I don't question Peter Coclanis' credentials with respect to his expertise in affairs relating to Burma, but his May 9 Point of View piece "Once again, the wrong response to a disaster" was a smarmy and pontificating put down of Laura and George Bush -- with a deprecating shot at Sylvester Stallone, no less, thrown in for good measure.

The simple truth is that the military leaders in Burma can't possibly cope with this stunning disaster, and they refuse to allow foreign aid workers to cross their borders. Those leaders well deserve universal condemnation.

Coclanis makes the point that "There are times and places to make debating points about democracy, and times and places simply to shut up and help." The United States and many other concerned nations are trying to help, and I suggest he heed his own words: Shut up and help.

Roy Fougere, Pittsboro

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