath of a cyclone, you would think that the ruling hanta would welcome help from any sourceBut to the collective horror of the world's relief agencies, Myanmar has consistently refused help from the United States and most of the rest of the world.  Instead, their pride or suspicion compelled them to ignore the best interests of their own citizens to preserve the illusion of self-sufficiency.

Such insensitivity is the legacy of politicians and governments when self-preservation, arrogance and a lust for power overtake courage, compassion and honor.  But what is more troubling, no government seems to be immune.  The colossal failure of FEMA in the aftermath of Katrina also demonstrated governmental hubris that placed political arrogance and cronyism ahead of the needs of thousands of poor and predominately Black residents of New Orleans.  This insensitivity was also manifest when instead of completing our war on terror in Afghanistan, we invaded Iraq to depose Saddam Hussein and killed and wounded thousands of US troops and Iraqis and cost the American people billions of dollars.  Yet, politicians and governments in a democracy have one important restraint: you and I, the people.  And this government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall ultimately prevail.  Government may be insensitive to our needs, but it quakes at the power of our votes.  It is your vote, your participation in civic life, your right to protest that waters the tree of liberty and protects us from the flames of insensitive tyranny.

Politicians may not always act responsibly or demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of the people, but by the power of our votes, we can remove them from office and perhaps restore sense and sensitivity once again.